At Shepherd Middle School in Ottawa, the band class is more than just an extracurricular activity – it’s a place for students to grow, connect and express themselves. Leading the charge is Martin Czernicki, the school’s band director.

There are teachers who just do their job, and then there are teachers like Woodland’s Lisa Jackson who change people’s lives.

Samantha Munks, a SOAR (Students Obtaining Achievement and Responsibility) high school teacher in Peru, pushes her students to be their best by inspiring them to dream and supporting them by meeting them at their level.

Jenna Maierhofer has been a beloved teacher for over two decades. She will retire from Seneca High School at the end of the year.

At a young age Ellen Gross, then Ellen Goetz, already knew her answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

He was a rebellious student and "slacker" until he stumbled into auto shop. Now, La Salle-Peru High School's Mike Fisher runs the auto shop to teach his students accountability, professionalism.

At a young age Ellen Gross, then Ellen Goetz, already knew her answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

John Hladovcak can’t find a mechanic’s shop in Ottawa or Streator that doesn’t have at least one former student of his in its employ, a trend that continues as he shows Ottawa High School students the ins-and-outs of automotive repair.

Marquette's Todd Hopkins credits the support of his wife, Katie, his family and the Crusaders fans with his teams' success.