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Clark receives scholarship from IHSA

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The Illinois High School Activities Foundation (IHSAF) is proud to announce its inaugural class of 14 scholarship winners including Jenna Clark of Gillespie High School.

Also receiving the award was Jayden Bell, Huntley High School; Jayden Bell, Huntley High School; Lilli Burton, Round Lake High School; Maria Clark, Grayslake North High School; Daja Coleman, East St. Louis Senior High School; Jori Dowling, Washington High School; Anna Enderle, Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights; Kevin Fist, Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake; Addie Grebner, Metamora High School; Delaney Heidtke, Woodstock High School; Auston Koch, Central Catholic High School in Bloomington; Adam McCollum, O’Fallon High School; Tyler Thalgott, Bloomington High School; and Aubree Wallace, Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto.

Each of the 14 winners are currently seniors at IHSA member high schools and will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their future education. To be eligible for the scholarship, the candidates had to be seniors at IHSA schools who plan to:
A) Major in education in college (or)
B) Intend to get involved in the coaching profession after high school (or)
C) Are currently licensed and actively working as an IHSA official.

“The goal of the IHSAF is to support the mission of the IHSA, and that mission cannot be achieved without the next generation of educators, coaches, and officials,” said Dr. Robert Nolting, the Superintendent of District 230 and President of the IHSAF Board of Directors. “We are incredibly proud to be able to present scholarships to these 14 deserving young people who will positively impact high school students in the near future, as well as those already making a difference as licensed IHSA officials.”

The 14 honorees told their stories via a video submission, reflecting on how high school participation has impacted their lives, as well as why they have been inspired to teach, coach, or officiate.

The Illinois High School Activities Foundation (IHSAF) is a private 401(c)3 non-profit organization that works in conjunction with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to support and advance the mission of the IHSA. The IHSAF raises funding via its annual golf outing, named in honor of former IHSA Executive Director Dr. Marty Hickman, as well as other new initiatives like an online 50/50 drawing. The IHSAF is governed by an independent Board of Directors comprised of personnel from IHSA member schools.

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Madison donates to food pantry and sponsoring toy drive

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Madison employee, Lexy Horton delivered food items to the Staunton Helping Hands Center volunteer Lori Semanik.

During their Employee Appreciation Week celebration in October, the employees at Madison were challenged to donate non-perishable items for the local food pantries as part of a team bonding exercise.

The Madison employees collected a total of 10 milk crates and multiple boxes of food. The items were then divided evenly between the Mt. Olive Care Center, the Bunker Hill Food Pantry, and the Staunton Helping Hands Center. These donations are just a small part of Madison’s commitment to care for the communities that they serve.

Along with donating to the local food pantries, Madison is also sponsoring the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again. Please help spread the love to a child for Christmas by donating a new and unwrapped toy for girls and boys ages 0-12.

Toys will be accepted anytime until December 6th in their main office lobby located at 21668 Double Arch Road in Staunton.

To learn more about Madison’s services call 800-422-4848 or visit gomadison.com.

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Fifth grade elementary students decorate pumpkins as fundraiser for Project Kid Kare

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The fifth grade at Ben-Gil Elementary recently had a pumpkin decorating contest as a fundraiser to help support Project Kid Kare. The fifth grade students decorated a pumpkin as an activity with their parents during a Parent Involvement Day.

Each of the classes’ pumpkins were displayed on tables. All the students in the school could vote for their favorite table of pumpkins using spare change. The table that received the most money votes, won the contest.

Students were able to vote multiple times for their favorite table using change or $1 bills. The fifth grade students raised a total of $334.37 and donated the proceeds to Project Kid Care. This act of kindness will bring smiles to many faces of the students in school. Project Kid Kare helps students in the CUSD #7 who are unable to purchase school supplies each year.

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Oberkfell claims victory at State Cross Country championship

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Chaz Oberkfell (archived photo/TheBenGilPost.com)

In a stunning display of athletic prowess and determination, Chaz Oberkfell, a junior at Gillespie High School, crossed the finish line first at the 2024 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 1A State Cross Country Championships, securing his victory with an impressive time and personal best of 14:31.9.

Rounding out the top five was senior Nicolai Martino of Winnebago (14:33.9), senior Gabriel McLain of Benton (14:33.9), sophomore Maxwell Kirby of Peoria Notre Dame (14:47.7), and senior Andrew Kurien of Rockford Christian (14:54.8).

The championship race, held at the scenic Detweiller Park, drew competitors from across the state, all vying for the coveted title. Oberkfell showcased his exceptional talent and training and was in second place before securing the first place spot toward the end of the race.

Oberkfell’s victory is a testament to his relentless dedication and the support of his coaches and teammates. Throughout the season, he has consistently demonstrated remarkable speed and endurance, often finishing races well ahead of his competitors.

The Gillespie community turned out in full force to support the team with many friends, family members, and fellow students cheering the team on Friday morning when the team bus was escorted through town and again on the sidelines Saturday morning. The triumph victory not only highlights Oberkfell’s personal achievements but also brings recognition to Gillespie High School’s cross country program. The team has shown tremendous growth over the past few years, and this victory is a significant milestone.

Also representing Gillespie in the state championship race were Carter Sies (16:59.4), Marshall Garwood (17:03.3), Hank Fletcher (17:15.4), Nolan Hostettler (17:23.9), Matthew Plovich (17:37.4), and Lucca Kapp (17:40.1).

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