May 2024 ARTS IN EDUCATION – Richwoods sophomore Emerson Sherman performs on the trumpet with the high school jazz band during the 38th Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration on Wednesday, April 30, 2024 at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Peoria. The annual event, featuring musical performances from dozens of Peoria-area schools, kicked off April 22 at the Riverfront Museum and continues from 11 a.m.-1p.m. every weekday through May 15 at the courthouse. ARTS IN EDUCATION – Members of the Eureka High School jazz ensemble harmonize during their performance during the 38th Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration on Wednesday, April 30, 2024 at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Peoria. ARTS IN EDUCATION – Eureka students perform under a canopy of leaves during the 38th Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Peoria. ARTS IN EDUCATION – Richwoods High School band director Chris Render directs the jazz band with some enthusiasm during the 38th Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration on Wednesday, April 30, 2024 at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Peoria. ARTS IN EDUCATION – Students from Hollis Grade School catch some rays on the lawn before their performance during the 38th Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Peoria. ARTS IN EDUCATION – A small crowd from St. Mark’s Catholic School fill the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to watch a performance during the 38th Gerald M. Brookhart Arts in Education Series Spring Celebration on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Peoria. EAST PEORIA VS DUNLAP SOFTBALL – East Peoria pitcher Meadow Terry winds up for a pitch against Dunlap as the rain begins to fall during their Mid-Illini Conference softball game Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Dunlap High School. The game was rained out in the sixth inning with the score tied at two apiece. EAST PEORIA VS DUNLAP SOFTBALL – Dunlap’s Mara Hindenburg, left, dives back to second base as East Peoria’s Keearrah Brown fields the pickoff attempt during their Mid-Illini Conference softball game Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Dunlap High School. The game was rained out in the sixth inning with the score tied at two apiece. EAST PEORIA VS DUNLAP SOFTBALL – Dunlap teammates congratulate Gabby Drake on an RBI that gave the Eagles a one-point lead over East Peoria during their Mid-Illini Conference softball game Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Dunlap High School. The game was rained out in the sixth inning with the score tied at two apiece. RIVERMEN CELEBRATION – The Peoria Rivermen greet their fans from atop a Peoria Fire Department ladder truck on their way to a public celebration for the SPHL hockey championship Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. RIVERMEN CELEBRATION – Rivermen captain Alec Hagaman hoists the SPHL President’s Cup as he’s introduced at a public celebration for the team’s championship Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. The Peoria-born player was the MVP of the SPHL playoffs in his final year of professional hockey. RIVERMEN CELEBRATION – Peoria Rivermen fans, including a group of enthusiastic youngsters at the front, cheer for the team as they’re introduced during a public celebration for their SPHL President’s Cup hockey championship Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. RIVERMEN CELEBRATION – The Peoria Rivermen join the crowd in applause for their captain Alec Hagaman (17) after his speech during a public celebration for the team’s SPHL President’s Cup hockey championship Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. RIVERMEN CELEBRATION – A young fan embraces Zach Wilkie of the Peoria Rivermen after his speech at a public celebration for the team’s SPHL President’s Cup hockey championship Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. RIVERMEN CELEBRATION – Cayden Cahill of the Peoria Rivermen poses with fan Kelly Audi of Roanoke during an autograph session at a public celebration for the team’s SPHL President’s Cup hockey championship Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. CINDER CLASSIC –Runners from Lowpoint-Washburn/Roanoke-Benson and Fieldcrest run the girls 800-meter race on the cinder track during the first annual Cinder Classic on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Roanoke. Bri Harms, in pink shoes, won the event for LWRB. CINDER CLASSIC –Wyatt Isaacson, far left, shares his doughnuts with his LWRB teammates after taking a victory in the Throwers 60-meter dash, a race between the the top four shotput throwers, during the first annual Cinder Classic track and field meet Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Roanoke. CINDER CLASSIC –LWRB’s Tristan Burle leaps to victory in the co-ed 4X100-meter shuttle hurdle relay during the first annual Cinder Classic track and field meet Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Roanoke. CINDER CLASSIC – LWRB’s Wyatt Isaacson sprints across the finish line to victory in the Throwers 60-meter dash during the first annual Cinder Classic track and field meet Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Roanoke. The race was reserved for the top four shot put throwers with a couple boxes of doughnuts on the line. EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria High School students fill the dance floor during their prom Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria High School students dance the night away at their prom Saturday, May 4 ,2024 at East Peoria High School. EAST PEORIA PROM – Connor Liescheidt, right, helps his date Grace Nelson take off