Mason Schweizer

Milford-Cissna Park's Addison Lucht throws to first base from the ground during Grant Park's 12-2 victory in six innings during a game in March. (Tiffany Blanchette)

Bradley-Bourbonnais' Lydia Hammond throws a pitch during a home game against Marist this season. (Mason Schweizer)

Members of the Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, River Valley Special Recreation Association and Kankakee School District 111 gather at

Bishop McNamara's Callaghan O'Connor throws a pitch during a game at Bradley-Bourbonnais at 315 Sports Park in Bradley. (Mason Schweizer)

Bradley-Bourbonnais' Kobe Lawrence drives to the basket during a home game against Sandburg last season. (Mason Schweizer)

Jonathan Ward addresses campers at his seventh annual 8th Round football camp at Bishop McNamara Friday, July 3, 2026. (Mason Schweizer)

Jonathan Ward breaks the huddle at his seventh annual 8th Round football camp at Bishop McNamara Friday, July 3, 2026. (Mason Schweizer)

After a strong season on the gridiron and playing supporting roles in basketball and baseball as a junior, Bishop McNamara's Coen Demack blossomed into the only area boy to earn three first-team All-Area nods in 2025-26, making him the Daily Journal Senior Athlete of the Year.

Addison Lucht spent her childhood dreaming of team and individual success as an athlete at Cissna Park. After graduating with one of the best individual and team careers a Daily Journal area athlete's ever had, it's safe to say she's lived out her dream.

Team Illinois Unified basketball at the Special Olympics USA Games in St. Paul, Minn., last month. (Submitted by M)