Board of School Inspectors Recognize Cross-Country Student Athletes
Congratulations to the eight Dirksen and Gompers Junior High School Student Athletes who participated in the Illinois Elementary School Association Boys State Cross-Country Meet in Normal, Illinois. The students were recognized for their accomplishments at the Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors Meeting on November 14, 2024.The students included Jesus Bustamonte, 7th grade, Gompers Junior High; Valentin Conejo, 8th grade, Gompers Junior High; Cristian Herrera, 7th grade, Dirksen Junior High; Emiliano Lara, 8th grade, Gompers Junior High; Christian Mercer, 8th grade, Gompers Junior High; Jose Perez, 8th grade, Gompers Junior High; Julian Zamudio, 8th grade, Gompers Junior High; and Javonny Zurita, 8th grade, Gompers Junior High. Gompers eighth-grade student Valentin Conejo came in eighth place overall and the Gompers team placed 17th in Class 4A.
The students were coached by Dr. Chris Hall, Dirksen; Jennifer Colstock; Gompers; Jaime Foxworth, Dirksen; George Hiler, Dirksen; Gehrig Hollatz, Gompers; and Pete Knaus, Gompers. Also recognized were the Dirksen Junior High School Principal Rolland Jasper, Dirksen Athletic Director Elizabeth Skwarczynski, Gompers Junior High School Principal Raúl Gastón, and Gompers Athletic Director Eric Blaeser.