her shoes during the East Peoria High School prom Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel.EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria High School students and their dates slow dance during their prom Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria High School students dance together at their prom Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria High School students and their dates chat and take selfies during their prom Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. EAST PEORIA PROM – Ava Gates, left, lines the lips of Elizabeth Reeves as they take a break from the dance floor during the East Peoria High School prom Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel. EAST PEORIA PROM – Nathan Teaney dutifully studies for an AP exam while his East Peoria classmates and their dates dance during prom Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel in East Peoria. MID-ILLINI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP – Pekin’s Heath Hawkins clears the bar on the pole vault during the 2024 Mid-Illini Championship track and field meet Tuesday, May 7, 0224 at Carper Field in Morton. Hawkins won the event with a jump of 4.75 meters. MID-ILLINI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP – Washington’s Javonn White arches over the bar in the 2024 Mid-Illini Championship track and field meet Tuesday, May 7, 0224 at Carper Field in Morton. White finished second in the event. MID-ILLINI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP – Washington’s Joe Atkins winds up to throw the shotput during the 2024 Mid-Illini Championship track and field meet Tuesday, May 7, 0224 at Carper Field in Morton. Atkins won the shelf MID-ILLINI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP – Morton’s Calvin Leman clears the bar during the pole vaulting event Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Carper Field in Morton. Leman finished second in the event, part of the 2024 Mid-Illini Championship track and field meet. MID-ILLINI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP – Morton and Washington relay teams pass off their batons in the 4X800 meter relay during the 2024 Mid-Illini Championship track and field meet Tuesday, May 7, 0224 at Carper Field in Morton. MID-ILLINI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP – Metamora’s Nick Walker clears the bar in the high jump during the 2024 Mid-Illini Championship track and field meet Tuesday, May 7, 0224 at Carper Field in Morton. Walker won the event. MID-ILLINI TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP – Pekin’s Landon Erxleben heaves the shot put during the 2024 Mid-Illini Championship track and field meet Tuesday, May 7, 0224 at Carper Field in Morton. Erxleben finished second in the event. TRACK SECTIONAL – Limestone’s Ranaisha Howard-Dunigan, left, edges U-High’s Reese Mitchell for a victory in the 100-meter dash during the Class 2A girls sectional track and field meet Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Metamora. TRACK SECTIONAL – Morton’s Izzy Hutchinson lands in the sand for a victory in the long jump during the Class 2A girls track and field sectional Wednesday, May 8, 2024 in Metamora. TRACK SECTIONAL – The Morton 4X800-meter relay teams huddles before the start of their race during the girls Class 2A sectional track and field meet Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Metamora High School. The Potters ran to victory in the event. TRACK SECTIONAL – Morton’s Kamdyn Molton gets some air as she competes in the long jump during the girls Class 2A sectional track and field meet Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Metamora High School. Molton finished third in the event. TRACK SECTIONAL – Limestone’s Ranaisha Howard-Dunigan sports some cuts on her ankle she suffered from another runner’s spikes during the 4X100-meter relay at the girls Class 2A sectional track and field meet Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Metamora High School. TRACK SECTIONAL – Eureka runners embrace after the Hornets’ third-place finish in the 4X100-meter relay during the girls Class 2A sectional track and field meet Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Metamora High School. LAUREN DAIGLE – Christian pop singer Lauren Daigle takes the stage during a stop on her Kaleidoscope Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. LAUREN DAIGLE – Christian pop singer Lauren Daigle belts out a tune during a stop on her Kaleidoscope Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. LAUREN DAIGLE – Christian pop singer Lauren Daigle performs with her and during a stop on her Kaleidoscope Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. WHISKEY MYERS – Lukas Nelson, son of legendary country artist Willie Nelson, opens for Whiskey Myers with his band Promise of the Real (POTR) on Friday, May 10, 2024 in Carver Arena at the Peoria Civic Center. WHISKEY MYERS – Country-rock band Whiskey Myers performs Friday, May 10, 2024 in Carver Arena at the Peoria Civic Center. The Texas-based band debuted in 2008 and has produced six albums, ranking on both country and rock music charts. WHISKEY MYERS – Lead singer Cody Cannon, left, and bassist Jamey Gleaves of country-rock band Whiskey Myers perform Friday, May 10, 2024 in Carver Arena at the Peoria Civic Center. WHISKEY MYERS – A trio of giant screens display live video of country-rock band Whiskey Myers performing Friday, May 10, 2024 in Carver Arena at the Peoria Civic Center. ICC GRADUATION – New graduates of Illinois Central College record themselves turning their tassels after receiving their diplomas during the annual spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. ICC GRADUATION – Some humorous artwork adorns the mortar board of a graduate during the annual Illinois Central College spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. ICC GRADUATION – Illinois Central College graduate Miracle Jones celebrates after receiving her diploma during the annual spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. ICC GRADUATION – New graduates line up for their photos during the annual Illinois Central College spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. ICC GRADUATION – Sonya Conton, director of the surgical technology program at Illinois Central College, hugs a graduate during the spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. ICC GRADUATION – New gradutes of Illinois Central College file out of the exhibit hall after the annual spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. 