Student:
Ben Sonnenberg
Hometown:
Belleville
Current residence:
Belleville
Years at Zion:
Kindergarten-8th grade (1999-2008)
Favorite Memory:
Some of my favorite memories include when we would have bands at Club 66, when the newest addition to the school was built and we took a picture with the construction helmets in the site, when we had Funspot bring in skates for PE, and when we would perform in any concerts or plays.
What he has been up to:
Currently I am one of the head coaches at World Class Cheerleading in Belleville. I have also recently graduated from Lindenwood University-Belleville with an Elementary Education degree. When I started cheerleading at Zion back in 2006 it was something that I fell in love with and I knew that I wanted to come back and share the great sport of cheerleading with everyone so back in 2014 I took over as the head coach of the cheerleading program at Zion! We have won the Peoria competition 3 times and won State in 2018 with two 2nd place finishes in 2019 and 2020.
How did your time at ZLS influence you?
Zion influenced me in so many ways. It started the foundation of my faith in God and continues to strengthen it every year. I love being able to coach at a place that shares the love of God all the time. I get to pray with my team there every practice and even incorporate a Bible verse into our routine theme every year!
Extra:
Lastly, I would like to thank all of my teachers and everyone I have met at Zion for being a crucial part of my life. You all have helped me in so many ways and I am so blessed to have met each and every one of you.