In an inspiring display of dedication and determination, Senior Vanessa Perona, a standout athlete from St. James R-1, achieved an outstanding 20th-place finish at the Class 3 State Championships for Girls Cross Country.
Vanessa's remarkable journey, spanning four years of unwavering commitment and tireless effort, culminated in a well-deserved medal. Not only did she secure a medal, but she also achieved a personal record, completing the race in an impressive 19 minutes and 40 seconds. This extraordinary performance earned Vanessa the coveted title of an "All-State" finisher at the Class 3 Championships.
We invite our school community to join us in celebrating Vanessa's incredible accomplishment and to be inspired by her dedication to excellence in athletics and academics. Her success shines as a beacon of the St. James R-1 School District's commitment to empowering our students in and out of the classroom.