Education, Sports

Flossmoor’s Wakana Hill honored for state golf tournament effort

The Flossmoor District 161 Board of Education recognized seventh-grade Parker Junior High student Wakana Hill’s top-five finish in the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) state golf tournament.

Hill completed the state competition played at Metamora Fields Golf Course in central Illinois on Sept. 12 with the fifth lowest score.

From left, District 161 Superintendent Dana Smith, Parker Junior High golfer Wakana Hill and Parker Principal Ursula Parris.
(Chris Weber/H-F Chronicle)

At the Oct. 15 district board meeting, Parker Principal Ursula Parris read from a statement written by Coach Saul Mares.

“Wakana has exemplified what it means to be a hard worker striving to better herself with every practice round and swing,” Mares wrote. “Her journey shows that putting in the effort truly pays off, and we cannot be more proud of her remarkable success. Wakana’s determination celebrates the growth of our school’s golf program.”

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Parris also thanked coaches Mares and Chris Janotta for their efforts.

“This is our first year of having golf at Parker,” Parris said. “We’re so excited.”

In his superintendent report,  Dana Smith expressed his pride in Hill and the Parker golf program.

“Seeing her play golf in the state tournament was a treat,” Smith said. “I look at the golf team and clubs as a way to get more kids into scholarships.”

Smith mentioned the Evans Scholarship for students in need who work as caddies and maintain good grades as an example. 

“We know the local courses are always looking for caddies at Parker Junior High School. It’s an excellent opportunity,” Smith said.

At the Sept. 5 Lincoln Oaks sectional in Crete, Hill finished third out of 45 players. Her score was the fifth lowest of all girls participating in the statewide IESA sectionals which were held at several different courses.

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