“I’m looking forward to coming back to Sherrard,” said Brady Stromquist, soon to be Sherrard Junior High Principal. The Sherrard school board recently appointed Stromquist to serve in this new role to begin with the next school year (fall 2024). 

His roots in Sherrard laid the foundation for his career. “I began my educational career here in the fall of '98,” said Stromquist, “For seventeen years, I taught, coached and served as an athletic director at Sherrard High School.”

“Sherrard is fortunate to be able to attract top talent and Brady is an example of this. His widely varied experiences and familiarity with the district are both assets that will benefit our district. He shares an important trait with all effective educators in the student-centered, team-oriented approach he uses. We look forward to seeing the new heights Sherrard Jr High can reach with Mr. Stromquist at the helm,” said Sherrard Superintendent, Dr. Carl Johnson.

The Cambridge, IL native began his educational journey with a bachelor's degree from Illinois State University, followed by a master's degree from Western Illinois University. 

Stromquist's experience as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal has thoroughly prepared him for the role of Sherrard Junior High Principal.

Following his first tenure at Sherrard, Stromquist went to Woodstock, Illinois, where he served as the Athletic Director for Woodstock North High School for five years. 

Currently, he is the assistant principal for Monmouth-Roseville High School, where he has served the past four years.

A devoted family man, he cherishes spending time with his wife, Tristi, and their two children, Reed and Freya, both of whom attend Winola Elementary. 

When he's not engaged in educational endeavors, Stromquist can often be found indulging in his love for sports, particularly as a die-hard fan of the Bears, Cubs, and Illini. He’s recently discovered a newfound passion for biking, “...maybe because I'm getting too old to run,” he joked.

The combination of his extensive experience in education and sincere enthusiasm to return paints a promising picture for the future of Sherrard Junior High.

“I’m looking forward to working with the staff and students in the district, the challenges of being a principal, and celebrating the successes of the staff and students.”

Current Junior High Principal, Rick Basala is retiring in May this year after eight years as principal.