Mallory Plunk Shows Passion For Art And Education At JCHS

JERSEYVILLE – Mallory Plunk plans to educate others while practicing her artistic talents.

As an accomplished artist and student teacher, Plunk has been named a March 2026 Medford Wealth Management Student of the Month for Jersey Community High School.

Now in her senior year at JCHS, Plunk has been highly involved as a theater stage manager and band member for the past five years. She’s also been a member of the National Honors Society for two years, Class Council for three years, and Student Council for one year.

Along with multiple band, theater, and art awards, Plunk is a proud recipient of the Rural and Small Town Recognition Award and has been named an Illinois State Scholar.

“I have worked hard and spent a lot of time with [the] art and theater programs,” Plunk said, sharing one of her proudest accomplishments: “I painted a wonderful set for out production of The Little Mermaid.”

After graduation, Plunk said she plans on attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) this fall to pursue a degree in Art Teacher Education – a career she’s already preparing for during her time at JCHS.

As a student in the TEACH program, Plunk said she currently works with an elementary class nearly three days per week. Math Teacher Gwen Brunaugh said Plunk is performing well in the program and beyond.

“She is the stage manager and I loved watching her in action backstage,” Brunaugh said of Plunk. “Additionally, she is doing great in the TEACH program. She has even been able to teach some art lessons in her class that she has been assigned to this semester.”

Brunaugh said Plunk regularly volunteers with the Jersey Community Alternative Program (JCAP) and Family Art Night event at West Elementary School, adding: “I am very proud to be her teacher.”

Outside of school, Plunk is an intern with the Jersey County Arts Council and helps out with the JCHS Theater Camp and Variety Show, as well as various art projects and commissions. Her typical hobbies include painting, drawing, crafting, set design, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends.

Principal Thomas Leslie described Plunk as “one of the most talented students I know.”

“She is a tremendous student, great person, incredible artist, and is involved in so many things,” Leslie said. “That young lady is going places!"

Congratulations to Mallory Plunk for being selected as a March 2026 Medford Wealth Management Student of the Month for Jersey Community High School!

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