Chester Community School District 139

Red Bud goes undefeated to win 2024 Sparta Invitational Tournament Chester’s Lexi Mott is MVP and Chester’s Jessica Stumpe makes “All-Tournament Team” BY JIM BEERS A long first week of basketball is over and the final results are in! The Red Bud Lady Musketeers went 4-0 in the 4-game event to win the title of “2024 Sparta Invitational Tournament Champion.” Two players from each team were selected for the “2024 All-Tournament Team” and Chester’s Lexi Mott was chosen for the honorable and prestigious position as 2024 Most Valuable Player (MVP). Chester’s Jessica Stumpe made the 2024 “All-Tournament Team”. The 2024 tournament featured Red Bud, Chester, Trico, Sparta, and Steeleville. New Athens was originally going to be in the tournament but had to withdraw at the last minute. The event was then modified to be a round-robin tournament. Each team played the other four teams in a 4-game competition. TOURNAMENT RESULTS Monday November 18 Game 1: Red Bud 36 - Chester 31 Game 2: Sparta 47 - Steeleville 45 Tuesday November 19 Game 1: Red Bud 37 - Steeleville 28 Game 2: Sparta 41 - Trico 36 Wednesday November 20 Game 1: Red Bud 41 - Trico 22 Game 2: Chester 76 - Steeleville 71 NO GAMES THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21 Friday November 22 Game 1: Trico 48 - Steeleville 31 Game 2: Chester 52 - Sparta 44 Saturday November 23 (Final Day) Game 1: Red Bud 44 - Sparta 32 Game 2: Trico 54 - Chester 45 FINAL STANDINGS 1st Place Red Bud 4-0 2nd (Tie) Chester 2-2 2nd (Tie) Sparta 2-2 2nd (Tie) Trico 2-2 5th Place Steeleville 0-4 2024 Sparta Invitational “All-Tournament Team Lexi Mott, Chester (MVP) Jessica Stumpe, Chester Jeda Friess, Red Bud Talia Carter, Red Bud Kenzie Pierce, Sparta Sierra Starr, Sparta Hayleigh Franklin, Trico Greta Jones, Trico Rylan Reis, Steeleville Audrey Gladson, Steeleville The Chester High School Lady Jackets will continue their 2024-2025 season next week with two games, one away and one at home. Monday November 25 Chester will travel to Johnston City to take on the Lady Indians. JV will tip-off at 6:00 p.m. with Varsity to follow at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday November 26 the Lady Jackets will host the Valle High School Lady Warriors from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri in their home opener. It will be a Varsity game only starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held in Chester High School’s Colbert Memorial Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court. Photo 1 All-Tournament Team The 2024 Sparta Invitational All-Tournament Team is pictured here (left to right) Jada Friess, Red Bud, Talia Carter, Red Bud, Hayleigh Franklin, Trico, Kenzie Pierce, Sparta, Rylan Reiss, Steeleville, Jessica Stumpe, Chester, Sierra Starr, Sparta, Greta Jones, Trico, and Lexi Mott, Chester, Most Valuable Player (MVP). Not present: Audrey Gladson, Steeleville. Jenny Stumpe Photo Photo 2 Stumpe and Mott Pictured are Chester Lady Jackets Jessica Stumpe (left) and Lexi Mott (right). Stumpe was selected to the 2024 Sparta Invitational Lady Bulldog Tournament "All-Tournament" Team. Mott was selected for the prestigious position of "Most Valuable Player" of the 2024 Sparta Invitational Lady Bulldog Tournament. Jeff Mott Photo

CHS: SECOND SEMESTER SCHEDULE CHANGES Second semester schedule Changes will begin December 2 and end on December 11 at 3:30pm. All students requesting a schedule change must report to student services and speak directly with the school counselor. Parent signature will be required if the schedule change is approved. Due to full classes, it will be difficult to drop and add classes, so all changes will be on a first come first serve basis.

CHS: CCSI CANCELED WEDNESDAY 11/27/24 CHS CCSI Students are required to report to CHS by 10:43am.