1,920 students received their diplomas as the class of 2024. ICC GRADUATION – Graduates meet up with their friends and families outside Hall B after the annual Illinois Central College spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Peoria Civic Center. LIMESTONE GRADUATION – Limestone High School graduate Ranaisha Howard-Dunigan and her family celebrate after her commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 on the school’s football field in Bartonville. LIMESTONE GRADUATION – Limestone High School graduates hold on to their mortar boards in a stiff breeze as they line up for their diplomas during their commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 on the school’s football field in Bartonville. LIMESTONE GRADUATION – Audience members cheer for their graduate from behind the chain-link fence surrounding the football field during the Limestone High School commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Bartonville. LIMESTONE GRADUATION – New Limestone High School graduates embrace one another after their commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 on the football field in Bartonville. LIMESTONE GRADUATION – Limestone High School graduate Jayla Biera poses for photos with her bouquets after the commencement ceremony Saturday, May 11, 2024 on the school’s football field in Bartonville. UNDERGROUND BACKYARD BBQ – Tony and Dalaia Bitten have opened a new barbecue joint at 102 E. Gale Street in Williamsfield. The couple opened Underground Backyard BBQ in January after moving to the village from Bakersfield, California. UNDERGROUND BACKYARD BBQ – Underground Backyard BBQ and Dee’s Coffee Shop sits at 102 E. Gale Street near the railroad tracks and a corn crib in the village of Williamsfield. UNDERGROUND BACKYARD BBQ – A savory serving of brisket at Underground Backyard BBQ in Williamsfield. UNDERGROUND BACKYARD BBQ – Customers of Underground Backyard BBQ in Williamsfield can enjoy a spacious dining area, including a fireplace and Dee’s Coffee Bar. UNDERGROUND BACKYARD BBQ – Tony Bitten stands in his “office” where he hones his barbecue skills behind his family’s restaurant Underground Backyard BBQ in Williamsfield. PEKIN GRADUATION – Pekin Community High School seniors wait under Memorial Stadium before their commencement ceremony Friday, May 17, 2024 at Memorial Stadium. PEKIN GRADUATION – A graduate high-fives another after receiving her diploma during their commencement ceremony Friday, May 17, 0224 on the football field at Pekin Community High School. 448 students walked through the ceremony. PEKIN GRADUATION – A panoramic view of Pekin Community High School’s graduation Friday, May 17, 2024 at Memorial Stadium in Pekin. PEKIN GRADUATION – Graduates wait for their row to be called up to receive their diplomas during Pekin Community High School’s commencement ceremony Friday, May 17, 2024 at Memorial Stadium. PEKIN GRADUATION – A graduate sports some red hair to match her red cap and gown during Pekin Community High School’s commencement ceremony Friday, May 17, 2024 at Memorial Stadium. PEKIN GRADUATION – Teacher Amanda Webb hugs a student headed up to receive a diploma during Pekin Community High School’s commencement ceremony Friday, May 17, 2024 at Memorial Stadium. MANUAL GRADUATION – New Manual High School graduates celebrate at the end of their commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 in the gym at the South Peoria school. MANUAL GRADUATION – A graduate sports a self-deprecating decoration on his mortar board during Manual High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 in the gym at the South Peoria school. MANUAL GRADUATION – Loved ones cheer for their graduates as they enter the gymnasium for Manual High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the South Peoria school. MANUAL GRADUATION – Graduates enter the gym to a packed house for Manual High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the South Peoria school. MANUAL GRADUATION – A graduate sports some dramatic makeup and fashion during Manual High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 in the gym at the South Peoria school. MANUAL GRADUATION – New graduates Kennidi Bryant records herself turning her tassle during Manual High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 in the gym at the South Peoria school. MANUAL GRADUATION – Confetti fills the air in celebration outside Manual High School after the annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 in the gym at the South Peoria school. PEORIA HIGH GRADUATION – Graduates celebrate after receiving their diplomas during Peoria High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. PEORIA HIGH GRADUATION – A beaded mortar board glistens in the sun during Peoria High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. PEORIA HIGH GRADUATION – Friends and family walk to Peoria Stadium from their