Beauty of a Site is kicking off the Christmas season with a festive weekend of shopping events designed to make holiday gift-giving simple, fun, and full of surprises.

Holiday Wishlist Event

On Friday, December 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Beauty of a Site invites shoppers to take part in its Holiday Wishlist Event. Guests can create their own Wishlist to ensure they unwrap gifts they truly love this season. The Wishlist not only makes shopping easier but also gives family and friends confidence when choosing the perfect present.

While filling out a Wishlist, visitors can browse the shop’s newest fashion and décor arrivals, and even check off a few items from their own gift lists. Beauty of a Site is happy to help select gifts and have them ready for pick up! As always, the team can handle the gift wrap for you, making holiday shopping stress-free.

Small Biz Saturday Sale — Rescheduled

Following the massive snowfall that postponed the original Small Biz Saturday after Thanksgiving, Beauty of a Site is offering a do-over sale this weekend.

• Friday, December 12: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Location: Beauty of a Site

Shoppers can expect doorbusters, big bargains, and over 30 brand-new fashion arrivals hitting the shop floor Friday morning. The Warehouse will be stocked with deals perfect for holiday gifting, making this rescheduled event a highlight for local shoppers eager to support small businesses.

A Celebration of Local Shopping

Beauty of a Site continues to champion the joy of shopping locally, offering both style and savings to the Delavan community. Whether you’re filling out a Wishlist or hunting for bargains at the Warehouse, this weekend promises festive fun and plenty of opportunities to find gifts that sparkle under the tree.

Though the final scoreboard crowned Canute High School in Canute, Oklahoma, as champions, the story of the PLAYVS Unified Central Region High School National Championship cannot be told without celebrating the grit, skill, and sportsmanship of Delavan’s Rocket League team.

A Commanding Start

Delavan stormed into the championship series with confidence, quickly establishing a 3-1 lead against Canute. Anchored by the sharp play of David LiCalzi (DiCalzi) and Bennett Bramham (Savvi), the team showcased precision passing, clutch defensive stops, and timely goals that put them on the brink of claiming the national title.

The early matches highlighted Delavan’s ability to adapt under pressure. LiCalzi’s aggressive offensive pushes paired with Bramham’s defensive awareness created a balanced attack that kept Canute scrambling. By the end of Match 4, Delavan stood just one win away from hoisting the trophy.

Heartbreak in Overtime

Match 5 became the turning point of the series. After a back-and-forth battle, Delavan tied the game at 3-3 and forced overtime. The team’s defensive wall held strong until Canute’s Synnical broke through just 11 seconds into the extra period. That narrow loss shifted momentum and set the stage for Canute’s comeback.

Fighting Until the End

Even as Canute rallied, Delavan refused to fold. In Match 6, Bramham and LiCalzi combined for four goals, keeping the contest razor-close until the final seconds. Despite falling 5-4, Delavan’s resilience and teamwork kept fans on the edge of their seats and proved why they belonged on the national stage.

About the League

The championship was hosted through PlayVS, the leading scholastic esports platform in the United States. PlayVS partners with high schools and state athletic associations to provide structured, competitive leagues for games like Rocket League, League of Legends, and Super Smash Bros. For many students, PlayVS represents their first opportunity to compete nationally in esports, with the same recognition and legitimacy as traditional sports.

About the Game

Rocket League, developed by Psyonix, is a fast-paced video game that blends soccer with rocket-powered cars. Teams of three players compete to score goals in high-octane arenas, relying on teamwork, aerial maneuvers, and split-second decision-making. Its accessibility and competitive depth have made Rocket League one of the most popular esports titles worldwide, particularly in scholastic leagues where it emphasizes both strategy and collaboration.

A Season of Pride

While the reverse sweep denied Delavan the championship, the team’s journey remains a triumph. From regional qualifiers to the national finals, Delavan consistently demonstrated the skill and determination that define elite esports competition.

Looking Ahead

Finishing second in the nation is no small feat. Delavan’s Rocket League squad has set a new standard for the program, inspiring future players and proving that small-town teams can compete with the best in the country.

As Canute celebrated their improbable reverse sweep, Delavan walked away with heads held high—proud runners-up in a championship series that will be remembered for years to come.

Delavan High School junior Addie Fisher (#11) has been honored with a Clutch Sports Media Volleyball All-Area Honorable Mention in the Setters category, a recognition that highlights her impact on the court and leadership within the Panthers program.

Fisher, a standout setter for Delavan and co-captain of the squad, played a pivotal role in guiding the Panthers through a competitive season. Known for her sharp court vision, consistent passing, and ability to energize her teammates, she has become a cornerstone of Delavan’s offense.