Veteran’s Day Ceremony in Chester is well attended (2 of 2) Large crowd enjoys ceremony and delicious FREE lunch BY JIM BEERS Another very meaningful portion of any major patriotic ceremony is the “Salute to Departed Veterans” at which time a firing squad conduces a 21-gun salute to honor departed veterans. A combined V.F.W. and American Legion Firing Squad of seven men went outside on the sidewalk of the V.F.W. and fired three volleys of seven rifle shots. Immediately following the Salute, Chester High School sophomore trumpet player, Kendall Nanney, played “TAPS” to close the ceremony. It was Nanney’s first time to play such an event and she did an amazing job playing with clarity, volume, and accuracy. The 2024 Veteran’s Day Ceremony concluded with a fitting Benediction by Rev. Dr. Mike Fogerson of the First Baptist Church of Chester. A FREE luncheon consisting of Jumbo Hot Dogs, Sloppy Joes, Chips, and a variety of soft drinks was enjoyed by most in attendance. It was a wonderful time of food, fellowship, and taking quality time to visit with local veterans on their special day. Photo 1 Chester Veteran's Day guest speaker, Lt. Colonel Mark Sedwrick, a 12-year Coast Guard Veteran and 29-year Army Veteran addresses a large crowd Monday November 11 at the Chester V.F.W. Jim Bers Photo Photo 2 Chester V.F.W. Post 3553 Commander, Bryan Childs, welcomes a large crowd at the 2024 Veretan's Day Ceremony held at the Chester V.F.W. Jim Beers Photo Photo 3 Commander Randy Werner of Cheser American Legion Post 487 provides remarks at the 2024 Veteran's Day Ceremony Monday November 11. Werner praised the efforts of the Chester Boys Scouts and the Chester High School Band for always providing such good service to making the annual patriotic ceremonies such a huge success. Jim Beers Photo Photo 4 The Rev. Dr. Mike Fogerson of the First Baptist Church in Chester gave the Invocation and the Benediction at the 2024 Chester Veteran's Day Ceremony. Jim Beers Photo Photo 5 Chester Alderman, Bob Platt, provided remarks at the Veteran's Day Ceremony in Chester Monday November 11. Platt "stepped-in" for Mayor Tom Page who was out of town in St. Louis at the time and was unable to attend. Platt was brief and to the points in his remarks and expressed the City's appreciation for all local veterans. Jim Beers Photo Photo 6 A large crowd attended the 2024 Veteran's Day Ceremony hosted by the V.F.W. Post 3553 in Chester. The crowd enjoyed the program which was followed by a FREE luncheon provided by the V.F.W. staff. Jim Beers Photo Photo 7 A combined Firing Squad of Chester V.F.W. Post 3553 and American Legion Post 487 members awaits the command to conduct the traditional "Salute to Departed Veterans" at the 2024 Chester Veteran's Day Ceremony. Jim Beers Photo Photo 8 Members of the combined Firing Squad consisting of seven members of the Chester V.F.W. Post 3553 and the Chester Americal Legion Post 487 conduct the annual Veteran's Day "Salute to Departed Veterans" Monday November 1. Jim Beers Photo Photo 9 Kendall Nanney, a Chester High School sophomore, plays "TAPS" as part of the 2024 Chester Veteran's Day "Salute to Departed Veterans". The event was held at the Chester V.F.W. Nanney s a trumpet player in the CHS Band, and it was her first time performing in a solo capacity at one of the Chester Patriotic Ceremonies. She did an amazing job and played with good volume, tone and clarity. Jim Beers Photo

