The Flossmoor District 161 Board of Education recognized two golfers from Parker Junior High for their outstanding efforts at the IESA state golf tournament.

Parker eighth grader Wakana Hill achieved an impressive sixth-place ranking overall in the final state standings. Imani Green, a seventh-grade student at Parker, also performed commendably, ranking 39th overall.

At the school board’s Sept. 22 meeting, Michael Shereyk, team coach, highlighted Hill and Green’s achievements, calling them “our amazing girls.” He expressed his gratitude to the district for the golf team’s second successful year, noting, “We’re off to a great start. These recognitions show a lot of steam ahead.” 

Board President David Linnear called attention to the rapid growth of the golf program. He noted the expansion from an all-girls team last year to include both boys and girls this year, with two full squads.

“To go from having a few individuals in one year to actually having two full squads in two years, again, applause,” Linnear said before congratulating the students on their excellent performance and encouraging them to “Keep up the good work.”

Superintendent Dana Smith echoed the sentiments and gave credit to the players, parents and coaches who have made the initial years of the junior high golf program a success. “I’m just so happy that we had an opportunity to recognize Imani and Wakana for all that they have accomplished,” Smith said.

Smith thanked the entire community for their support, noting that it is challenging to establish a new sport at a school and that donations had been made to provide equipment for students who might not be able to participate otherwise. 

The 2025 IESA State Golf Tournament was played at Metamora Fields in Metamora, Ill. The girls competed on Sept. 11, and the boys’ tournament took place on Sept. 12.