January 23, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Senior Spotlight… Max Chatterton

What are your post high school plans?
After high school, I am planning on enrolling at Parkland College and will be working toward certificates in HVAC and Construction management

What is your favorite thing about SJO?
I attended a different school until 5th grade. When we moved here, I really didn’t want to because it was such a larger school than where I was. But SJO has provided me a lot of great educational options as well as extra-curricular opportunities. I feel very well prepared for the next stage of my life

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My parents and grandparents have always had a prominent role in my life. They wouldn’t let me underachieve even if I wanted to. I’ve always been a hands-on of guy and I didn’t see a lot of value in some of my classes. However, as cheesy as it might sound, I started dating Kalli Ingram a couple of years ago, and my grades have never been better. So much so that my parents thank her almost daily for how much better my grades are now. She even inspired me to take Trig! So Kalli is a huge inspiration to me.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I am hoping to be running a crew doing home construction and remodeling. My ultimate goal is to start purchasing houses that need renovating, do the labor myself, and rent them out. I am hoping I have one or two properties by then.

What is your favorite class?
My favorite class is Machinery Service. I’m learning geometry and physics principles….and building a go-cart! Hard to beat that!

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