April 12, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Franzen finds freedom in music

Dakota Franzen is an inspiration.

Marching Band Director Chuck Hess said Franzen’s efforts to be the best he can be are an inspiration to all the band.

“His striving to ‘be excellent’ helps motivate others in the group every day,” Hess said.

Franzen said he was happy to be nominated for Fine Arts Student of the Month.

“Honestly it makes me very happy,” he said.

However, he said he also thought there were other students who should also be recognized.

Franzen is a member of the marching band’s percussion section which has undergone major changes during the marching band season.

Hess said Franzen took those changes in stride.

“Dakota has taken his new role in the band very seriously and has worked hard to overcome the challenges found in this year’s show,” Hess said.

Franzen said band is his favorite class and he hopes to participate in marching band in college. Franzen said he likes band because it allows self expression.

“I can freely express myself,” he said.

Franzen said the best part about participating in the fine arts at SJO is having a creative outlet.

“Being able to express myself and just have fun,” he said. “Plus the friends I make during all we do.”

Franzen said the most difficult part about participating in the fine arts is the pressure he puts on himself.

“Just striving to be the best I can for everyone else and myself,” he said.

Banner
Related Posts

Generous family man Fisher suffering from major health issue

January 24, 2019

January 24, 2019

Luke Fisher likes to solve problems. The assistant public works superintendent does everything from work at the sewer plant to...

Daniels named Fine Arts Student of the Month

January 30, 2019

January 30, 2019

Emmy Daniels loves to create beautiful music. That’s why she loves chorus. “It is an opportunity to come together and...

St. Joseph MIddel School 7th Grade High Honor Roll

November 9, 2021

November 9, 2021

Ahart, Lillian Barbee, Zhou Bello, Abigail Burnett, Colin Clark, Elizabeth Crider, Abigail Dahl, Hayden Davis, Iris Farber, Madison Franzen, Nolan...

5 things you don’t know about me… Will Rubach

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

Will is in the running for the title of Little Prince! He is six years old. We asked him to...

Senior Spotlight… Sam Wesley

April 17, 2020

April 17, 2020

What are your plans after high school?I will attend the University of Illinois. Who are three people you would like...

SJO grad McElroy blossoms at Millikin, both in volleyball and in life

October 3, 2019

October 3, 2019

Marissa McElroy loves volleyball. And in turn, the sport has helped the St. Joseph-Ogden graduate love herself. The 6-foot-3 senior...

Mabry shares social media tips for businesses

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

Laura Mabry knows what it takes to help businesses be successful using social media. Mabry shared those techniques with the...

10 things you don’t know about me…Leonard Winchester

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020

1. What is your favorite childhood memory? I don’t have one favorite childhood memory, there were so many experiences. I...

SJO 4th quarter high honor roll

June 2, 2022

June 2, 2022

Our Honor Rolls are sponsored by Appl Sanitary. FreshmenAllinger, OliviaBeckett, EJBenoit, AudreyBonny, SarahBrown, LandonClampitt, MadisonDavenport, AerolynDietiker, EllaDitchfield, LukeEnnis, JacksonFranzen, SavannaFunk,...

Live at SJO school board

December 20, 2022

December 20, 2022

I am just a tad late cause the husband was on radio. #wdwssportstalk They are doing a facilities update. Things...

SJO Honor roll

January 11, 2020

January 11, 2020

FreshmenCramer, Morgan Adams, Madison Alwes, Canyon Blackburn, Ethan Burch, Tyler Collins, Bryce Dial, Aleah Dow, Abigail Funk, Alex Harms, Hallie...

SJO “We the People” fundraising for nationals

January 22, 2019

January 22, 2019

Gage Atwood loves a challenge. The St. Joseph-Ogden High School senior challenged himself this year by joining two very different...

‘Girl Scouts is not all arts and crafts’

January 19, 2023

January 19, 2023

” Hannah Fox wanted to help feed her community. And for her Girl Scout Gold Award she attempted to do...

Kids say

October 22, 2019

October 22, 2019

Every week we ask area students questions about being a farmer. This week we spoke to kids at PVO South....

Kids say… what does a farmer do all day?

January 15, 2020

January 15, 2020

We asked students to tell us what they think a farmer does all day. Here are their answers. Bailey: I...

Comments
Leave a Reply