May 4, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Always Looking to Give Back: Short honored for volunteerism

Tim Short wants to inspire the younger generations.

Short, who was honored with the SJO Friend of Education Award this month, said he feels the schools are an important part of our community.

“Education is the cornerstone of our community,” he said. “So many of these children struggle with work ethic. time management and the value of supporting a community.”

Short said volunteers his time to model good life schools and values.

“If just one student or person learns to work a little harder, try something new, or smile because of it, then every minute is worth it,” he said.

Short said he hopes to teach younger generations that not everything should be about entitlement or money.

“I feel community value is earned and to make our schools and communities great, people need to volunteer , donate, and care for what we have, he said.

The SJO Friend of Education Award is presented once each school year.

Winners have contributed to the St. Joseph-Ogden school system by volunteering their time, donating material or equipment, donating funds, being supportive of our students, and/or contributing to the education of SJO youth in a positive manner.

Superintendent Brian Brooks said Short did all of those things and more. Recently, he helped the district move inoperable tractors to
make room for new construction.

“What makes Tim unique is that he offers his services to the school district without being asked,”
said Brooks.

Brooks said Short helps with the FFA, the softball program and maintenance.

“Really our school in general,” Brooks said. “He knows a lot of people, has a variety of resources, and utilizes all of that to assist the school district.  And he truly expects nothing in return.”

Brooks said Short was surprised when he was notified that he was selected for the award.  

“People like Tim Short are exactly why this award was created, and also what makes SJO and this community so great,” Brooks said. “Tim doesn’t volunteer his time and services to the school district to be recognized.  He does it because he is a great person who is very giving.”

Brooks said that when Short approaches the district with ideas he always takes the time to listen.

“Maybe we can’t always do it, but you certainly listen because his thoughts are coming from a good place and there is no hidden agenda in there,” Brooks said. “We are extremely thankful for everything Tim has done over the years for SJO.”

in Life, People
Banner
Related Posts

Kids say… what does a farmer do?

December 22, 2019

December 22, 2019

This week we asked students at St. Joseph Grade School to tell us what they think a farmer does. What...

‘We are here to stay’

September 19, 2019

September 19, 2019

AJ’s Station is here to stay. Owner Anthony Laubscher said he wanted to let the St. Joseph community know, that...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jim Cotter

August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020

My favorite childhood memory is going to Kings Island with my family every summer on vacation My first pet was...

SJO Alumni Association Banquet to be held June 8

May 13, 2019

May 13, 2019

If you haven’t already marked your calendar, please save Saturday, June 8, 2019, for the Annual SJO Alumni Association Banquet....

‘This role has been an amazing one to take on’

April 1, 2022

April 1, 2022

Wyatt Loghry has loved the Addams Family since he was little. And now, he is playing the patriarch, Gomez Addams....

‘It has been an honor to care for you and your families’

December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022

Patients of Dr. Jeanelle Murphy got some not so jolly news at the beginning of December. Their doctor is leaving...

Bree Trimble Working Out With Siblings and Father

July 7, 2020

July 7, 2020

Like all athletes, Bree Trimble plans on coming back to the Parkland College Cobra women’s basketball team as a bigger,...

Get to know Scott Perkins

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Scott is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board? I’ve been...

10 things you don’t know about me… Allison Wakefield

August 18, 2022

August 18, 2022

What is your favorite place to travel to? Pennsylvania What is a TV show/movie you can watch over and over?...

Live Blog for April 27, 2021

April 27, 2021

April 27, 2021

I am here at St. Joseph Village Board.No one else is here besides IT Guru Mike Sennert.May 5 is bike...

‘He was one of a kind that can never be replaced’

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

Gerald McClendon always wanted to help people. His Facebook page even said, “I enjoy helping as many people as I...

As children go back to school why is it important that they wear masks?

October 1, 2021

October 1, 2021

By: Jeanelle Murphy, DO As Covid-19 continues to thrive due to the delta variant it is more important than ever...

10 things you don’t know about me… Alisyn Franzen

December 13, 2021

December 13, 2021

We asked St. Joseph Middle School Principal Alisyn Franzen to tell us 10 interesting things about herself. Here are her...

Duitsman Loschen excited to return to SJO

September 27, 2019

September 27, 2019

Kelly Duitsman Loschen is returning to St. Joseph-Ogden High School today. Loschen will be the guest speaker at the Academic...

5 Questions with Cohen Sands

January 26, 2023

January 26, 2023

We asked the members of the Heritage Bass Chorus five questions. Here are Cohen Sands answers. What does it mean...

Comments
Leave a Reply