Veteran’s Day Ceremony in Chester is well attended (1 of 2) Large crowd enjoys ceremony and delicious FREE lunch BY JIM BEERS Monday November 11 was Veteran’s Day 2024 and the annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony was held at the VFW Post 3553 in Chester. It was a beautiful day and a large crowd came out to honor all United States Veterans. World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919. The Treaty of Versailles actually ended the war. Fighting between Germany and the Allies had already stopped seven months earlier with the armistice which was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (November) in 1918. Armistice Day was celebrated on November 11 of each year. In 1926 Armistice Day became a holiday in the United States and it took 12 years (1938) until it became a National Holiday. Sixteen years after that, on June 1, 1954, Armistice Day was changed to Veteran’s Day. Veteran’s Day was a day to honor all U.S. Veterans. The City of Chester has always done an amazing job of celebrating Veteran’s Day. Celebrations have always been a joint effort of the American Legion Post 487 and the V.F.W. Post 3553. The event is alternated from year-to-year between the American Legion and the V.F.W. 2024 was the year in which the V.F.W. hosted the celebration. The program began at precisely 11:00 a.m. with a warm welcome from Bryan Childs, Commander of VFW Post 3553. The Rev. Dr. Mike Fogerson then gave a wonderful Invocation which included a very brief Veteran’s Day Introduction followed by a prayer. The Chester High School Band was on hand as usual to provide music for the event. Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director, directed the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner” as everyone stood at attention and sang along with the band. City of Chester Alderman, Bob Platt, “stood in” for Mayor Tom Page who was out of town in St. Louis. Platt welcomed everyone on behalf of Mayor Tom Page and thanked everyone for attending the ceremony. Randy Werner, Commander of the American Legion Post 487 in Chester, then provided remarks to the audience and thanked the Chester Boy Scouts for all that they do for the city on all patriotic holidays with the posting of the American Flags all along the streets of Chester. He also thanked Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director, for the band’s faithful appearances at all patriotic events. This year’s guest speaker was Lt. Colonel Mark Sedwrick. Lt. Sedwrick is a 29-year Army Veteran. He started by wishing all Marines in attendance a Happy 249 th Birthday. He then stated that his military career started in the United States Coast Guard. He served in the Coast Guard for 12 years. After retiring from the Coast Guard, he still served in the Coast Guard Reserves. He was called into active duty in the Persian Gulf. When conflict in the Middle East escalated, Sedwrick felt the need to respond to the need for American military personnel and joined the United States Army. While in the Army he served in the Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His commitment to protect America created a necessity to be away from family and friends for approximately 5 years off-and-on during his service. Upon his eventual retirement from the armed forces, Lt. Sedwrick decided to become a Lutheran Pastor and went to Seminary for four years. During that time he remained active as an Army Chaplain and spent time in Kuwait and Afghanistan. He eventually retired from the Army while being stationed at Scott Air Force Base. Now that he is retired he has served in the area at Wine HiIl, St, Paul Parish and West Point charges. He feels the need to remain a bridge to the community for the military due to the fact that only 6% of the American Population is involved in the U.S. Military, while 94% has no affiliation with the U.S. Armed Services. Sedwrick joined the V.F.W. after his retirement from the Coast Guard and encourages those eligible to become active both in the U.S. Armed Services as well as the V.F.W. and American Legion. Following Sedwrick’s message, Steve Colonel directed the CHS Band in the playing of the Armed Forces Medley. This song features the theme songs of the various branches of the U.S. Military including the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines. There is now a version of this medley that includes the most recent branch of the U.S. Military, the Space Force, but the Chester High School Music Library has not yet been updated to include this newest version. As the theme song of each branch of service was being played, veterans from those respective branches were asked to stand and be recognized as the audience clapped and cheered to honor their service. This portion of patriotic services is always a very meaningful and rewarding tribute.

