Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times
Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times
Naperville Central High School's award-winning newspaper.

Central Times
Jay Deegan

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief

Jay Deegan, a senior, is more excited than ever to be back working on the Central Times. Now in his fourth year on staff, he has previously served as the Print Managing Editor and Editorial Editor. In his free time, Jay is an avid movie watcher and a huge Bears fan (Caleb Williams is our savior). He also runs a freelance sports media business where he expresses his love of sports through all types of visual media. If you stop by the Central Times office, you’ll likely find Jay there. Interested in joining the staff? Come to a meeting!

All content by Jay Deegan
A phone in Room 218A displays an emergency alert message on Feb. 25. An accidental lockdown was triggered at Naperville Central due to the accidental activation of a staff ID card.

Accidental lockdown triggered at Naperville Central

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • February 25, 2025
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Kate Johnson traveled with the Central Times in November for the National High School Journalism Convention. The convention was held in Philadelphia, and was Johnson's second trip to the fall journalism convention.

[Photo] Humans of Central: Kate Johnson

Katie Gorman, Staff Writer • February 25, 2025
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Anne Marie Tomek, a District 203 junior high P.E. teacher, speaks at the Feb. 3 Board of Education meeting at Kennedy Junior High School against proposed school day changes. The changes include shifted start and end times, as well as a shift to a modified block schedule at the high school level.

Community members voice concerns over proposed school day changes

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • February 19, 2025
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District 203 board member Melissa Kelley Black speaks at the Feb. 3 Board of Education meeting at Kennedy Junior High School. Kelley Black was issued a censure resolution at the Jan. 7 board meeting after “substantial misconduct,” mostly arising from her online Facebook posts.

Board member’s actions seen as ‘substantial misconduct’ according to district documents

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • February 19, 2025
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A CENTEGIX security alarm in Room 218A at Naperville Central. The alarm system allows staff members to click an button on their ID card to alert administration of an emergency, or trigger a lockdown.

[Photo] New alarm system installed in all D203 buildings

Charvi Alavala, Staff Writer • February 13, 2025
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An eLearning day was called by District 203 for Wednesday, Feb. 11. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory due to forecasted snowfall on Wednesday.

eLearning Day called for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • February 11, 2025
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Todd Holmberg skates past students during passing periods. Holmberg uses skating to break societal norms as a way to teach his anthropology class about folkways and mores.

[Photo] Wheels of wisdom: History teacher skates through social norms

Marina Micic, Sports Editor • February 10, 2025
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Proposed changes to all levels of Naperville 203 instructional levels include changes to school start and end times. Under the proposal, the high school day would shift to an 8:20 a.m.-3:10 p.m. schedule.

Proposed school day times include 8:20 a.m. high school start

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • February 3, 2025
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Deana Wilson (middle), Junior, played the saxaohone during the eighth grade orientation at Naperville Central on Feb. 15. She played in Central’s Jazz Studio Orchestra, which she joined this year.

[Photo] From lessons to Jazz Studio Orchestra: A junior’s jazz journey

Emma Coneys, Arts & Entertainment editor • January 23, 2025
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Board member Melissa Kelley Black raises her hand to speak during a Jan. 21 Board of Education meeting at Kennedy Junior High School. Discussions over Kelley Black's conduct led to numerous personal accusations among board members.

Board members levy accusations including ‘shirking responsibilities’ and ‘political agendas’ during board meeting

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • January 21, 2025
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Naperville 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges presents proposed school day changes on Jan. 14 at Kennedy Junior High School. The proposal will be presented to the board of Education on Feb. 3.

School day changes to be proposed across all levels of Naperville 203 instruction

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • January 17, 2025
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NEWSCLASSIII

[Photo] District 203 Board of Education approves new courses, removals

C.J. Getting, Operations Managing Editor • December 13, 2024
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Administration to propose modified block schedule for 2025-26 school year

Administration to propose modified block schedule for 2025-26 school year

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • November 25, 2024
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Pumping his fist in the air, Carl Sissac, a paraprofessional at Washington Junior High School, rallies in support of NESPA on Nov. 18 in front of District 203's Public School Administration Center. "I came here to let these guys, these suits, know that they have serious people here that are willing to bend over backwards and they should be compensated for it," Sissac said. More than 100 supporters of NESPA Attended the rally.

‘We’re not invisible’: NESPA supporters rally for increased wages

Jay Deegan and Sarah Segvich • November 19, 2024
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Naperville Central head coach Mike Ulreich celebrates in the background as senior DeShaun Williams surges forwards to convert on a fourth down in a game against Lyons Township on Nov. 15. The first down allowed quarterback Sebastian Hayes to rush for a touchdown on a following play.

