The Foxes Den

Season 3 (Episode 1) Dr. Matt Zediker - Y115 Superintendent of Schools

Listen in as Dr. Matt Zediker, Superintendent of Schools, talks about growing up in Nebraska and how athletics and coaching shaped how he built strong bonds with his students. Hear how he taught without textbooks or a curriculum early in his career. Listen as he shares his journey to becoming a Superintendent, his plans for future growth in the district, and creating a facilities master plan… and if he could beat Bobby Flay in a cooking contest.

Season 2 (Episode 4) Varsity Softball Coaches - Head Coach: Jory Regnier and Assistant Coach: Megan Leadbetter

Listen in as Varsity Softball Head Coach Jory Regnier and Assistant Coach Megan Leadbetter reflect upon the team’s Second Place finish at last year's State Championship Game, and how they are preparing for another run at State this year. Hear how they think their coaching styles have changed over the years. Listen as they take us into the huddle before a game, and their thoughts on holding the runner at 3rd base or sending her home.

Season 2 (Episode 3) 2024 Fine Arts Festival

Listen in as Music Department Division Chair Victor Anderson, Art Teacher Levi McCulloch, and Choir Director David Smith discuss all things Fine Arts Festival. Listen as they talk about the festival's history and how it all began, what makes the Fine Arts Festival so unique and special to Yorkville, what new and exciting additions will take place this year, and what they hope people will get out of the festival when they attend.

Season 2 (Episode 2) Kreg Wesley - Executive Director of Finance and Operations

Listen in as Kreg Wesley, Executive Director of Finance and Operations shares his career path to the District 115 and how the philosophy of “It’s all about how learners learn and teachers teach” has guided his decisions throughout the years. Hear his thoughts on transparency as it relates to district finances, the role Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays within the finance arena, and his approach to budget planning for District 115. Wesley also talks about some of his favorite Podcast on his playlist, and what advice he would give to his 17-year-old younger self.

Season 2 (Episode 1) Chris Palmisano

Listen in as Chris Palmisano, 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Head Coach for Boys Varsity Soccer Team, and Yorkville High School’s Activities Director, discusses all the great activities that will be happening during Homecoming Week 2023. Hear the passion in his voice as he shares his selflessness mentality and student first approach. Listen as he shares why that one student will always stay with him, and the tough career choice between becoming a teacher or meteorologist.

Episode 14 - Joe Blomquist (Director of Business Services): New Fresh Lunch Program for 2023/24 School Year

Listen in as Joe Blomquist, Director of Business Services for Yorkville District 115, discusses all-things-food regarding the new school lunch and breakfast program that will start at the beginning of the 2023/24 school year. Hear the passion as he shares his insights and feelings about student nutrition and the positive effects it has on their learning. Listen as we discuss how the food will be prepared, fresh, every day, and some of the menu items our students will have to choose from. Mr. Blomquist also talks about what his ideal lunch would be if he were in school today.

Episode 13 - Luke Engelhardt (Yorkville HS Associate Principal for Athletics, Activities, & Facilities)

Listen in as Luke Engelhardt, Associate Principal for Athletics, Activities, and Facilities at Yorkville High School discusses his athletic career as a Yorkville Fox and as a two-sport athlete at Aurora University. Hear about the educators in his family and the path he took to become the Athletic Director at Yorkville High School, how important the Yorkville summer camps are to our student athletes, and just how far the golf cart can go on a single charge. 

Episode 12 - Melinda Hafenrichter (Yorkville Grade School Principal)

Listen in as Melinda Hafenrichter, Principal at Yorkville Grade School, discusses the motto of her school and what it means to staff, students, and parents. Hear about where her love of teaching comes from, what she would change if she had to do it all over again, and how many state championships she won as a middle school athlete.