parking spots for Peoria High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. PEORIA HIGH GRADUATION – A Peoria High senior waves to loved ones during the school’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. PEORIA HIGH GRADUATION – Family and friends record their graduates walking onto the football field during Peoria High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. PEORIA HIGH GRADUATION – Peoria High graduates head for the exits and their loved ones after Peoria High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. PEORIA HIGH GRADUATION – New graduates leave the football field after Peoria High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. PEORIA HIGH GRADUATION – A new Peoria High graduate climbs into the stands to hug a loved one after the school’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. RICHWOODS GRADUATION – A pair of new graduates share an emotional moment during Richwoods High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. RICHWOODS GRADUATION – Family and friends line the railing to greet their graduates as they enter Peoria Stadium during Richwoods High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Peoria. RICHWOODS GRADUATION – A panoramic view of the crowd and graduates during Richwoods High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. RICHWOODS GRADUATION – A mortar board with a collage of images rests on the head of a graduate during Richwoods High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. RICHWOODS GRADUATION – Saffana Alrefia displays a Palestinian flag after receiving her diploma during Richwoods High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. RICHWOODS GRADUATION – A Richwoods student wears a head full of flowers during Richwoods High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. RICHWOODS GRADUATION – A new graduate holds up her diploma and waves to the crowd during Richwoods High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. RICHWOODS GRADUATION – New graduate Camilla Reyes gets her gown signed by friends during Richwoods High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Peoria Stadium. DUNLAP GRADUATION – A pair of Dunlap High School graduates shake hands as they enter Renaissance Coliseum and split up at their rows during the school’s commencement ceremony Sunday, May 19, 2024 on the Bradley University campus. DUNLAP GRADUATION – Dunlap High School graduates stand at their sets at the start of their commencement ceremony Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Renaissance Coliseum on the Bradley University campus. DUNLAP GRADUATION – Graduates fist-bump after receiving their diplomas during Dunlap High School’s commencement ceremony Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Renaissance Coliseum on the Bradley University campus. DUNLAP GRADUATION – A new graduate waves to loved ones in the crowd while leaving Renaissance Coliseum after Dunlap High School’s commencement ceremony Sunday, May 19, 2024 on the Bradley University campus. DUNLAP GRADUATION – Graduates hug their loved ones after Dunlap High School’s commencement ceremony Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Renaissance Coliseum on the Bradley University campus. SOLSHINE REVERIE – Karsyn Lower, right, of West Peoria, and Autumn Giffhorn of East Peoria dance to the music of Delavan-raised folk musician Cody Diekhoff, better known as Chicago Farmer, during Solshine Reverie, the newly-rebranded Summer Camp Music Festival, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – Jake Brown, facing, of Moline hugs his dance partner as they enjoy the music of Chicago Farmer during the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts Festival, formerly the Summer Camp Music Festival, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – Artist Nat G. works on a piece as the Polyrhythmics perform on the Campfire Stage during the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts festival Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – Cody Diekhoff, right, better known as Chicago Farmer, performs with his band The Fieldnotes during the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts Festival, formerly Summer Camp Music Festival, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – Alec Shlater of St. Louis spins a pair of hoops during the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts Festival on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – Emily Martinez of Minnesota spins a sunwheel during the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts Festival, formerly Summer Camp Music Festival, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – Members of the Michigan-based band Y-Not welcome camper neat the main entrance to the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts Festival, formerly Summer Camp Music Festival, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – Luke Story of the Denver-based funk band Float Like a Buffalo eggs on the crowd from the Kenny’s Westside Pub Stage during the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts Festival on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – SCampers add their autographs to a mailbox and white board at a campsite during the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts Festival, formerly Summer Camp Music Festival, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. SOLSHINE REVERIE – A SCamper creates a steady stream of bubbles for the crowd walking back to their campsites as a strom moves in during the Solshine Reverie Music and Arts Festival, formerly Summer Camp Music Festival, on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe. BASEBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – The Peoria Notre Dame Irish mob pitcher Jack Livengood, facing, and first baseman Jackson Campbell after their 2-0 win over Illini West in the Class 2A baseball sectional title game Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Chillicothe. The Irish advanced to face Wilmington at 1 p.m. Monday in the Geneseo Supersectional. BASEBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – Peoria Notre Dame’s Lawson Alwan rounds third base to score against Illini West in the first inning of their Class 2A baseball sectional title game Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Chillicothe. BASEBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – Peoria Notre Dame’s Jack Livengood throws against Illini West in the Class 2A baseball sectional title game Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Chillicothe. The Irish defeated Illini West 2-0. BASEBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – The Peoria Notre Dame Irish celebrate their 2-0 victory over Illini West in the Class 2A baseball sectional title game Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Chillicothe. SOCCER SECTIONAL TITLE – The Peoria Notre Dame Irish celebrate a goal by Alli Stickelmaier (8) against Richwoods in the first period of their Class 2A soccer sectional title game Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Washington. The goal proved to be the game-winner as the Irish advanced to the Kankakee Supersectional next Tuesday with a 1-0 victory. SOCCER SECTIONAL TITLE – Peoria Notre Dame’s Hannah Daly, right, heads the ball over Richwoods’ Addison Lefler in the second period of their Class 2A girls soccer sectional title match Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Washington. The Irish advanced to the Kankakee Supersectional with a 1-0 victory. SOCCER SECTIONAL TITLE – Richwoods’ Acosia Morris, left, and Peoria Notre Dame’s Ellen Dahlquist battle for a header in the second period of their Class 2A girls soccer sectional title match Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Washington. The Irish advanced to the Kankakee Supersectional with a 1-0 victory. SOCCER SECTIONAL TITLE – Richwoods’ Ella Merrit-Ahanda, left, and Peoria Notre Dame’s Alli Stickelmaier collide on a header in the second period of their Class 2A girls soccer sectional title match Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Washington. The Irish advanced to the Kankakee Supersectional with a 1-0 victory. SOCCER SECTIONAL TITLE – Peoria Notre Dame’s Mya Wardle chest-bumps the ball as the Irish battle Richwoods in the second period of their Class 2A soccer sectional title match Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Washington. The Irish advanced to the Kankakee Supersectional with a 1-0 victory. SOCCER SECTIONAL TITLE – Peoria Notre Dame’s Maddie Stickelmaier (7), Ellen Dahlquist (4) and Delaney Driscoll celebrate their 1-0 victory over Richwoods in the Class 2A girls soccer sectional title match Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Washington. The Irish advanced to the Kankakee Supersectional. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – The ball pops out of Metamora shortstop Kaidance Till’s glove as she tags Washington baserunner Payton Swanson during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers 5-1 and will face Pontiac for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Metamora’s Nora Johnson pitches against Washington during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers 5-1 and will face Pontiac for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Washington pitcher Bailey Herrick, left, tags out Metamora’s Hannah Yoder at homeplate during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers 5-1 and will face Pontiac for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Washington outfielder Devon Mlekush stretches out to catch a fly ball from Metamora during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers 5-1 and will face Pontiac for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Washington’s Payton Swanson (10) slides safely into second as Metamora’s Addy Wooden catches the throw and teammate Kennedy Nee backs her up during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers 5-1 and will face Pontiac for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Washington’s Jenna Flessner (7) congratulates teammate Laila Harris as she scores against Metamora during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers 5-1 and will face Pontiac for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Metamora second baseman Kennedy Nee snags a Washington hit during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. Nee then threw out the baserunner in the background for a double play. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers 5-1 and will face Pontiac for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Teammate mob Metamora’s Ellie Schaffer after her two-run homer against Washington in the fifth inning of their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Redbirds defeated the Panthers 5-1 and will face Pontiac for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Pontiac’s Tessa Collins watches her bunt against East Peoria during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Indians defeated the Raiders 5-4 and will face Metamora for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Pontiac pitcher Elena Krause throws against East Peoria during their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Indians defeated the Raiders 5-4 and will face Metamora for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – East Peoria’s Annika Rosecrans (7) stomps on homeplate after hitting a home run to give the Raiders