CGC & CHS: THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY Thursday 11/28/24 & Friday 11/29/24 Thanksgiving Holiday NO SCHOOL HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Lady Musketeers edge Lady Jackets 36-31 to start 2024-25 Chester will play Steeleville Wednesday November 20 at 7 PM in Round 2 of 2024 Sparta Tournament BY JIM BEERS The Chester High School Lady Jacket Basketball Team opened the 2024-25 basketball season Monday November 18 in the first round of the 2024 Sparta Lady Bulldog Basketball Tournament. The Jackets opened against the Red Bud Lady Musketeers in a close, hard-fought game in which the Musketeers edged the Jackets by five points, 36-31, at the final buzzer. Chester led 7-3 after the first quarter, led by Lexi Mott and Riley Lochhead who each scored three points. Jessica Stumpe hit a free throw to round out the 7-point quarter. Red Bud’s J. Friess hit a pair of free throws and L. Minemann drained one free throw. The Musketeers controlled the second quarter outscoring the Lady Jackets, 11-5. Red Bud’s Minemann and T. Carter each scored four points apiece and J. Friess hit a basket and a free throw to round out the Musketeers 11-point quarter. Lexi Mott was the only Chester player to score. She drained a 3-pointer and a two-pointer. The Musketeers took a slim, 2-point, 14-12 lead into the locker room at halftime. After the popcorn break both teams took the floor and battled hard for the entire period. The Musketeers ended the 3 rd quarter outscoring the Lady Jackets by just one point, 12-11. Red Bud got scoring from four players including l. Minemann, 4; K. Ehret, 4; and J. Friess and J. Whelar with two points apiece. The Lady Jackets were paced by freshman Marlie Caby who drained a three ball and added two deuces. Lexi Mott scored three points and Rylie Conley scored her first point of the season with a free throw. At the end of three quarters, the Lady Musketeers led the Lady Jackets by three points, 26-23. Down the stretch the story was the same with the Musketeers edging the Lady Jackets by just two points, 10-8. T. Carter paced Red Bud with five points. She went to the free throw line six times, making three. She also made a 2-point basket. A. Wagner hit a pair of baskets and J. Friess was 1-of-4 from the free throw line. Chester was led by Lexi Mott who scored five points on a pair of baskets and 1-of-2 free throws. Jessica Stumpe added two points with a field goal and Rylie Conley made 1-of-2 free throws. The final score was Red Bud 36-Chester 31. Lexi Mott led the Jackets in the loss with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 1 turnover. She shot 50% from the free throw line (3-of-6). Marlie Caby followed with 7 points, 2 rebounds and 1 turnover. Jessica Stumpe scored three points, had four rebounds and three turnovers. She was 1-for-3 at the line (33%). Riley Lochhead scored three points and grabbed a pair of rebounds and committed four turnovers. Finally, Rylie Conley, Chester’s only senior, scored two points, grabbed 4 rebounds and recorded 4 turnovers. Conley was 2-of-4 from the free throw line (50%). Red Bud was led by L. Minemann and T. Carter who each scored nine points apiece. J. Friess added 8 points. A. Wagner and K. Ehret each scored 4 points apiece and J. Whelar added two points. With the loss Chester started the 2024-25 season at 0-1. Red Bud started 1-0. The Lady Jackets will face Steeleville Wednesday November 20 at 7:00 p.m. It will be each team’s second games of the tournament. PHOTO The Chester High School Lady Jackets Varsity Basketball Team opened its 2024-25 season Monday November 18 at the 2024 Sparta Lady Bulldog Tournament. Pictured here (Front Row, seated, left to right) are Marlie Caby (35), Lillian Diskey (21), Rylie Conley (4), Aubrey Coleman (31) and Bailey Hartmann (10). (Back row, standing) are Natalie Guetersloh (22), Riley Lochhead (11), Lexi Mott (33), Jessica Stumpe (24), Rylee Shemonic (10), and Hannah Crow (12). The Lady Jackets are coached by Jeff Mott. Photo by Jim Beers

As part of "Kindness Week" 2024-25, staff members at Chester Grade School nominated students that have been seen displaying an act of kindness during "Kindness Week" or as a regular part of their normal school interactions. Kindness Week Coordinator, Kacey Crook, School Counselor, said, "We are so proud of all of our CGS students for working together to be more kind to others and build each other up!" The following 36 students were nominated for this prestigious award 11-15-24 including (Row 1, left to right) Mathew Holdman, Suleyma Alonzo, Izabella Pender, Cora Doyle, Kru Jany, Aspen Burris, Diann Adames Beck, Connor Rensing, and Cora Hargis. (Row 2, left to right) Fermina Gonzalez, Grace Medford, Baylee Loyd, Quinn Davis, Mila Lopez, Mila King, Killian Keeler, Liam Curtis, June Shaw, and Ben Westbrook. (Row 3, left to right) Angel Aguilar Guijon, Adalyn Caron, Cruzlyn Davis, Gavin Studt, Caleb Voudrie, Sophia Bryant, Anabela Perez, Jaylee Belton, Adwin Marquez, and Mabrie Cushman. (Row 4, left to right) McKenzie Schatte, Ealijah McGuire, Logan Hoskin, Arabella Mallender, Harlow Ebers, and Camryn Petrowske. Absent: Sawyer Ebers. Each recipient was presented with a certificate and his or her name was announced over the CGS Public Address System. Jim Beers Photo

