February 27 was the day for the 8th graders to shine at 8th grade night! The 8th-grade volleyball players were numbers 16: Kaylee Wolf, 17: Megan Priester, 18: Annabelle Herzig, 19: Ellyson Hesker, 20: Jaycie Buss, 21: Taylor Statler, 23: Kinley Mueller, 24: Sophia Going, 29: Maddie Dulle, 31: Trista Behrman, and 46: Katelyn Williams. The libero is 7th-grader, Josephine Schmersal. The 8th graders played a home game against Breese District 12. The first set was a tough one, with the score being 25-12. Okawville lost the first set. The second set was very intense with the score being 25-17. Okawville lost the game, but that didn’t bring the players down. They will continue to grow and expand. Captain of the 8th grade volleyball team, Katelyn Williams, was one of the many players playing that day. “I had a lot of fun!” Katelyn said, “I feel like we need to work on some things, like talking and covering for our teammates, but if we get these things worked out I bet we will do great for the regionals.”
8th-grade volleyball player Annabelle Herzig sang the National Anthem before the 8th-grade game. She stated, “I was very nervous to sing the national anthem in front of a lot of people, but I wanted to take the chance to sing. When I did decide to sing the national anthem I was excited because everyone was going to hear me sing, so I went to Mr. Recker and asked him if I could, and he said yes. It also helped me prepare for the solo and ensemble contest coming up. It took me about two weeks to prepare for it. I already knew the words, I just needed to strengthen my pitch.”