[Photo] ‘Unbelievable’ catch helps Central to victory over No. 2 Lyons Township

Lola Schwerha, Staff Writer • November 18, 2024
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On Oct. 18, a racial slur was written on an athletic locker belonging to an African American student. No conclusion has been reached in investigations by Naperville Central or the Naperville Police Department. Editor’s note: The Central Times has opted to obfuscate the full slur. (Photo Credit: Quiana Richardson)

Month after racial slur found on locker: ‘they didn’t do enough’

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • November 18, 2024
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Senior Helen Liang analyzes the tax forms for Youth Voices, a local student-led nonprofit. Liang helped lead free debate coaching with the organization's leadership development team until the program was discontinued in December 2023.

[Photo] Beyond good intentions: why student-led nonprofits fail at longevity

C.J. Getting and Marina Micic • November 17, 2024
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Students on Naperville Central’s marketing field trip pose in front of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando on an overcast day. The group had to return to Illinois one day early on Oct. 9 due to the impending landfall of Hurricane Milton in Florida. (Photo courtesy of Kathleen Barry)

Marketing trip to Florida returns early due to hurricane

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • November 15, 2024
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A computer displays a "storage full" message on Monday, Oct. 7. The disruption affected all students and staff on District 203 emails.

Google misconfiguration prevents usage by District 203 students, staff

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • October 22, 2024
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Scott Elementary was awarded their first blue ribbon on Sept. 23 by the Department of Education.

Scott Elementary earns first blue ribbon award in school’s history

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • October 16, 2024
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Naperville Central staff attended a breakfast celebration for Central's blue ribbon on Oct. 2. (Photo Credit: Jackie Thornton via X)

Central secures blue ribbon

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • October 16, 2024
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Head coach Troy Adams stands on the sidelines during Central’s game against Metea Valley on Oct. 1. The Redhawks lost 2-1 in double overtime.

[Photo] Boys varsity soccer coach hits 200 wins

Emma Coneys, Staff Writer • October 15, 2024
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Cait Swinford, a special education assistant at Naperville Central, speaks at the Oct. 7 Board of Education meeting. The Naperville Education Support Professionals Association is currently bargaining with District 203 over a new contract.

District 203 negotiates NESPA contract

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • October 14, 2024
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9-26 FERPA

[Photo] Confidential student information released in District 203 data leak

C.J. Getting, Operations Managing Editor • September 26, 2024
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Senior Makenzie James taps rhythm sticks alongside her peers during Central's new adapted music class.

[Photo] Students find their beat in Central’s new adapted music class

Sarah Segvich, Content Managing Editor • September 25, 2024
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Andy Lutzekirchen was hired as Central's new P.E. department chair. (Photo Credit: 2023 Flight Yearbook)

New P.E. department chair starts year ‘excited’

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • September 20, 2024
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Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz celebrate during the balloon drop on Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Democratic National Convention. The Harris-Walz ticket won 98.9% of the delegate vote, earning the Democratic nomination for President and Vice President.

Photo Gallery: 2024 Democratic National Convention

Jay Deegan, Sarah Segvich, and C.J. Getting • September 17, 2024
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Cars sit in traffic on the Washington Street Bridge on Sept. 10. The west side of the bridge is currently demolished as the east side's two lanes are open to traffic.

Delayed and disrupted: Washington Street faces 3 construction projects

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • September 17, 2024
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[Photo] Delayed and Disrupted: The Consequences of Naperville’s Construction Efforts

Vanshika Shahdadpuri, Opinions Editor • September 13, 2024
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Central Times reporter C.J. Getting interviews Illinois state Rep. Janet Yang-Rohr at the DNC on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Yang-Rohr represents Illinois' 41st District in the Illinois General Assembly, which includes Naperville Central.

[Photo] Youth voices amplified

C.J. Getting, Operations Managing Editor • September 5, 2024
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Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd ahead of her speech on Thursday, Aug. 22. Harris won the Democratic nomination for President with 98.9% of delegates in the roll call vote.

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Tracy Rootham stepped down from her position as the principal's secretary after 6 years in the position.

Principal’s secretary steps down after 8 years at Central

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • September 2, 2024
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Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) holds a "Kamala" sign high during the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Schumer is an PLEO delegate due to his senate seat.

[Photo] Delegates attend 2024 DNC in Chicago, nominate Kamala Harris for President

C.J. Getting, Operations Managing Editor • August 28, 2024
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Former President Bill Clinton speaks to attendees at the Democratic National Convention on August 21. The night wrapped up with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accepting the vice presidential nomination.

