Community News
Class of 2012 graduates 68 students
Either we will find a way, or we will make one.
In a ceremony long on tradition with a few moments of serendipity, Community Unit School District 7 awarded diplomas to 68 graduating seniors during commencement exercises on Sunday afternoon in the Gillespie High School gym.
Valedictorian Abbie Cline highlighted the ceremony as she delivered her valedictorian address. “Take a second to remember everything that happened in this high school because this will be the last time we are all here together at once,” Cline opened. “It was a great four years. We are part of one of the best classes to pass through this high school.”
Her address described Cline’s emotions upon saying goodbye to high school and preparing for the future. “We are like a family,” she explained. “Girls sports have been phenomenal, but it isn’t all about sports. We all supported Dallas on his way to becoming number one in physics during the WYSE competition.”
Ben Parish carries Sam Wasylenko out of the gym in conclusion of the ceremony.
Cline went on to thank her class for making high school enjoyable. “You will always be remembered,” Cline added. “You were the best class. We were always supporting each other, we are sexy and we know it.” Cline offered advice to her classmates. Always set goals for yourself, she noted, and never forget what we had here.
Class members gave Cline a standing ovation at the conclusion of her address. As grins and smiles were popular among the classmates, teachers offered their last congratulations to the students saying “good luck in the future, you were a great class.”
Others thanked the students. “You’ve made my job fun,” Paine said. “I’m grateful for being able to be a part of your lives.”
Speaking to the class, Tiburzi noted that the class is already leaders. “You have survived everything we have thrown at you,” Tiburzi said as he talked about the class moto. “Now you will make a new path.” He said the class already had demonstrated leadership in a number of areas, including academics, fine arts, vocational education and sports.
“Know we are very proud of you and wish the great of success in life,” Tiburzi said. “Your class has survived everything from death of classmates to classmates in car accidents.” Cline‘s co-valedictorians, Richard Mock, Adam Schmidt, and Michael Taylor, offered traditional valedictorian addresses.
“I want to thank everyone that has helped us get here this afternoon,” Mock told his classmates. “I want to thank my classmates, high school would have been boring without you guys. We are awesome.” Mock went on to share that the class needs to move forward and wish them best of luck.
Steven Wolf watches as the high school choir sings "2012".
In a speech laced with casual humor, Schmidt acknowledged the end of his and his classmates’ high school career. “It’s hard for me to believe it is truly over,” he said. “It was hard work and we are a great class. High school would not have been as fun without you guys.” The class has always been close, according to Schmidt. Every day was a good day to him. “I honestly say I wish I could come back next year.”
Michael Taylor gave the final farewell and struggled realizing it is finally happening. “Not long ago, I was the young man in the back of the room playing in the band and wishing the ceremony would speed up so I could go home,” he opened. “Here it is now; I wish I was still back there.” Life must go on, he advised, we have a bright future ahead of us.
“We are prepared for the future,” Taylor added. “Our class moto truly describes us.” Taylor asked the class to thank everyone who has led them in the right direction. He offered God’s blessing on his classmates and America in closing.
Board President Mark Hayes presented diplomas as board member Weye Schmidt read the names of graduates. Schmidt stepped forward to present his son, Adam Schmidt with his diploma.
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2:18 Missions, a nonprofit focused on home repair projects in the Gillespie area and humanitarian efforts at Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky, has launched a spring food drive to support families served by the Henderson Settlement Food Pantry. The pantry assists low-income families across five counties in the Appalachian region, where a steady supply of nourishing food is essential.
The organization emphasizes that no donation is too small or too large. Right now, all contributions received from now through the first week of April will directly fund food for families in need. It costs roughly $35 to provide food for a family of four for an entire month, a goal that this drive aims to meet for as many families as possible.
Donations can be made in several convenient ways. Checks or cash may be given to any 2:18 Missions team member. For those who prefer digital options, donations are accepted via Venmo or PayPal at 2:18 Missions Nfp. Community members are also encouraged to follow and engage with updates on the 2:18 Missions Facebook page.
2:18 Missions stresses that every contribution, regardless of size, makes a tangible difference in the lives of families working to make ends meet in the mountains of Kentucky and the residents of Gillespie who support their neighbors in need. The organization invites the public to join in this effort and to help spread the word through social media and word of mouth.
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The Gillespie Public Library invites the community to its 13th annual Night of Trivia and Games, a popular evening of competition, camaraderie, and cash prizes. The event is set for Saturday, March 28, 2025, with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. and play beginning at 7 p.m. at the Gillespie Civic Center.
Attendees can expect a safe, social night out as organizers have arranged tables to accommodate social distancing, ensuring guests can enjoy the fun in a comfortable setting. The evening features prizes for first, second, and third place, along with a 50-50 drawing and other assorted cash games and prizes.
In keeping with the event’s lighthearted spirit, there will be no silent auction. Organizers emphasize that the goal is “Only laughs and fun,” with a chance to win money while enjoying a friendly competition format.
Entry is a $100 team fee, with a maximum of 10 players per team. Participants are encouraged to pre-register by March 25 to guarantee a table. Registration options include mailing a form to Gillespie Public Library, 201 W Chestnut, Gillespie, IL 62033; calling the library at 217-839-3614; or contacting Steve Joyce at 217-839-2839.
For those interested in joining or learning more, team captains should designate a contact person and provide a reachable phone number during registration.
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The estate of the late Lindell and Jean Loveless, longtime Macoupin County pork producers, has made generous equal gifts to The Partnership for Educational Excellence in Gillespie CUSD #7 and to the Carlinville CUSD #1 Education Foundation. The gifts come from the remainder of a family trust established to ensure high-quality end-of-life care and were divided upon Jean Loveless’s passing, with equal shares allocated to the education foundations in each district.
Tim Loveless, local businessman and son of Lindell and Jean, emphasized the family’s enduring commitment to education and practical life skills. “It was my parents’ desire to use these remaining funds to support and enhance career and technical education programs in our schools,” Loveless said. He recalled his family’s deep roots in hard work and the value of life skills, noting that “the spirit of this gift is to prepare students for life in general, and to prepare them to earn a living by learning a trade.”
“The bottom half of the class,” Tim continued, “needs financial education and practical skills. A person can learn and earn their way to success.” He described his parents’, grandparents’, and great-grandparents’ diverse ventures—from farming and cattle to turkey production, nursing homes, meat processing, swine production, and subdivisions—and underscored that high formal education is not the sole path to success, but motivation and skill are crucial. He expressed hope that the gift will help school districts boost opportunities for students who may doubt their ability to succeed.
John Fassero, Jr., president of The Partnership for Educational Excellence in CUSD7, welcomed the gift as a strong alignment with the Partnership’s mission. “This Loveless family gift is a perfect fit for the established goals and policies of The Partnership,” Fassero said.
Since its founding in 1992, The Partnership has awarded nearly 600 scholarships based on goals and hard work rather than GPA or class rank. Fassero noted that the organization has several scholarships targeted to the trades, and that nearly 20 scholars have pursued trade school education in the past four years alone. “In addition, two-thirds of The Partnership’s giving is directed to curriculum enhancement across all three schools and in all specialties, including shop and FFA,” Fassero added.
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