December 12, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

‘I love everything about our new space’

The drama program at St. Joseph-Ogden High School has a new home.


“It means a lot to this program and just fine arts in general,” said Drama Director Chandler Dalton.


The former gym is now a fully functioning auditorium with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, an actual stage and seating for 491 people.


“We no longer have to share the space with wrestling in the winter and can work longer on the stage to perfect our performances,” Dalton said. “I no longer feel like I have to rush to throw a show together because another activity needs to gym or having to wait until a sports season is over to be in there.”
Dalton said there is a lot to love with the upgrades including a motorized curtain, new LED lights, having a bigger stage to work on and comfortable seats.


“I love everything about our new space,” she sails.


Dalton said the drama students love the new space. On March 3 they will officially the spring musical set onto the stage.


“The students can’t wait to start practicing on the stage,” Dalton said. “The drama kids have been kept up to date on the whole process. Mr. Brooks took them in there back in October and it was a pretty cool experience for them.”

in Schools
Banner
Related Posts

Live at SJO School Board

June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

I am the only one in the audience. The House on Main Street is coming down this week or next....

‘I always have a blast putting the show together’

April 2, 2022

April 2, 2022

Mallory Wagner’s favorite part of a drama production may shock people. It’s rehearsing. “It doesn’t matter what scene we’re doing...

Longview Bank helps area schools

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020

Longview Bank is helping local schools. The bank donated $2,500 to eight school districts. Shiloh, Villa Grove, Unity, Heritage, St....

Opening address by Indira Robinson

May 18, 2021

May 18, 2021

Hello, it is my pleasure to be able to welcome staff, family, and friends to the Saint Joseph-Ogden class of...

Heritage First Quarter Honor Roll

November 8, 2023

November 8, 2023

High Honors: Freshmen: Ashley Barkley, Nathan Bensyl, Lillie Bishop, Erika Bonilla, Addison Hopper, Lillian Perkins, Breanna Ploense, Clark Roland, Jayden...

SJO announces Illinois State Scholars

December 15, 2023

December 15, 2023

Fifteen St. Joseph-Ogden students have been named Illinois State Scholars. The State Scholar Program publicly and personally identifies graduating high...

Heritage Junior High Honor Roll

March 26, 2019

March 26, 2019

Heritage Junior High has compiled the list of honor roll students for the second quarter. A student must have a...

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...

SJO 4th quarter honor roll

June 2, 2022

June 2, 2022

Our Honor Rolls are sponsored by Appl Sanitary. FreshmenAltenbaumer, JaredBarton, RylieBesson, WilliamBirt, EliBirt, MilesBrazelton, HoldenChristians, PresleeFrerichs, LylaGaines, KaidenGriebat, JoeGuido, MasonHarms,...

Safety concern prompts letter to parents

March 2, 2019

March 2, 2019

The system worked how it is supposed to. That is what St. Joseph-Ogden Superintendent Brian Brooks stressed in a letter...

SJO Winter Sports Letter/Awards Winners

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Dance TeamKatie EarleyCourtney MyrenSamantha BeetzGrace GettyTaylyn LockhartOlivia GettyReese WheatleyMadison WolkenAbby GettyLily RiceGracyn Sjoken MIP- Lily RiceDance Your Heart Out Award-...

Harper finds positive outlet in music

December 10, 2019

December 10, 2019

St. Joseph-Ogden sophomore Lauren Harper loves to sing. That is why she loves the choir. “It’s basically the time where...

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...

SJO announces academic letter winners

September 30, 2022

September 30, 2022

Class of 2022 (Graduates) Addison Allen Tyler Altenbaumer Kailyn AndersonNicolas Anzelmo Ella Armstrong Abigail BehrensAlanna Bensyl Ella Besson Andrew BeyersBrandie...

Comments
Leave a Reply