January 15, 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

Carle now scheduling appointments for COVID-19 vaccine available to children 6 months and older

June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

Urbana, Ill. — Carle supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for children 6 months – 4...

‘Once a spartan, always a spartan’ by Katelyn Berry

June 16, 2020

June 16, 2020

When I pictured giving a speech at my high school graduation, this isn’t exactly what came to mind. I imagined...

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...

Going the Distance: Smetzer excels at Western

October 17, 2019

October 17, 2019

Ross Smetzer has goals. The 2016 St. Joseph-Ogden High School graduate runs cross country and track for Western Illinois University...

5 things you don’t know about me… Josiah Thaman

August 7, 2019

August 7, 2019

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

Ingram to fly high as a Redbird

June 14, 2019

June 14, 2019

Kalli Ingram had a simple audition for the Illinois State University Dance Team. Ingram was in Washington D.C for the...

Senior spotlight with Kolton Batty

October 31, 2019

October 31, 2019

Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we talked to Kolton Batty. What do you...

10 tips to get your home ready to sell

August 5, 2019

August 5, 2019

Clear out your personal belongings and declutter. It’s a good idea to eliminate clutter and depersonalize the home. You’ll want...

How I get it done… Diana Foltz

October 7, 2022

October 7, 2022

We are asking local business leaders how they accomplish goals and run their businesses. We spoke to Diana Foltz, the...

10 Things You Don’t Know about me… Casey Phillips

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Casey Phillips is active in the St. Joseph Women’s Club, a mom to two girls, a dental assistant and helps...

10 things you don’t know about me…. Katie May

July 17, 2019

July 17, 2019

Every week we ask a local resident to tell us 10 facts about themselves. This week we spoke to St....

Running for a good cause

March 3, 2021

March 3, 2021

John Lubinski has a sizable commute each day to get from his home in St. Joseph to his place of...

Local meteorologist’s love of weather started as a child

February 7, 2019

February 7, 2019

While the Internet may have people believing anyone with a computer can predict the weather, the former Director of the...

10 things you don’t know about me… Pastor Kim Dancey from Homer UMC

August 23, 2019

August 23, 2019

I am a friend and follower of Jesus and live in the wonder of his grace. I’ve been married to...

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...

Comments
Leave a Reply