CHS YellowJacket Basketball tips-off 2024-25 season (2 of 2) Jackets travel to Anna-Jonesboro Tuesday November 26; Home opener is Wednesday November 27 BY JIM BEERS This year’s YellowJacket Basketball Team has four returning starters including Cayden Brunkhorst, Kolton Jany, Brenden Malley, and Devante. All will likely start for the 2024-25 squad. Evan Dunning and Tray Peters will split starting duties as the 5 th starters. Last season Brenden Malley led the team in shooting percentage making 69 of 125 shots (55.2%). Kolton Jany was 2 nd making 122 of 252 shots (50%). Devante Palacio was 3 rd with 141 of 287 shots (49.7%), and Cayden Brunkhorst finished 4 th having made 65 of 165 shots (42.4%). At the free throw line, Devante Palacio led the Jackets, making 41 of 69 free shots (59.4%), followed by Cayden Brunkhorst (31 of 54, 57.4%); Brenden Malley (36 of 66, 54.5%); and Kolton Jany (37 of 89, 41.6%). Brenden Malley also led in rebounding grabbing 72 offensive and 139 defensive boards (211), followed by Devante Palacio (32 offensive, 127 defensive, total 159); Kolton Jany (58 offensive, 95 defensive, total 153); and Cayden Brunkhorst (31 offensive, 51 defensive, total 82). Coach Toledo said, “Senior, Jack Heffernan and junior Gabe Coffman will also see a lot of playing time this year. So far during practice I have also been impressed with sophomores Zane Eggemeyer, Tallen James, Tashawn Palacio, and Trey McCartney. They could also see some varsity playing time.” Regarding the YellowJacket’s outlook for success in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division race, Toledo said, “Conference will once again be tough, top-to-bottom. You have to be ready to play every night in this conference or you will get beat!” PHOTO 1 ARCHED VARSITY The 2024-2025 Chester High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team includes (left to right) Zane Eggemeyer (0), Kolton Jany (13), Tashawn Palacio (21), Tray Peters (4), Devante Palacio (5), Brenden Malley (34), Evan Dunning (15), Gabe Coffman (23), Trey McCartney (32), Tallen James (10), Jack Heffernan (11), and Cayden Brunkhorst (1). The Varsity nis coached by Head Coach, Chris Toledo. He is assisted by Nick Severs, Tony James, and Bryce Bainter. Jim Beers Photo Photo 2 JV Boys Basketball The 2024-2025 Chester High School Boys Basketball Junior Varsity Team includes (Front row, sitting) Trevin Eggemeyer (3), Kross Jany (12), Karim Landeros (22), Mitchell Liter (24), Jaden Ramirez (14), and Kanon Jany (33). Row 2, standing, left to right) Zane Eggemeyer (0), Tallen James (10), Tashawn Palacio (21), Trey McCartney (32), Gabe Coffman (23), Danny Worley (44), and Elijah McBurney (2). THe Junior Varsity is coached by Head Coach, Tony James. He is assisted by Nick Severs and Bryce Bainter. Jim Beers Photo

CHS YellowJacket Basketball tips-off 2024-25 season (1 of 2) Jackets travel to Anna-Jonesboro Tuesday November 26; Home opener is Wednesday November 27 BY JIM BEERS The 2024-2025 Chester High School Boys Basketball season is underway and the YellowJackets are anxious to hit the court for the start of “official” competition. The boys won’t have to wait long before they meet other teams in battle, however, because their schedule gets “real” next Tuesday November 26. The Jackets open their season at former River-To-River, Mississippi Division foe, the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats. The next night on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday November 27, Chester will host another former River-to-River opponent, the Pinckneyville Panthers, at Colbert Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court. This year the Jackets will host eight home games and travel to 11 away games. In addition they will compete in the DuQuoin Tournament Monday December 2nd through Saturday December 7 th and at the Annual Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Tournament in Pinckneyville December 27 th through Monday December 30th. The Annual Chester Invitational Tournament (CIT) takes place at Chester High School’s Colbert Memorial Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court Monday January 13 th till Saturday January 18th . That will offer Jacket fans another opportunity to see the Jackets in action three more Times. The 2024-2025 YellowJacket Basketball program consists of 20 boys, 12 that dress Varsity and 13 that dress Junior Varsity. Five JV players dress for both varsity and junior varsity. Varsity players include Zane Eggemeyer, Cayden Brunkhorst, Tray Peters, Devante Palacio, Tallen James, Jack Heffernan, Kolton Jany, Evan Dunning, Tashawn Palacio, Gabe Coffman, Trey McCartney, and Brenden Malley. Head Coach is Chris Toledo. He is assisted by Nick Severs, Tony James, and Bryce Bainter. Junior Varsity players include Zane Eggemeyer, Elijah McBurney, Trevin Eggemeyer, Tallen James, Kross Jany, Jaden Ramirez, Tashawn Palacio, Karim Landeros, Gabe Coffman, Mitch Liter, Trey McCartney, Kanon Jany, and Danny Worley. Head Coach is Tony James. He is assisted by Nick Severs and Bryce Bainter. Last Year Chester finished the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 13-18 and a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division record of 3-7. Coach Chris Toledo said regarding this year’s squad, “Many of this year’s team played on the very successful CHS football team, so we know they are a competitive bunch of kids. They always want to win. We do play a tough schedule, but our guys have high expectations for this season. We have a lot of kids returning with a lot of experience. These boys will compete!”

