Hadley's Mustang News Club Hosts Wrestling Champions

HOMER GLEN, IL — Homer Glen's Hadley Middle School recently hosted two distinguished guests to inspire and motivate its students, with the help of the school's Mustang News team, according to a news release.

Joey Gilbert, Illinois's first-ever four-time AA IHSA wrestling champion, and Claudia Heeney, Lockport's first-ever girls' state wrestling champion and a Hadley alumna, shared their stories of triumph over adversity and how students can be successful. Hadley's very own Zain Askar, a two-time IESA wrestling champion, also had the chance to meet and interview Claudia and Joey.

Hadley Principal Kristen Schroeder expressed her excitement about hosting such influential figures, and said in a release, "It is always a win when we can bring diversity, alumni, and inspirational role models to speak with our students."

The Mustang News team, a group of students who create newscasts for Hadley Middle School, played a vital role in organizing these visits, according to a release.

In addition to hosting the wrestling champions, the Mustang News crew also invited Cheryl Porter, the world-renowned vocal coach, for a school assembly earlier this year, along with WGN traffic reporter Brhett Vickery, and the 2022 Mrs. Illinois, Mrs. America Nicole Zwiercan, who are both alumna of Hadley.

Brhett invited the Hadley Mustang News crew for an all-inclusive tour of WGN Studios and featured them on live television.

Eyad Malley, the sponsor of the Mustang News Club, and teacher at Hadley, said, "We are eager to continue the success of the Mustang News program next year, which not only covers hosting celebrity guests but also weather, lunch menus and sports."