a 4-3 lead over Pontiac in the seventh inning of their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Indians went on to defeat the Raiders 5-4 and will face Metamora for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Pontiac’s Maddie Gourley, top, jumps for joy as teammate Adrian Sutton scores the winning run on a walkoff RBI against East Peoria in the seventh inning of their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Indians defeated the Raiders 5-4 and will face Metamora for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Pontiac pitcher Elena Krause, facing, hugs teammate Olivia Lindsay after their walkoff win over East Peoria in the seventh inning of their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Indians defeated the Raiders 5-4 and will face Metamora for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Pontiac’s Tessa Collins is in tears after knocking in the winning runs against East Peoria in the seventh inning of their Class 3A sectional semifinal game Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Washington. The Indians defeated the Raiders 5-4 and will face Metamora for the sectional title at 6 p.m. Friday in Washington. BASEBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Washington starting pitcher Braden Vanderheyt throws against Morris during their Class 3A baseball sectional semifinal game Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers lost 12-2 in five innings. BASEBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Morris’s Caston Norris chases the ball out to the fence off Washington hit in the first inning of their Class 3A baseball sectional semifinal game Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers lost 12-2 in five innings. BASEBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Morris’s Colin Pfeifer catches a fly ball to left field against Washington during their Class 3A baseball sectional semifinal Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers fell 12-2 in five innings. BASEBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Morris’s Jack Wheeler (17) celebrates a score against Washington with teammate Brett Bounds during their Class 3A baseball sectional semifinal game Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers lost 12-2 in five innings. BASEBALL SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL – Washington’s Braden Vanderheydt makes a diving catch in left field against Morris during their Class 3A baseball sectional semifinal Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in Washington. The Panthers fell 12-2 in five innings. Pontiac catcher Olivia Lindsay jumps into the arms of pitcher Elena Krause after the final out of their 1-0 win over Metamora in the Class 3A sectional softball title game Friday, May 31, 2024 in Washington. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – Metamora’s Kennedy Nee puts the tag on Pontiac’s Maddie Gourley on a rundown between second and third base during their Class 3A softball sectional title game Friday, May 31, 2024 in Washington. The Indians shut out the Redbirds 1-0 to advance to the supersectional. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – Metamora’s Ellie Schaffer dives for a catch in centerfield against Pontiac during their Class 3A softball sectional title game Friday, May 31, 2024 in Washington. The Indians shut out the Redbirds 1-0 to advance to the supersectional. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – Pontiac’s Alli Manley watches the ball roll down the first-base line on a sacrifice bunt against Metamora in the fourth inning of their Class 3A softball sectional title game Friday, May 31, 2024 in Washington. Elena Krause scored on the play, giving the Indians a 1-0 lead. The Indians ultimately shut out the Redbirds 1-0 to advance to the supersectional. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – Pontiac’s Brooke Burger catches a fly ball against Metamora during their Class 3A softball sectional title game Friday, May 31, 2024 in Washington. The Indians shut out the Redbirds 1-0 to advance to the supersectional. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – The dejected Metamora Redbirds emerge from the dugout to shake hands with the Pontiac Indians after their Class 3A softball sectional title game Friday, May 31, 2024 in Washington. The Indians shut out the Redbirds 1-0 to advance to the supersectional. SOFTBALL SECTIONAL TITLE – The Pontiac Indians hoist their plaque after a 1-0 win over Metamora in the Class 3A sectional softball title game Friday, May 31, 2024 in Washington. STATE SOFTBALL SEMIFINAL – Illini Bluffs pitcher Cora Ellison is all smiles as she rounds third base after hitting a home run against Campbell Hill Trico in the second inning of their Class 1A state softball semifinal Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria. STATE SOFTBALL SEMIFINAL – Illini Bluffs’ Cora Ellison (9) celebrates as she approaches homeplate and her teammates afte her home run against against Campbell Hill Trico during their Class 1A state softball semifinal game Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria. The Tigers advanced to the title game with a 3-0 win. STATE SOFTBALL SEMIFINAL – Illini Bluffs’ Sara Finn, right, eyes third base as the ball gets by Campbell Hill Trico third baseman Greta Jones in the first inning of their Class 1A state softball semifinal game Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria. The Tigers advanced to the title game with a 3-0 win. STATE SOFTBALL SEMIFINAL – Illini Bluffs’ Annabelle Fortin, left, and Cora Ellison celebrate their 3-0 win over Campbell Hill Trio in the Class 1A state softball semifinal game Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria.