1. education
2. high school

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT THE
KILN
February, 2013
Jeffrey Rajkumar
“
Driven.” A word that describes our fellow friend and high school senior Jeffrey Rajkumar.
Both his past accomplishments and future aspirations show what his plan and motivation
is to become a successful individual and one day become the most interesting man in the
world.
Both Jeff ’s high school career and life outside of school have shaped him to be intelligent yet
laid back as a personable and funny guy.
When asked how his overall high school experience had been, he replied with, “Great! A good
learning experience, but I can’t wait for college.”
John Lauer
He agrees that high school has been more of an adventure then he planned with
much more fun outside of school with friends and less worrying about projects
and tests. He admits that he will miss some of his teachers and many of his
friends, but knows that he will make new lifelong friends in college.
Jeffrey has been involved in many things that are a part of Morton High School
such as the Marching Band, Junior Varsity Tennis, the Chess Team, and the Math Team. He enjoys listening to music, playing guitar, disc
golfing, hanging out with friends, and playing chess every once in a while.
Jeffrey, being an American Indian, was born in America but has most of his family living in India. Almost all of his family lives in South
and Central India around Bangalore and Coimbatore. He visits them every other summer for two weeks to a month. But when Jeffrey
grows up, he does not want to move back to India. He would like to live somewhere along the west coast or stay right here in Morton.
As for his future plans, Jeff is going to the University of Illinois and is going a Pre-Medical route through college which will take about
eight years to complete. He is not sure of what type yet, but he wants to become a surgeon and one day help all people live strong, healthy
lives.
As for more of a miscellaneous list of facts about Jeffrey: His favorite color is blue and if he were to be a color, he would be sea blue. If
he could be a super hero he would be Spiderman, and if he were to have one super power he would want the power of flight.
If he had to be an animal he would be a tiger, and if he were to become famous, he would want to be famous for curing cancer. And he
claims that his best characteristics are that he is likeable, easy to talk to, accepting, has clean feet, is musically talented, and has charm.
Overall, there is no doubt that Jeffrey Rajkumar does not have a promising future ahead of him. He has prepared his mind and body for
the challenges that will present themselves in the future. Just remember that you may never see him again after this school year, but if you
do, he may be saving your life.
Sara Elizabeth Kirk
Chelsea Smith
S
ara Elizabeth Kirk was brought into this world on a chilly winter day, December 6, 1994, in Peoria, Illinois, by her father Gary
and her mother Carrie. She has one brother named Gus who is a junior at Morton High School and also a little sister named
Trinda who is only four years old.
She attended East Peoria until second grade and then she went on to Lettie Brown and Morton Junior High School, and is
currently a senior at Morton High School.
If you walk down to the basement of the high school, you will find Sara
playing the violin. Playing since grade school, Kirk has made multiple close
friends from all the time spent fiddling.
Along with many of her friends, she will be attending Illinois Central
College in fall of 2013. She plans on studying child development because she has
a passion for children.
“I love hanging out with my friends and spending time with my little sister after
school and on the weekends,” she said. “I am most likely found hanging around
with my boyfriend Bobby.”
One thing that she could never forget about her childhood even if she wanted
to was falling off of her horse in third grade, and breaking her wrist after only
having her horse for two days.
Her favorite high school memory would be going to prom her junior year with
her boyfriend. Not only did she go to Morton’s prom, but she also went to East
Peoria’s prom. She looks forward to attending both proms again this year again
for one last high school dance.
Sara is a fun person to get to know, so if you ever see her in the hallways stop
her and have a conversation with her. She comes off as a shy girl, but once you
get to know her, you will not regret it.
KILN
THE
February, 2013
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Haden Cole
W
e all know that guy who everybody loves to be around and do crazy things with. One of those guys is Haden Cole, also
known by his street name, “Rylo”. Cole was born in the deep south of Mississippi where he spent the first couple years
of his childhood before he realized he isn’t about that life. Haden and his family then moved to Morton, Illinois where he
instantly became the coolest kid in school.
Chris Cantrall
Haden has many interests. “I love long walks on the beach and Pomskies,” he said. His dream is to move out to the West coast and
live near the ocean in California where he would like to take his Pomsky dog on long walks with him on the beach to pick
up girls.
Cole is known for being very athletic. He had played football for Morton High School during his junior year as a defensive
back, wide receiver, and punter. But he’s more known for his extreme sport skills. He also took up biking or BMX riding
when he was fourteen.
Cole has been skating since he was nine years old and still does it to this day. “Because God inspired me to
skateboard, his swag is on infinity and I want that,” said Haden.
If Rylo could have any super power, he would choose to fly. “It seems pretty awesome,” he said..
Haden is planning to attend at ICC for two years before transferring to Western College to
study in Criminal Justice. “I want to investigate crimes because it sounds easy and I’m
about that life,” he said. Overall Rylo describes his high school life as boring.
Overall, Haden has led a good life, been kind to others, listened to his parents,
maintained multiple jobs, and kept steady grades all through high school.
Shaqhari Burt
“
#YOLO! I do whatever I want and others shape their views of what is right based on my actions.” As a student here at MHS,
Shaqhari Imani Burt is great, idolized, and loved by many.
He never fails to put a smile on your face or to make you uncontrollably
laugh every day. Shaqhari was born in Peoria but has lived most of his life in
Morton.
Billy Akers
His humor is unlike anyone else, it is multi layered and ever-evolving to get
the next laugh. When asked where he sees himself in five years Shaqhari said
“planet earth, older, with a beard… in a meadow.”
His favorite hobby is hanging out with friends. His friends love him dearly; not only for the
laughs but when he’s not cracking jokes he’s a great friend who is always there when
his friends need him.
When asked what he would do if he were given one million dollars he
said, “Party, then I would change my name to something ridiculous
and donate the rest to a good charity so they would have to
publicly thank the ridiculously named man.”
Shaqhari said that if he were a Pokémon he would be
Mew because it is pink and adorable. When asked
of his inspirations throughout life he said, “myself,
the me other people want me to be” while he
previously stated that everyone bases their self on
him so, he really just does whatever he wants.
“[my time at MHS was] the best for everyone around me and me,”
said Shaqhari. Shaqhari plans on going into nursing school and then
he wants become a surgeon or Anesthesiologist.
In the interview when asked about his future after high school and life
goals Shaqhari said, “Nooo. You can’t go higher than the top… unless
you’re me.”
The Kiln is a publication of Morton High School, Morton Illinois
KILN
THE
February, 2013
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Britianee Griffith
B
ritianee Amanda Griffith is not the
typical teenage high school girl. She
has been through experiences most
of us would never dream of achieving by
age 18. Britianee is very driven and loves
being involved.
Amber Finley
Britianee was born in Bradenton, Florida
on June 27, 1994, to Jeff and Shawnna. She
moved to Peoria Heights, Illinois when she
was four years old in order to receive an open-heart
surgery procedure at the Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Griffith’s favorite childhood memory was gathering all
the neighborhood children and playing hide and seek.
In eighth grade Britianee had to move again, but
this time not as far. She went from Peoria Heights to
Morton and attended school at the junior high. Now
she is enrolled as a senior at Morton High School.
Along with her at the high school is her sister Brandi
Griffith who is currently a freshman. Britianee also has
six brothers that belong to her family.
Throughout her four years of high school, Griffith
has been a part of student council, she is currently the
vice president of the Agriculture-FFA organization,
enrolled in track, and a part of the CHI work program. She works in the mornings Monday through Friday at Cornerstone Daycare located in Washington.
Outside of school she enjoys activities that consist of four wheeling and hunting with her boyfriend Michael.
Britianee has had a lot of memories during high school but only one favorite. “When I turned 18 my mom and I went skydiving,” said Griffith. “It was the most
thrilling experience of my life.”
When Britianee finishes high school she wants to attend Illinois State University and graduate from there with a degree in elementary education. “I want to be a
second grade teacher,” said Griffith.
Her favorite subject in school is math because it is challenging. She also enjoyed taking the class American Problems.
If you ever see Britianee at school don’t be afraid to talk to her, she is always up to meeting new people.
Seth Wilkerson
T
here is never a shortage of good things to say about a kid who daily “participates in general awesomeness.” That impressive daily
regimen could only belong to the one and only Seth Alan Wilkerson, a senior at Morton
High School.
AJ Zimmerman
Wilkerson was born in Peoria, Illinois on August 2, 1994. His parents are Grant and
Brenda Wilkerson, and he has two brothers, Jake, who is 14, and Caleb, who is 19.
Wilkerson attended Lettie Brown Grade School (Go Bears!) for kindergarten
through sixth grade.
Next fall Wilkerson plans to attend Harding University in Arkansas to pursue a degree in
physical therapy. He said, “After college I plan to get a good job so I can get a lot of money
so I can become Batman or purchase the Millennium Falcon.”
Wilkerson is a great kid both in and out of school. He is committed to his academic achievement and says that Physics was his favorite high school class “because it was super easy for
me, and I like science.”
As far as sports go, Wilkerson is a track superstar. He has made it to four state meets throughout
his track career, and hopes he can make it this season as well.
“I usually run the 100m dash, 200m dash, 4x100m relay, and the 4x200m relay. Last year, I
went to state in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay,” said Seth.
It is clear that Wilkerson has a passion for the sport and does
exceedingly well at it. He has been running since seventh grade
and has always been one of the fastest sprinters on the team.
His other activities outside of school include “reading and playing video games,” he says.
As Wilkerson prepares to graduate high school, he has great
plans for his future, and he will most definitely do great things.
The Kiln is a publication of Morton High School, Morton Illinois
KILN
THE
February, 2013
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Kayla Kniep
O
n April 5, 1995 the world was changed. This was the day
that senior Kayla Noelle Kniep was born to parents Dan
and Kris in Peoria, Illinois at Proctor Hospital. Kayla now
has two siblings, sophomore Travis Kniep and eighth grader Karlie
Kniep.
Now, seventeen year old Kayla keeps very busy. She loves to go
shopping, spend time with her family and friends, and hangout with
her boyfriend Beau Swinford whenever he is home from school.
Kayla works at Gold’s Gym in the childcare area and babysits whenever she can.
Madeline Taylor
She is also involved with Student Council here at Morton High School, and
has been a cheerleader all four years. But regardless of how busy she is, Kayla
always makes time to be with her friends and enjoy her last semester in high
school.
“Kayla is a great friend,” said senior Haley Shumaker, “I know that I can count
on Kayla to always be there for me.”
Her favorite memory of high school was hard to decide but Kayla said playing
in the powder puff game senior year with all her friends would have to be her
favorite part. Even though Kayla is enjoying high school, she cannot wait to go
to college.
“I am pretty sure I am going to Bradley, but I am undecided in my major,”
says Kayla, “Bradley seems like the best suit for me.” She also thinks Bradley’s
closets are too small, so she will need easy access to the rest of her clothes.
After college, she plans to live wherever life takes her but in ten years from now
Kayla hopes to be married with at least two kids and have a job she enjoys.
“Kayla is a very hard-working girl, she is always doing something,” says senior
Taylor Namany, “She will definitely make a difference and accomplish a lot in
her future.”
Andrew Payne
A
ndrew Payne was born April 9, 1995, into a sweet loving family of two sisters, one mom, one lucky father Randy, and his 12 year
old goldfish from the Pumpkin Festival. Andrew has now developed into one of the most astonishing men ever to walk the halls
of Morton High School.
Many of you may of wonder who is that dashingly, gorgeous, young, fit, ping pong smashing man? Well that certainly is Andrew Payne.
Barrett Kaeb
Andrew Dragon Payne could be easily described by many as that very cute adorable muscle head man with a great sense of clothing
fashion. You may ask, how has Andrew has developed that muscle tone? It’s all in his motto, “No legs day is A-Okay.” A big part of
Andrew’s lifestyle is working out.
When asked what his workouts were like he stated, “I’m determined to get every rep in, I won’t miss a day, it’s my life, and I go 100 percent all
day, every day.” Andrew also said, “I work out better if there’s motivation in the gym.”
Andrew is just not all about working out, he is also
very big on family time. “When I was little I used
to play dolls with my sisters, yeah I know wasn’t
very manly, but when you have two older sisters,
it’s hard to run the house.”
Andrew enjoys hanging out with his clique, hitting
up Gold’s, never losing to anyone in ping pong,
scuba diving, mountain climbing, and long walks
on the beach. Andrew’s favorite memory of his
whole high school career is Spring break 2012.
A unique fact about Andrew not everyone knows
is that his role model is Justin Bieber because
of his incredible smoothness, his mad flow of
fashion, and his sick show collection.
Andrew is a sweet loving kid and if you’re looking
to find him in the next ten years, he plans on
living in downtown Chicago, and working at Shed
Aquarium. When asked what is life motto is Payne
stated “no Payne no gain.”
The Kiln is a publication of Morton High School, Morton Illinois
KILN
THE
February, 2013
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Ashley Gilles
B
orn on July 1, 1995 senior Ashley Gilles is more than the varsity basketball star we all know and love. She has decided to go to
college at the University of Northern Iowa.
Spencer Vermillon
“I want to be a high school Social Studies teacher,” Ashley said.
She’s excited for college but says she will miss the Friday night football games the most, because that was her favorite part about high
school here in Morton.
Going to school and getting good grades is also a big part of what Ashley does. She said, “Throughout the years Señora Johnson is the
teacher that has made the biggest effect on me.”
Ashley loves her parents so much with a million dollars, she would use it to help her mom and dad pay off their bills, and help put her through
college.
When not playing basketball or going to school, Ashley likes to run and workout with her friends to maintain a healthy lifestyle both on and off the
court, even though she has decided not to continue her basketball career in college.
Ashley enjoys her job at Morton’s movie theatre even though it can be hectic during basketball season. If Ashley isn’t on the court or hitting the
gym, she’s hanging out, relaxing, and watching movies with her friends.
“Titanic” would be the movie you were watching if it was Ashley’s choice. She said, “It’s my favorite because of how amazing the love is between
Jack and Rose, and how tragic it is when the Titanic sinks.”
If you haven’t met Ashley, don’t be afraid to talk to her. She is always a pleasure to be around. All in all Ashley has enjoyed her time at Morton High
School but is excited and ready for the life ahead of her that has been mapped out by the good choices that she has made.
Jake Castleman
J
ake Castleman was born at Proctor Hospital in Peoria, Illinois on Oct
23, 1994. Through his years of growing up Jake would become a serious
athlete and wonderful friend to many. Jake is and always has been
interested in the physicality of sports and it shows in his background of
athletics. He plays a number of sports such as hockey, football, wrestling, and
track!
Austin Weyland
“But I am also looking forward to start playing lacrosse in the upcoming
season,” says the Morton senior. When not playing sports Jake is an
avid video gamer, and an impressive weight lifter. His favorite food is a chocolate
ice cream protein shake. This would explain why Jake holds a number of weight
lifting records for the Morton football team. He also loves just hanging around
with friends and relaxing.
After high school Jake will go to boot camp for the United States Marine
Corps in the upcoming summer. He then will go to college in the reserves
and over the next few college years he will be trained to become a platoon
leader and officer training. Jake is planning on graduating as a second
lieutenant.
