The Ashton-Franklin Center FFA Chapter recently spent three days in Springfield attending the 98th Illinois FFA State Convention.
The trip began with a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum before members participated in convention activities. Throughout the convention, students attended general sessions where chapters and individuals from across Illinois were recognized for their achievements, leadership, and dedication to agriculture during the past year.
Ashton-Franklin Center member Kate Viall was awarded the Illinois State FFA Degree, the highest degree the Illinois Association can confer upon its members. Additionally, Ashton-Franklin Center alumnus Logan O’Brien was confirmed to receive the American FFA Degree this fall at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Chapter member Elsie Viall also represented Ashton-Franklin Center by performing with the Illinois State FFA Band during the convention.
The chapter was recognized for its outstanding participation in the Illinois Foundation Collection Drive, raising more than $3,000 in support of agricultural education and leadership programs. The chapter also earned a Bronze Star Rating in recognition of its activities and accomplishments throughout the year.
In addition, Bob Cowell, a Franklin Center alumnus and former Illinois State FFA Officer, was honored during the convention for his service to the Illinois FFA Association as a state officer 50 years ago.
The chapter is proud of its members’ accomplishments and grateful for the continued support of the school and community that helps make these opportunities possible.
The trip began with a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum before members participated in convention activities. Throughout the convention, students attended general sessions where chapters and individuals from across Illinois were recognized for their achievements, leadership, and dedication to agriculture during the past year.
Ashton-Franklin Center member Kate Viall was awarded the Illinois State FFA Degree, the highest degree the Illinois Association can confer upon its members. Additionally, Ashton-Franklin Center alumnus Logan O’Brien was confirmed to receive the American FFA Degree this fall at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Chapter member Elsie Viall also represented Ashton-Franklin Center by performing with the Illinois State FFA Band during the convention.
The chapter was recognized for its outstanding participation in the Illinois Foundation Collection Drive, raising more than $3,000 in support of agricultural education and leadership programs. The chapter also earned a Bronze Star Rating in recognition of its activities and accomplishments throughout the year.
In addition, Bob Cowell, a Franklin Center alumnus and former Illinois State FFA Officer, was honored during the convention for his service to the Illinois FFA Association as a state officer 50 years ago.
The chapter is proud of its members’ accomplishments and grateful for the continued support of the school and community that helps make these opportunities possible.
Congratulations and GO RAIDERS!
🏀 Final call from the AFC Athletic Booster Club!
3-on-3 Tournament registration deadline is June 14. Make sure your team is signed up and ready to play!
More info: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzTuX07o0snOMcRROBnsGh0dNQJbSV5sllGI6T-YgPRRUotg/viewform
3-on-3 Tournament registration deadline is June 14. Make sure your team is signed up and ready to play!
More info: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzTuX07o0snOMcRROBnsGh0dNQJbSV5sllGI6T-YgPRRUotg/viewform
Please be advised that due to a lack of sign-ups the AFC Future Raiders Girls basketball (Grades 2nd-8th) camp has been cancelled for next week June 16-June 19th. Please help spread the word. GO RAIDERS!
Would it even be an Elementary PE class without playing with the huge parachute??? All grades enjoyed a walk down memory lane filled with smiles, laughter and fun together with this all-time school favorite! It was a great way to end the school year.
🏀 Reminder from the AFC Athletic Booster Club!
The 3-on-3 Tournament is July 18. Register by May 31 for $100/team or by June 14 for $125/team. Don’t forget—waivers are required at check-in!
Grab your team and sign up today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzTuX07o0snOMcRROBnsGh0dNQJbSV5sllGI6T-YgPRRUotg/viewform
The 3-on-3 Tournament is July 18. Register by May 31 for $100/team or by June 14 for $125/team. Don’t forget—waivers are required at check-in!
Grab your team and sign up today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzTuX07o0snOMcRROBnsGh0dNQJbSV5sllGI6T-YgPRRUotg/viewform
Congratulations to Audriana H. on earning Player of the Game in Oregon! ⚾
Audriana was selected by the opposing team's coach for her positive attitude, outstanding character, love for the game, and unwavering support of her teammates. Her sportsmanship and enthusiasm embody what youth athletics are all about.
This special recognition is awarded in memory of Joe Kerwin, a former Oregon Parks employee and devoted baseball fan whose legacy continues to inspire players both on and off the field.
Way to represent the game with class, Audriana! ⚾
Audriana was selected by the opposing team's coach for her positive attitude, outstanding character, love for the game, and unwavering support of her teammates. Her sportsmanship and enthusiasm embody what youth athletics are all about.
