JERSEYVILLE – Carter Butler performs with positivity, both in school and on stage.
For sharing his musical talents and positive attitude with his classmates and community, Butler has been named a Medford Wealth Management Student of the Month for December 2025 at Jersey Community High School (JCHS).
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As a junior at JCHS, Butler has been involved in the JCHS band and Jazz Ensemble since freshman year, and was in the theater pit band from his freshman to sophomore year. Butler joined the school’s Theater and Show Choir groups this year and says he plans to stay involved in each.
Among Butler’s musical accomplishments are securing a spot in the ILMEA District 4 Jazz Band 1 as first chair alto saxophone, as well as performing in the SIUE Bi-State Honor Band Festival. He intends to continue on the musical path after high school, with plans to enroll in college and start a carrier in Music Education.
Outside of school, Butler can usually be found practicing piano or giving performances throughout the community, including at his church and nursing homes around town.
“One of the main things I do for fun is learn and listen to music, it is my favorite hobby,” Butler said. “I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, such as activities from simply talking to taking trips with them.”
Butler’s teachers spoke highly of the positive influence he brings to the classroom, including Math Teacher Gwen Brunaugh.
"Being around Carter truly makes your day better,” Brunaugh said. “As his Precalculus teacher, I can confidently say he is an outstanding student who genuinely enjoys learning. He is kind to everyone and always has a smile on his face.”
Brunaugh said she was also “blown away” by Butler’s saxophone skills at the most recent JCHS Variety Show.
“I was impressed when I saw him perform in the school play, but I was absolutely blown away by his saxophone solo at the recent Variety Show,” Brunaugh said. “The entire band was excellent, but his passion for the music and his pure joy in performing made him especially fun to watch. He truly is living his best high school life, and I am so proud to be his teacher."
JCHS Principal Thomas Leslie added: "Carter is the absolute best. I love seeing him shine in the classroom and fine arts. When I greet him at the door in the morning, he is all smiles and positivity. He is a true Jersey Panther!"
Butler himself offered a few words of encouragement for the community, stating: “You can do anything if you put the time and effort into it, and a few failures should not demotivate you into giving up.”
Congratulations to Carter Butler for being recognized as a December 2025 Medford Wealth Management Student of the Month at JCHS!