Dear Chester CUSD 139: Earlier today, the district was made aware of a potential threat at the grade school. We immediately contacted the Chester Police Department, and officers were deployed to the school. We are pleased to inform you that everyone is safe, and the threat posed no immediate danger.

‼ NOTICE OF LOCATION CHANGE FOR BOARD MEETINGS ‼ Chester CUSD 139 would like to inform you that the school board meetings will now be held in the High Schools Juergen's Gym located at 1901 Swanwick St. Chester, IL 62233. Please access the Juergen's Gym through our main entrance located on the side of the building next to the football field. This change will be effective as of our next meeting on Thursday, November 21st.

Looking to hire an Individual Aide. Join our awesome staff at the High School. 😄

CHS: FALL SPORTS NIGHT CHS Fall Sports Night Thursday, Nov 21st Professor Sharp Cafeteria 4:20 Doors Open 4:30-5:00 Girls Golf 5:10 Doors Open 5:15-6:00 Volleyball 6:10 Doors Open 6:15-6:30 Cross Country 6:35 Doors Open 6:40-7:15 Boys Golf Once your awards are completed please move into the gym for pictures or exit the cafeteria so the next sport can start their awards. Athletes must be present to receive their award; plaque, certificate, pins, patches, C or numbers. If an athlete is not present, their absence must be excused from administration to receive their award(s). Snacks and drinks will be available. Please share with your athletes and parents so the evening runs smoothly. Thank you

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION CANDIDATE FILING IS NOW UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH! Candidates are to file petitions at the Randolph County Clerk’s Office located in the Randolph County Courthouse on November 12 - November 18, 2024 during normal business hours.

CGS & CHS: DMARCO SPEAKS Comwell and the Community Health Alliance presented DMARCO Speaks to the students of Chester High School and Chester Grade School Junior High. De'Marco Fomby provided a occasionally musical, frequently humorous and definitely inspirational presentation to our students. The presentation centered around students finding their passion and sharing it with others. The students were captivated by the presentation and we appreciate the opportunity to hear his message thanks to Comwell and the Community Health Alliance.

CHS OFFICE CLOSURE: The Chester High School Offices will be closed from 8:40am - 9:40am for an all school assembly .

CGS & CHS: KINDNESS WEEK & FAMILY GAME NIGHT Kindness Week Dress-Up Days Tues.: Pajama Day Weds.: Pink, Red or Hearts Thurs.: Camo, Animal Print or Both Fri.: Orange & Black Family Game Night, Wednesday Nov. 13 See attached graphics for details.

CHS Football seniors thank those who have made an “Impact” on their lives (2 of 2) Proud CHS senior “Football Moms” organize and implement the 2024 “IMPACT” program BY JIM BEERS When the boys made their presentations it was a total surprise to the recipients. Each player presented a special certificate and a replica jersey to their special person. The certificate read, “Today, this SENIOR would like to present you with his football jersey name and number for making a positive IMPACT in his life. Each person has the potential of making a positive impact on the world. It all depends on what you do with what you have- Gary Chapman.” Players and their special persons include the following: Player Name Jersey Number Special Person’s Name and Position Zain Al-Jassim #1 Brittany Mueller, CHS Teacher Justin Hayman #2 Erin Conley, CHS Teacher Cayden Brunkhorst #3 Rachel Marshall, CGS Teacher Lannin Caron #4 Paula Ray, CHS Teacher Lincon Schroeder #5 Kasi Jany, CGS Teacher Kolton Jany #8 Pete Jany, Father Devante Palacio #9 Jarrod Peters, R.C. Sheriff Jack Heffernan #17 Dwight Lochhead, CHS Teacher Brenden Malley #18 Krista Krieg, CHS Paraprofessional Tino Rafael #34 Sara Hammel, CHS Teacher Gene Bicket #44 Marsha Bartley, CHS Teacher Nate Maes #55 Evelyn Hankins, CHS Teacher Alex Williamson #66 Bryce Bainter, CHS Teacher-Coach Each presentation was deemed a huge success that was met with hugs, tears, and much surprise and appreciation. Nikki Malley, Dr. Jim Beers and Tim Lochhead accompanied each player on his journey to make his presentation to provide guidance, support, and transportation. The entire IMPACT Project was most successful and accomplished its goals. Nikki Malley, project coordinator said, “Perhaps this will become an annual event for senior players to come! This year’s inaugural project was made possible by many people. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2024 Senior Football Season IMPACT Project!” Photos: Jim Beers

