Ellie Longeville, a freshman at Princeton High School, won the "Green 13" national leadership award presented by Lead 'Em Up on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Princeton High School. Lead ‘Em Up is a partner with Chick-fil-A, honoring 13 student-athletes across the country for their outstanding character, leadership, and representation of team values. Longeville, a PHS softball player, was chosen from over 50,000 individuals nominated to receive the award. Longeville received a Lead ‘Em Up swag pack, national recognition, and free Chick-fil-A for a year. This is the first year for the Princeton High School Lead 'Em Up program. The program was founded by Adam Bradley in 2015 and focuses on training young people to elevate their confidence, communication, and accountability.

Lasalle-Peru beats Sterling 4-1 Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the Sterling Class 3A softball regional semifinal.

St. Bede Academy held their Class of 2026 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in the St. Bede Abbey Church.

The Hall High School Class of 2026 held its annual commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Red Devil Gymnasium.

The Putnam County High School Class of 2026 held its sixtieth annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in R.M. Germano Gymnasium at Putnam County High School.

The 11th annual TBM Reunion and Air Show continued on Saturday with a Veterans parade and full air show full of vintage World War II aircrafts.

The Mendota High School Class of 2026 held its annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Mendota High School.

Illinois Valley Community College Class of 2026 held its annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the IVCC gymnasium.

The Princeton High School Class of 2026 held its 157th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Bryant Field.