The Prowler staff voted on each entry to determine the three winners.

1st place: “Ordinary Kindness” – Chloe H. (’26)

During lunch, I sat picking apart the corner of my lunch bag, replaying a rough morning and hoping no one noticed. My friend sat down across from me and immediately raised an eyebrow. “You’re way too quiet. What’s up?” Her voice wasn’t dramatic, just familiar in the way that makes telling the truth easier. I explained everything in a jumble, and she didn’t try to fix it or give advice. She just listened. It was small, ordinary, and precisely what I needed. I felt genuinely grateful.

2nd place: “The pianist who changed my morning” – Eitan S. (’27)

It was a Tuesday morning, and each step into school grew more difficult. I willed myself up the stairs before crashing onto the couch. Two more days, I reminded myself, two more days until Thanksgiving break. But as I sulked on the couch, a familiar face approached; it was Aiden. With a mischievous smile, he dragged me over to the piano to listen to a new piece he had been practicing. With each note he played, a smile spread across my face, and before I knew it, Aiden had brightened my whole day. One melody turned my entire morning around.

3rd place: “First Football Practice” – Drew C. (’28)

Chatter subsides, the final players trickle in from the sidewalk, the ambient noise of backpacks zipping and shoelace tying fills the chilling air. The eerie silence is pierced by Coach Corey’s roaring voice, he yells, “30 Seconds!”, my heart pounds as I stare into my empty backpack, my cleats nowhere to be found. My fingers tremble as I open the final pocket I could’ve possibly left my cleats. Nothing. I feel a light tap on my shoulder, Eitan Sela, holding a black pair of cleats, my size. 

“I gotta extra pair, wanna borrow?”

“Yes please,” I mutter. 

It’s a miracle.

Best Faculty Entries

“Daydreams in Autumn” – Dr. Marcus, History Teacher, a story about 7-year-old Dr. Marcus daydreaming about saving his class

The first time I killed a man, I was seven. Or maybe I just knocked him out.

Once a week Mrs. Proctor played the “Lone Ranger” theme on her record player. While my classmates listened in innocence, eight men with guns, all in black, would burst in and take them prisoner.

Suddenly, I would swing from the overhead lights, kick the men in the face, knock them out, and free my teacher and friends.

A group of small town Illinois terrorists had been defeated once again. We were safe. And all were filled with gratitude, toward . . . me.

“New Community” – Mr. Willens, English Teacher

It is never easy joining a completely new community. It is even more challenging joining a new school in early October, five or six weeks into the school year. I entered the de Toledo family full of excitement and nerves. On my very first day, as I entered the building, I was greeted with warmth, kindness, and smiles. From the great security and maintenance staff, to the passionate teachers, to the warm students, I knew right away De Toledo had something special and unique. Everyone here knows each other, accepts one another, and works together as a tight unit. We are like a family. I feel grateful to have joined this family.