Ainslee Gerardot - Socials Editor
Money makes the world go ’round: OH alum Cabadas named new Earthmover CEO
Earthmover Credit Union recently named lifelong Oswego resident and OH alum Janel Cabadas as their new CEO, after 20 years building her career at the credit union. She served as Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for over seven years before becoming Executive Vice President in 2024. “I don’t think there was a single role that prepared me for this position," Cabadas said. "Instead, it was a cumulative set of experiences that ultimately made me feel ready.” “Some impactful moments that pushed me outside my comfort zone and still stand out in my memory include hiring my first employee, managing someone I didn’t hire, holding my first strategic session, getting a new boss, and leading my first company‑wide initiative. Each of these moments required me to lead, communicate clearly, and follow through. It truly takes time and experience.”
Podcast: This or That St. Patty’s edition
The luck of the Irish are with podcast hosts Roman Berger, Leah Fetro, Ainslee Gerardot, and Ethan Monahan as they talk about the ups and downs of everyone's favorite March holiday: St. Patrick's Day! Listen in for their take on dying the Chicago River green, local parades, and celebrating the holiday even if you're not really Irish.
Speed and skill built on strong bonds: OH girls’ track and field kicks off new season
For OH girls’ track and field kicked off the season with a win on Feb. 19 after an off-season of frequent runs and strength training. Several athletes on the OH girls' track and field team have been with this team for their whole high school career so far, training and building rapport that strengthens their bonds on and off the field. OH junior Kristin Soderlind said, “I’ve grown a lot with the girls, and we have really close relationships.” While competition is important, there is more to the sport than just winning. OH track and field assistant coach Alicia Rafferty said, “We want to make the girls who come into our program from wherever they came from. We want them to gain courage in racing, but ultimately, we also want it to be a family.”
From practice to performance: OPC’s journey to State
For the fourth time in school history, Oswego varsity cheer punched their ticket to state with the season ending sooner than they hoped, not continuing to day two. Co-Head Cheer Coach Emily Gaw said, “We started off so strong with multiple hits and many trophies… but the best part has honestly just been being together.” The team competed at the Grossinger Arena in Bloomington on Sat. 7, placing 14 out of 25, scoring a 89.49 out of 100. OH senior backspot and co-ed base Nick Waldron said that the biggest accomplishment for the season has been “placing first at our home comp then making it to State.”
Boys co-op swim dives into Sectionals after becoming Conference champs at home
On Sat. February 7 2026, Oswego boys co-op swim and dive hosted the conference at OE. After a series of very fortunate events, the boys secured an amazing conference win. “It's like a confidence booster for everybody because we knew we were going to win, but the way we did helped the sectional team moving forward,” said senior Ethan Schrader As a team sport, everyone has individual roles and goals for themselves; however, a positive team atmosphere and culture make a huge difference in the mental and physical performance of athletes. “It really set the tone for sectionals, it was a varsity sweep,” said junior Jaxon Rapper