Jakob Dare, son of Stephen and Krista Dare, and a 2020 graduate of Delavan High School, marked a major milestone on Friday, December 5, 2025, when he graduated from the Illinois Police Academy in Belleville.

The academy, recognized for its rigorous training and high standards, equips recruits with the skills needed for modern policing. Dare’s successful completion of the program launches his career as a sworn officer. He is now serving with the Mason City Police Department, where he has already begun applying his training to protect and serve the community. Part of his responsibilities will include working as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Illini Central High School.

Dare’s path to the academy was built on a strong academic foundation. In 2024, he graduated Cum Laude from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. His dedication to both scholarship and service reflects a commitment to public safety that began during his years at Delavan High School.

Community members have expressed pride in Dare’s accomplishments, noting that his graduation from the Illinois Police Academy is not only a personal triumph but also a point of pride for all of Delavan.

As Officer Dare continues his career in Mason City, his journey stands as an example of how local graduates continue to make an impact across central Illinois.

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.

The Delavan High School Varsity Panthers secured their second consecutive victory Tuesday night, defeating the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars 49–39 despite the Cougars' home court advantage.

The Panthers leaned on balanced scoring and gritty defense to hold off the Cougars, who kept the contest within striking distance until the final minutes. Junior guard James Pagel led the charge with 19 points and 5 rebounds, showcasing his ability to create offense under pressure. Grady Burrell added 13 points, providing steady scoring support throughout the game.

On the boards, Hunter Lusher and Coriell Green each pulled down 7 rebounds, helping Delavan control possession in key stretches. Meanwhile, Hudson Briggs earned recognition for his defensive intensity, collecting 6 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists, and earning a Defensive Badge for his relentless effort on both ends of the floor.

With the 49–39 victory, the Panthers improve their early-season record and continue to build momentum heading into conference play. The Panthers travel to Elmwood on Saturday, December 6, at 2:00 pm, looking to extend their winning streak against another tough opponent.