JERSEYVILLE – Grayson Mangara is on track to continue his athletic and academic success as a humble leader for his fellow Panthers at Jersey Community High School.
For his leadership by example, athletic accomplishments and more, Mangara has been named an October 2026 Jersey State Bank Student of the Month at Jersey Community High School.
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As a freshman at JCHS, Mangara is heavily involved as a multi-sport student-athlete. Mangara takes part in football during the fall, wrestling in the winter and track and field in the spring. He’s been playing football since he started in the pee-wee program and running track since he was first able to join in sixth grade. Mangara’s decision to join the wresting program during his sixth grade year came at the request of his P.E. teacher, Coach Ron Linenfelser, a choice Mangara said he’s glad he made.
Mangara has also been a member of the school’s Blew Crew since his fifth grade year and Student Council since he was first able to join in sixth grade. This year, he became a proud new member of Panthers Promoting Positive Decisions, also known as P3D.
This year, Mangara won the Midwest Nationals Wrestling Tournament in Bloomington, Ill. He’s also a two-time state qualifier for wrestling and two-time state placer for wrestling, securing a third-place finish during his seventh grade year – after only having been in the sport for less than two years – followed by a sixth-place finish his eighth grade year.
Mangara finished his middle school wrestling season with a record of 100-30, which included many school and USA Wrestling tournaments and matches over the course of three seasons. He also served as his eighth grade football team captain.
Outside of school and sports, Mangara mainly works jobs over the summer with family and recently worked at the Jersey County Fair. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games, watching shows and movies, going to the gym for weightlifting, working with his grandpa and hanging out with friends.
While not officially set on his path after high school, Mangara is keeping his options open. He’s considering a future in the military, a trade school or eCommerce, as well as securing a scholarship for at least one of the three sports he is currently involved in.
Mangara said there are two quotes he likes to live by and remember: “If it makes you happy, go for it; they're going to talk about you anyway,” and, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
Teacher Erica Heitzig said that as a member of her College and Career Readiness class, Mangara shows constant kindness and attentiveness in class. His well-mannered behavior goes far beyond that of a typical high school freshman, she added.
“He asks follow-up questions and seems to genuinely care about his grades and making his peers around him feel welcome and included,” Heitzig said. “He is always the first to say hello. So kind!”
Principal Thomas Leslie said Mangara is an accomplished yet humble example for his fellow JCHS Panthers.
“Grayson has every reason in the world to be arrogant, yet he is the most humble young man you will ever meet. He has earned all-state honors in wrestling and track, and is a star on the football field,” Leslie said. “He is a high-honor student and a true leader among his peers at JCHS. Grayson epitomizes what it means to be a Jersey Panther!”
Congratulations to Grayson Mangara for earning recognition as an October 2026 Jersey State Bank Student of the Month at Jersey Community High School!
