LCHS Signing Day 2025 features 14
students
[April 28, 2025]
LCHS held their annual Signing Day ceremony for the Class of
2025 on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Fourteen students signed on the dotted line to further their
athletic and academic careers and their commitment to the armed
forces.
Cameron Kurtz did a wonderful job as the emcee of the event held
inside the LCHS auditorium. He offered a few encouraging words to
start the ceremony. His speech centered around one word: GRIT.
“Something that all of these young people here today possess is
grit,” said Kurtz. “Grit is a characteristic that is sought by many
but only achieved by a few. What is grit? The Oxford Dictionary
defines the word grit as the courage and strength of one’s
character. Grit is not something that everyone has or will want to
have. You have to want it. You have to earn it. I can say that grit
certainly applies to everyone here today.”
Kurtz went on to say that grit stands for the following:
Gumption
Resilience
Intelligence
Teamwork
Kurtz concluded his speech by saying the auditorium was full of
exceptional character.
He then introduced the eleven student-athletes who will continue
their athletic and academic careers and the three students who made
the decision to join the Armed Forces.
Soccer players Makinley Knapp and Rebecca Burge were introduced
first because they had to leave immediately for a soccer game.
Makinley Knapp
Parents: Danelle Clutter and Jeremy Knapp
Sport: Soccer
College: Eureka College
Major: Elementary Education
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
Eureka is close to home and I felt a great connection from the
minute I walked on campus.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: Team Offensive Player of
the Year
Peyton Sasse
Parents: Allen and Heather Sasse
Sport: Volleyball
College: Marshall University
Major: History or Political Science
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
The people there truly made me feel at home. I really liked both the
athletics and academics.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: Two-time First Team
All-CS8, Second Team All-Apollo, LCHS All-Time Kill Leader, 2023
WCIA Channel 3 Player of the Year, 2023 3A IVCA First Team All-State
Mallory Short
Parents: Josh and Christine Short
Sport: Track and Field
College: Illinois Wesleyan University
Major: Kinesiology and Allied Health
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
I feel like this is the right choice for me because they have great
academic programs and a strong, competitive track team.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: Three-time All-Conference,
Three-time Indoor State qualifier (4x400), Two-time Indoor State
qualifier (400m), Three-time State Medalist (4x400) State qualifier
(400m)
Piper Whiteman
Parents: Kirk and Angie Whiteman
Sport: Basketball
College: John Wood Community College
Major: Sports Management
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
They have a strong academic program that aligns with my future
goals. Their athletic program is strongly vested in helping
student-athletes. It felt like home.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: Two-time Academic
All-Conference, Team Offensive Player of the Year (’24-’25), Team
Utility Player of the Year (’23-’24)
Paytan Bunner
Parents: Bryson and Amber Bunner
Sport: Football
College: Quincy University
Major: Business Administration
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
I like the size of the campus and I really loved the coaching staff
and facilities.
Years played at LCHS: 3
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: First and Second Team
All-Conference, Two-time All-Conference Academic Team, Team MVP.
Parker Campbell
Parents: Adam and Chelsie Campbell
Sport: Track and Field
College: Grand Valley State University
Major: Physicians Assistant Studies
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
Very good medical facilities, top of the line training facilities,
and a great track team with a good personal fit.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: Four-time Conference
Champion, Two-time All-State, All-Area Team.
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Blake Horn
Parents: Dan and Kim Horn
Sport: Basketball
College: Blackburn College
Major: Business
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
Everyone at Blackburn is invested in my success as much as they are
their own, and the bonds between students and athletes remind me of
my time here at LCHS.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: Two-time Academic
All-Conference
Talon Horton
Parents: Ryan and Ashley Curry
Sport: Golf
College: Blackburn College
Major: Undecided
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
Blackburn is close to home, friends and family.
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: 4-year Varsity Letterman,
Team MVP
Dawson McConnell
Parents: Tracy and Stacey McConnell
Sport: Wrestling
College: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Major: Horticulture
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
The coaches made me feel like a part of the family and the school
had the field of study I was interested in.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: Four-time All-Conference,
Two-time Team MVP, Two-time State qualifier, Fourth Place State
Finisher
Frank Sanders
Parents: Russ and Cyril Sanders
Sport: Football
College: Quincy University
Major: Public Health
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
It’s a great opportunity to continue playing the sport I love. The
coaches and players were awesome and the university has many majors
I can choose from.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: First Team All-Conference,
Second Team All-Conference, Team Defensive MVP
Reese Winebrinner
Parents: Aaron and Tiffany Winebrinner
Sport: Trap Shooting
College: Illinois College
Major: Environmental Science
Why do you feel this college is the right choice for you?
After visiting the campus and seeing the student life there, I fell
in love with it. The coaching staff and campus are so welcoming and
made me feel at home.
Years played at LCHS: 4
Awards earned playing this sport at LCHS: Third Place in State
Rebecca Burge
Parents: William and Patricia Burge
Branch of the Military: United States Navy
Intended Specialty: Hospital Corpsman
Why do you feel the United States Navy is the right choice for you?
The Navy will open doors for career opportunities and advancement
beyond military service. They offer college and financial incentives
and serving will provide me with opportunities to see the world.
Airiana Hoyt
Parents: Jeremy and Harle Banister
Branch of the Military: Army National Guard
Intended Specialty: Military Police
College you plan to attend: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Why do you feel the Army National Guard is the right choice for you?
It is located in a small town and has an amazing program.
Samuel Maka
Parents: Tarita and Bill Kindred
Branch of the Military: United States Marine Corps
Intended Speciality: Infantry
Why do you feel the United States Marine Corps is the right choice
for you?
It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I always knew I wanted to be a
Marine.
Congratulations to all of these amazing seniors.
Best wishes in this next chapter of your lives!
[Teena Lowery]
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