The Clutch Sports Media All-Area teams spotlight top volleyball talent across Central Illinois, with selections made based on performance, skill, and contributions to team success. Fisher’s honorable mention places her among the region’s most promising athletes, underscoring her growth and potential as she heads into her senior year.

Beyond her statistics, Fisher’s leadership and work ethic have made her a role model for younger players in the program. Her recognition adds to Delavan’s proud tradition of producing athletes who excel both on and off the court.

As the Panthers look ahead to next season, Fisher’s continued development will be key to the team’s success. For now, her All-Area honor stands as a testament to her dedication and the bright future she has in volleyball.

View original Clutch Sports Media article here.

The Delavan Varsity Panthers faced a formidable challenge on Tuesday evening, falling to the Tremont Turks 59–26 in an away contest that highlighted both the Turks’ speed and defensive intensity.

From the opening tip-off, the Panthers struggled to match Tremont’s fast-paced attack. The Turks’ aggressive, tight man-to-man defense stifled Delavan’s offense, forcing turnovers and limiting shot opportunities. By halftime, Tremont had seized full control of the game, building a commanding 34–10 lead that set the tone for the remainder of the night.

In the second half, the Panthers showed resilience on defense, applying more pressure to the Turks’ offense and slowing their scoring runs. However, Delavan’s difficulties on the boards proved costly. Tremont consistently out-rebounded the Panthers, converting second-chance opportunities into points and keeping the baskets practically undefended. The Turks capitalized on these rebounds, extending their lead and never allowing Delavan a chance to recover.

Despite the lopsided score, the Panthers’ improved defensive effort after halftime demonstrated grit and determination. Still, the inability to secure rebounds and limit Tremont’s multiple field goal attempts underscored the challenges Delavan will need to address moving forward.

The Panthers will now turn their attention to their first home game of the season, set for Saturday, December 13, at 5:30 p.m. against the El Paso-Gridley Titans. The matchup offers Delavan a chance to regroup in front of their home crowd and build momentum as they continue their campaign.

The Delavan Panther Speech Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Bloomington High School Speech Tournament this past weekend, bringing home two varsity tournament championships, a JV championship, and nine additional awards. The team’s success highlights both individual talent and collective dedication as they continue to build momentum this season.

Tournament Champions

• Seanik Gagliardi claimed 1st place in Varsity Poetry for the third consecutive tournament, showcasing remarkable consistency and artistry.
• Nick Glisson earned 1st place in Varsity Original Comedy, impressing judges with sharp wit and timing.
• Jaylyn Diekhoff captured the JV Prose championship, marking a strong showing in the junior division.

Additional Awards

• Izzy Brothwood: 2nd in Varsity Radio Speaking
• Elisha Waggoner: 2nd in Varsity Special Occasion Speaking, 4th in Varsity Prose
• Gwen Tierney: 3rd in Varsity Special Occasion Speaking, 2nd in JV Humorous Interpretation
• Reagan Zeigler & Emma Ross: 4th in JV Dramatic Duet Acting
• Nola Houston & Zoe Minton: 5th in Varsity Dramatic Duet Acting
• Hayden Koehler: 6th in JV Poetry
• Hayden Koehler & Jaylyn Diekhoff: 8th in Varsity Dramatic Duet Acting

Looking Ahead

The Panthers’ strong showing at Bloomington reflects the team’s growing reputation for excellence across multiple categories. With three champions and a wide spread of finalists, the squad continues to demonstrate depth and versatility.

The team now turns its focus to the Pekin High School Tournament on Saturday, December 13th, where they aim to build on their success and bring home even more accolades.

The Delavan Varsity Panthers faced a tough challenge Friday night, dropping their Inter-County Athletic Conference (ICAC) contest against the Elmwood Trojans by a score of 74–50. Despite the loss, several Panthers delivered standout performances that kept the team battling until the final buzzer.

• Hudson Briggs led the Panthers’ offense with 15 points, adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists to his stat line.
• James Pagel contributed 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, showing consistency on both ends of the court.
• Grady Burrell chipped in 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, providing energy and defensive pressure.
• Hunter Lusher, the Panthers’ 6’3” forward, controlled the boards with 8 rebounds, helping Delavan stay competitive in the paint.

The Trojans’ balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity proved too much for Delavan to overcome, handing the Panthers their third loss of the season. With the defeat, the Panthers’ record now stands at 2–3.

Looking ahead, Delavan will aim to bounce back on the road. The Panthers travel to Tremont to face the Turks on Tuesday, December 9, at 6:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they look to even their record and regain momentum in conference play.