November 9, 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

Wheelhouse steps up to help community

August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020

Abbie Layden-Rogiers and her husband Ryan Rogiers have always wanted to help the community. The owners of The Wheelhouse in...

Kids say…

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

Every week we ask five students from a local school to answer a question on a worksheet. This week the...

‘Having a trip on the books gives us something to look forward to’

June 4, 2020

June 4, 2020

It’s a crazy time in the travel industry, that’s for sure. While some news tends to lean towards the doom...

10 things you don’t know about me….. Gerald McClendon

September 6, 2019

September 6, 2019

St. Joseph resident and owner of Little Bear Hauling Gerald McClendon tells us 10 things about himself! My favorite childhood...

Get to know SJO Senior Marching Band member Mallory Wagner

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

The competitions, going and spending the evening with my band family and meeting and befriending other bands is just such...

Kids say…

August 26, 2019

August 26, 2019

Every week we ask students at local schools three questions related to farming. This week we spoke to students at...

Ceremony to honor Edwards scheduled for Thursday

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

A Gift of Hope Flag raising ceremony will be held on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the St, Joseph-Ogden...

Kids Say… St. Joseph Second Grade

March 22, 2019

March 22, 2019

Every week we ask five students from a local school to answer a question on a worksheet. This week the...

‘He was the kind of person everyone was happy to see’

July 19, 2025

July 19, 2025

Sam Shonkwiler was full of life. He would walk in a room and people would call his name. He had...

10 things you don’t know about me… Kathy McCormick

May 13, 2021

May 13, 2021

What is your favorite childhood memory? Playing outside with the neighborhood kids – every summer day until dark. What was...

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...

Kelso add commercial space for rent

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Josh Kelso wants to help expand commercial space in St. Joseph. The owner of Kelso Heating and Cooling knows how...

Wagner shines positive light on St. Joseph Grade School

May 7, 2019

May 7, 2019

Michelle Wagner is an optimist by nature. That optimism now permeates St. Joseph Grade School, where Wagner is completing her...

5 things you don’t know about me… Henry Rubach

August 8, 2019

August 8, 2019

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

10 things you don’t know about me… Sue Esposito

March 13, 2019

March 13, 2019

Every week we ask a community member to share 10 things about themselves. This week it is Ogden Trustee Sue...

Comments
Leave a Reply