“My brother is an enlisted soldier and inspired me to become a soldier. I
also want to give back to the country that has given me everything! Plus it’s
a way I don’t have to pay for college and a steady job plan for the future,”
proclaimed Jake.
This newly enlisted soldier is both nervous and excited for what the future
holds. He has a great role model base to follow from the Morton High
School. Jake’s coaches throughout the years have been a great motivation for
him to push himself in sports and school.
“My favorite memory of Morton would be football and being able to see my
friends at school every day. I’ll miss the carefree days of high school,” stated the
Morton athlete, friend, and soldier.
The Kiln is a publication of Morton High School, Morton Illinois
KILN
THE
February, 2013
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Randy Christianson
R
him.
Julia Trapp
andy Christianson is definitely a name known by most students
here at Morton High School. He is an outgoing, funny, caring, and
carefree person that is loved by anyone who comes in contact with
When asked to use one word to describe himself he said, “Spontaneous.”
Almost everyone would say that this word fits Randy perfectly, especially
those of us who have seen him in his chicken suit.
A lot of people have wondered where his terrific afro went. Randy explained that
since he has recently cleaned up his act with the support of his friends, he needed a
clean appearance to match it.
He has made many important friends over the course of his adventurous life. “The
most influential people in my life are my brothers Ryan, Ricky, and Robbie for
showing me how to live life to the fullest. Also, Mr.I is a tremendous influence as
well.”
After Randy finishes high school, he plans on going to ICC for two years, moving to
Chicago with his brother Rick, or moving to California with his brother Ryan.
When he isn’t planning his future life, Randy spends his free time, “relaxin and
chillin. You know, just kickin it.”
Over the years he has been very involved when he can be. Randy was once the class
president of the students of 2013. He also was part of the Morton High School
football team.
If you didn’t know already, when he wasn’t out on the football field, he posed as the school hog mascot.
Aside from football, he played rugby for the Morton team as well. However, Randy isn’t playing sports at the moment because he is too busy being
freaky fast at Jimmy Johns.
He has loved his time here at Morton High School even though it wasn’t what he expected. He has learned a lot.
One of the most important life lessons he said he has learned was, “Don’t get caught!”
Randy says he is very excited to start a new life after high school. He is the last one to leave the Christianson nest. Randy can’t believe the time has
gone to fast but says, “I’m glad it’s happening. It’s about time for me to grow up.”
Walter Jankowski
W
alter Jankowski was born on June 21, 1995 in Peoria, Illinois. He currently enjoys playing video games, Frisbee golfing,
hunting, and definitely having bonfires with friends.
Jankowski works for the park district throughout the year. He works at the pool in the summer, and works at
the indoor soccer arena during the winter. He also works to get extra money by mowing lawns and working at an
organic produce farm.
Jonah Laktas
After high school, Jankowski plans to go on to Iowa State and study mechanical engineering. When speculating
what he might do after that, Jankowski said, “I may want to work for a major corporation such as Caterpillar.”
Throughout high school Jankowski has both played tennis and ran cross country. Jankowski said, “I really enjoyed
running at the state cross country meet. It was the first time that Morton has made it to state for cross county in 50 years.”
He also said, “Tennis is also a really enjoyable sport to play, and I really enjoyed being on team with everyone.”
When asked who his role model is, Jankowski replied, “I am my own role model.”
When contemplating his favorite high school memory, Jankowski said, “CALCULUS THE MUSICAL, but all jokes
aside, there isn’t one particular memory that sticks out, it’s all of the little memories that have made my high
school experience so great.”
If anything could be changed about Jankowski’s high school career, he said, “I would branch out and
take more electives that I didn’t think to take before.”
Jankowski said that if he could go anywhere for a senior trip, he would definitely road trip through
Europe. “Getting out of the continent, you know?”
Overall Jankowski said that he would rate his high school experience a 10 out of 10. “I experienced a
lot of new things, and all of the people in the district have also helped to make it a good high school
experience.”
The Kiln is a publication of Morton High School, Morton Illinois