CHS Football seniors thank those who have made an “Impact” on their lives (1 of 2) Proud CHS senior “Football Moms” organize and implement the 2024 “IMPACT” program BY JIM BEERS Nikki Malley, a very proud mother of Brenden Malley, a 2024 Chester High School senior football player, was looking at Tik-Tok, a social media platform, and ran across a very moving activity that another high school football team had done this year. The activity brought tears to her eyes as she watched the senior boys from this particular high school carry out their program. Malley said, “After seeing this group of senior boys carry out their presentations, we got the wheels turning for our own IMPACT Project.” “The CHS senior moms have a chat group and I sent them a video of the other football teams’ senior players conducting their program. Immediately my idea and suggestion for us to encourage the Chester seniors to do a similar program quickly took off!” In the video, it showed the senior football players presenting a T-shirt to a selected individual who had made a significant impact on their lives. The presentations were a surprise to the individual recipients, usually a teacher or staff member, and the player basically walked into the recipient’s classroom or office and presented them with the shirt. On the front of the shirt were the words,” I Made an IMPACT” or “Made and IMPACT” with the school mascot in the middle of the logo. On the back of the shirt was the player’s name across the shoulders of the shirt and his football jersey number. As the player presented the shirt to the recipient, he told the person that he or she had made a significant impact on his life and thanked him or her for doing so. Hugs and tears frequently followed. Malley said, “Once we decided to do a similar program, we had to act fast. We were in the 2024 IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs and wanted the boys to experience this opportunity prior to playing the second-round game against Maroa-Forsyth.” Malley then started collecting senior player’s names and numbers and contacted Silkworm, Inc. of Murphysboro to get a shirt design started. CHS Principal, Jeremy Blechle gave his approval and gave her the green light to proceed. Other senior mothers chipped in on funding the “IMPACT PROJECT”, and the ball got rolling in lightning speed under Malley’s direction. The rules for selecting an IMPACT recipient included 1) the person had to be a school employee or volunteer at a school, and 2) the recipients had to be easily accessible. Malley said, “It took a lot of people to make this project work. Tim Lochhead and Dr.Jim Beers went to each presentation to film and photograph the interaction. Their talents are what made the final project amazing.” “Staff at Chester High School, Chester Grade School, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, and Chester Construction supply were humbling. They allowed us to interrupt their daily routines to make the presentations possible. In addition, the administrations at both schools made it possible to visit the teachers in their classrooms for the presentations.” The goal of the IMPACT Project were two-fold. First, since the senior moms conceived the ideation for the project, they wanted their senior football sons to have a life-long “recorded” memory of their final high school football seasons. Secondly, it was educational and a wonderful experience for the boys to recognize someone in their lives who made a big difference and positively impacted them throughout their school years. Malley said, “Whether it was someone who taught them or coached them, or simply supported them emotionally at times when they needed it, it was important to let the recipients know that they made a huge difference and IMPACT for them.” “We tell our boys to show up on the field each and every week, and we wanted them to know that it was also very important to thank those who showed up first for them!” Once the boys made the selection of their IMPACT persons, the senior football moms created certificates for each recipient and determined the sizes of T-shirts that were needed to properly fit them. Silkworm, Inc. then worked quickly to “rush-order” the shirts so that they could be printed and delivered in time for the presentations on Thursday and Friday November 7th and 8th . All turned out well and the IMPACT project was carried out without a hitch! It took portions of two days to complete the deliveries of the IMPACT awards to all 13 of the recipients due to class schedules and availability of both the football seniors and their special influencers. Photos: Jim Beers