Blog: Diary at the DNC, Day 3

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • August 24, 2024
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2024-2025 Print Archive

Jay Deegan, C.J. Getting, Kate Johnson, Elaine Zhou, Cheryl Cheng, Emma Coneys, Lola Schwerha, and Marina Micic • August 15, 2024
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Girls track brings home sixth place state finish; one individual state champion

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • July 11, 2024
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Distinguished Alumni: Matt DiCianni, Class of 2003

Distinguished Alumni: Matt DiCianni, Class of 2003

Jay Deegan, Editor-in-Chief • May 20, 2024
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Senior Jake Pfeiffer and his mom, Principal Jackie Thornton, walk in Central's honor garden on May 15. The two will share one last experience at Central when Pfeiffer walks across the graduation stage on May 19.

Central’s principal experiences graduation from a new lens: parenthood

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • May 19, 2024
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Senior Olivia Phillips was named the Central Times 2024 Female Athlete of the Year.

2024 Female Athlete of the Year: Liv Phillips

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • May 16, 2024
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Senior Maverick Ohle celebrates a defensive stop in Central’s game against Plainfield North on Sept. 1.

2024 Male Athlete of the Year: Maverick Ohle

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • May 16, 2024
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Tom Higgenson, lead singer of the rock band Plain White T's, performs a solo acoustic set at Central on May 9.

[Photo] Plain White T’s singer plays acoustic set at Central

Nolan Shen, Arts & Entertainment Editor • May 10, 2024
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Freshman Avery Miller winds up for a pitch during a game against DeKalb on April 15. Central won the game 12-2.

[Photo] Softball on a ‘roller coaster’ of season; hopes to regain focus

Evelyn Zwicky, Online Managing Editor & Sports Editor • May 6, 2024
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Seventh and eighth grade Project Idea Plus students spend most of their day learning in “the pod,” a mobile classroom at Kennedy Junior High School.

Opinion: Dear District 203, let’s cancel PI+

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • April 25, 2024
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Varsity boys water polo coach William Salentine directs his team during a game against Barrington on April 18. Sal has coached the team for 23 years, winning over 80% of his games in that time.

[Photo] Water polo coach boasts over 80% win rate over 23 year career

Nolan Shen, Arts & Entertainment Editor • April 24, 2024
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Freshman Alex Beiga holds a Central flag at the DuPage Valley Conference boys swim and dive championship on Feb. 3. Beiga was killed in a ski accident on April 1 in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of NCHS Swim and Dive.

Loved and lost: Freshman leaves legacy of joy after tragic passing

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • April 22, 2024
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Room 218 with temporary walls on the windows (left) compared to Room 218 with new windows (right). Room 218 was one of several that had temporary walls instead of windows due to construction on Central’s east facing wall.

Windows re-installed on east wall after eight-month wait

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • April 21, 2024
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Sophomore Deven Patel sits at his computer trading stocks during his lunch period. Patel has made over 30 times his investment by trading stocks.

[Photo] Sophomore makes ‘massive profit’ trading stocks

Jinan Parves, Correspondent • April 17, 2024
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Social studies teacher Mike Wilson was named as Central's boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 season.

[Photo] New boys basketball head coach named for 2024-25 season

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • April 5, 2024
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Athletic Director Chris Kirkpatrick watches over Red & White Night on Aug. 19, 2022. Kirkpatrick will be stepping down from his position on June 30.

Athletic Director to step down at end of June

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • April 3, 2024
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Central's Psychology Club gathers in the Learning Commons for an after school meeting. (Photo courtesy of Meghan Pratt.)

Number of new clubs begs sustainability question

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • March 22, 2024
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Sophomore forward Malia Shen (27) celebrates her second of two goals during Central’s 4-2 win over Burlington Central in their opening game on March 13.

[Photo] Girls soccer starts season with seven underclassmen, including three freshmen, on varsity roster

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • March 26, 2024
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Gabe Dickerson, then a senior, pitches in the Dupage Valley Conference Championship on May. 18, 2023. Dickerson and 14 other seniors graduated last year, leaving Central with a nearly entirely new roster for the 2024 season.

[Photo] Baseball looks to succeed after losing 15 seniors, near-entire starting lineup, to graduation

Jake Pfeiffer, Editor-in-Chief • March 21, 2024
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Photographed above is the intersection between Jefferson Avenue and Main Street where Shen proposes Jefferson should be closed to cars.

[Photo] Opinion: They shut down Barnes & Noble so let’s shut down Jefferson Ave.

Nolan Shen, Arts & Entertainment Editor • March 21, 2024
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Substitute teacher Madalyn Eathington leads an Honors English 2: Journalism class on March 15. Substitute teacher pay rates have jumped by $20 over the past few years due to a shortage of subs.

Board of Education approves $5 daily increase in substitute pay

Jay Deegan, Print Managing Editor • March 20, 2024
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Boys basketball head coach Pete Kramer directs his team during their 51-43 victory over Oswego in the IHSA Regional Quarter Final on Feb. 19.

Photo Gallery: Central’s boys basketball head coach retires after 33 years in program, 21 as head coach

Jake Pfeiffer and Jay Deegan • March 6, 2024
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