May 13, 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

Kidd hopes to ‘Gather the Good’ on blog

January 22, 2019

January 22, 2019

Nancy Kidd knows there is good in all people. The St. Joseph resident said that as a former juvenile detention...

Bright Beginnings to hold open house

September 18, 2021

September 18, 2021

A long-time dream is finally coming to fruition. Bright Beginnings Learning Center located at 501 Peters Drive in St. Joseph,...

Senior Spotlight… Max Chatterton

January 17, 2020

January 17, 2020

What are your post high school plans?After high school, I am planning on enrolling at Parkland College and will be...

Senior Spotlight… Joey Acton

July 9, 2019

July 9, 2019

Every week we ask an SJO senior five questions. This week we talked to Joey Acton. This post is sponsored...

‘I am proud of all of us’ by Kristen Costa

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

To the St. Joseph-Ogden High School Class of 2020, when I began writing this speech, I didn’t even know where...

Senior spotlight… Emily Bigger

July 26, 2019

July 26, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we talked to Emily Bigger. This post is...

White Christmas on tap for area

December 23, 2022

December 23, 2022

This Christmas could be special weather-wise. Steve Hilberg, the Retired, Director of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center, said this won’t...

10 things you don’t know about me….. Pam Leiter

January 30, 2019

January 30, 2019

Every week we ask a community member to tell us 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week it is Pam...

Senior Spotlight… Anna Wentzloff

January 27, 2020

January 27, 2020

What are your plans after graduation?My plan after graduation is to attend college to become a Child Life Specialist concentrating...

Ask the doctor: Do adults need vaccines?

November 4, 2020

November 4, 2020

“Do adults need vaccines?” By: Jeanelle Murphy, DO Yes, adults definitely should have vaccines and keep up their childhood vaccines...

Eagle Scout project by Smith set to help bikers on Kickapoo Rail Trail

June 30, 2020

June 30, 2020

Will Smith wants to help bike riders along the Kickapoo Rail Trail. His Eagle Scout Project will do just that....

Auto shop offering free oil changes to healthcare workers

June 12, 2020

June 12, 2020

St. Joseph Automotive and Diesel is helping the people who help us. During the month of June, in collaboration with...

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....

A field of art

October 17, 2019

October 17, 2019

Call it art in progress. The fans at St. Joseph-Ogden High School always take note of the painted field, endzones,...

Kids say…

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

This week the students are second graders at Prairieview-Ogden South. This post is sponsored by Longview Bank. Would you like...

Comments
Leave a Reply