This special recognition is awarded in memory of Joe Kerwin, a former Oregon Parks employee and devoted baseball fan whose legacy continues to inspire players both on and off the field.
Way to represent the game with class, Audriana! ⚾
🎓 Congratulations again to all of our AFC graduates! We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.
📧 Reminder Class of 2026 families: Please check your email for the graduation link and access code. If you did not receive it, please contact Mrs. Hurt for assistance.
#Congratulations
📧 Reminder Class of 2026 families: Please check your email for the graduation link and access code. If you did not receive it, please contact Mrs. Hurt for assistance.
#Congratulations
Students in Ms. Mairs' PE class continued to work on so many skills through the end of the year! With the nice weather outside the possibilities are endless! Get out and play!
The Sophomore CCR class participated in a mock class reunion! Students set goals and envisioned future success through their college and career paths. The future is bright for the Class of 2028!
The AFC Booster Club is hosting a 3-on-3 Tournament on Saturday, July 18th at AFC High School (611 Western Ave, Ashton, IL)!
💥 Registration Details:
• Early Registration (by May 31, 2026): $100 per team
• Late Registration (by June 14, 2026): $125 per team
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzTuX07o0snOMcRROBnsGh0dNQJbSV5sllGI6T-YgPRRUotg/viewform
Don’t miss out on a great day of competition and fun—gather your team and sign up today!
💥 Registration Details:
• Early Registration (by May 31, 2026): $100 per team
• Late Registration (by June 14, 2026): $125 per team
Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzTuX07o0snOMcRROBnsGh0dNQJbSV5sllGI6T-YgPRRUotg/viewform
Don’t miss out on a great day of competition and fun—gather your team and sign up today!
Check out Ashton-Franklin vs 2026 8th Grade Promotion Coed Varsity Other livestreaming at 6:30pm
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/ashton/organization/7327/ashton-franklin-high-school/watch?ib=4042722
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/ashton/organization/7327/ashton-franklin-high-school/watch?ib=4042722
The Impact Program at Sauk Valley Community College is now open! Students can earn up to three years of tuition just by volunteering.
8th graders: start now for the biggest benefit.
High school students: it’s not too late to join.
Sign up by September 1: svcc.edu/impact
8th graders: start now for the biggest benefit.
High school students: it’s not too late to join.
Sign up by September 1: svcc.edu/impact
Ms. Wolf’s 2nd graders recently wrapped up their Cycles in Nature unit! 🐣 Throughout the unit, students explored different life cycles, including the exciting experience of observing the life cycle of a chick firsthand.
To celebrate the end of the unit, students had the special opportunity to adopt a baby chick! What an unforgettable way to bring learning to life and create lasting memories.
To celebrate the end of the unit, students had the special opportunity to adopt a baby chick! What an unforgettable way to bring learning to life and create lasting memories.
Congratulations to Mr. Cissna on your retirement! Thank you for your dedication and impact as a Junior High Social Studies and Physical Education teacher. Wishing you success in your next chapter!
#Retirement
AFC High School students participated in Student Government Elections for the 2026–2027 school year. The process included campaigning, speeches, and an official election. Good luck to all of our candidates!
📣 Save the Date 📣
We proudly recognize our 8th grade students as they prepare for their next chapter at the AFC 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony. 🎓
🗓 Thursday, May 28
⏰ 6:30 PM
We proudly recognize our 8th grade students as they prepare for their next chapter at the AFC 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony. 🎓
🗓 Thursday, May 28
⏰ 6:30 PM
📢📢There has been a change in putting up and removing of the flags for Memorial Day in Ashton due to potential wind and storms this weekend. We will NOT be decorating tomorrow (Saturday). We will be decorating at 7 am Monday morning and then taking them down at 3 PM Monday.
Mrs. Ramsdell's fifth grade class attended The World War II Reenactment sponsored by the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society as part of the United States' 250th Anniversary celebration. The students asked a lot of questions and experienced a lot of hands on learning.
To help the third graders understand the different struggles and learning styles in the 1800's, Mrs. Brooks and Mrs. DuBois took the third graders to the Chana Schoolhouse Museum in Oregon, IL to experience a day in the life of a student in 1883. Along with traditional reading and arithmetic, the students learned penmanship, archaeology, and nature sciences. The favorite lessons overall were making candles, playing checkers, and using stilts. We wish to extend a most gracious thank you to the museum volunteers for an enjoyable learning experience.
