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.
To see more pictures from the ceremony, become a fan of our Facebook page and click here!
Comments
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time and part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Part-time students are enrolled in six to 11 credit hours while full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. The excerpt below features Macoupin County students.
FULL-TIME STUDENTS
Bunker Hill – Logan R. Helling
Carlinville – Reid P. Evans*, Brody M. Reif
Gillespie – Maris E. Brill, Austin L. Grace*
Girard – Max Allen*, Katie Angulo*, Mick B. Downs*, Josh Hagerman, Reed Lewis, Michael S. Prose*
Mount Olive – Jakobb E. Brown*, Georgia G. Kampwerth
Palmyra – Alexis R. Bowman*
Staunton – Paige N. Horstmeyer*, Michael J. Matesa*, Lauren R. Mathis, Brandon Mo
Virden – Zorah E. Austin*, Michaeh N. Barnhouse*, Maddie Carver, Jackson R. Pierce*, Morgan C. Snell*, Grant M. Strickler, Courtney N. Ulinski*
PART-TIME STUDENTS
Benld – Christopher Young*
Carlinville – Alex C. Nance*, Jerry D. Nance Jr.*
Gillespie – Jessica L. Tiek*
Girard – Lindsey J. Ferguson*, Jackson R. Henke*, Natalie Moriconi*
Mount Olive – Kara A. Harmon*, Justin D. O’Neill*, Hayden Wylder*
Virden – Candace L. Carlile*, Lillian M. Carlile*, Natalie M. Little*, Josie P. Patterson, Luciano Pierce*
Comments
The 2:18 Missions Team, a dedicated local outreach group based in Gillespie, is excited to announce its upcoming cookout fundraiser to support its community initiatives. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at Randy’s Market in Benld.
From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members are invited to enjoy delicious homemade food while supporting a worthy cause. The menu will feature pork chops, pork burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing water — perfect for a summer day of good food and fellowship.
“All proceeds from this event will go directly toward our mission efforts to serve and uplift our community,” said a spokesperson for 2:18 Missions Team. “We’re grateful for the support of our neighbors and look forward to seeing everyone there!”
Come out to Randy’s Market in Benld on June 21st to enjoy a tasty meal, support local endeavors, and connect with others in the community.
Comments
CARLINVILLE, IL – On June 14th, concerned citizens are invited to join a coalition of grassroots organizations to nonviolently protest in front of the Macoupin County Courthouse at 201 E. Main St. in Carlinville, IL, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This protest is one of over 1,400 protests taking place nationwide with millions of participants as part of the NO KINGS National Day of Action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.
Trump’s unconstitutional actions include suppressing free speech, detaining people for their political positions, deporting American citizens, defying the courts, and much more – all while enriching himself and his billionaire allies.
“Now Donald Trump is planning a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th. This display of might is intended to intimidate opponents and solidify his image as a strongman, while paying for it with taxpayer dollars.”, said Kelley Hatlee, a volunteer organizer with the Macoupin County 50501and Indivisible movements. “Instead of allowing this military parade to be the center of attention, the NO KINGS nationwide protests make action everywhere else the story of America on June 14th: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”, said Hatlee.
“We’re showing up together as neighbors, friends, and fellow community members to say NO to authoritarianism and yes to a government that serves everyone,” said Chelsa Pruden, a volunteer organizer with Macoupin PRIDE and Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible. “We’re tired of watching powerful people trample our rights and our voices. This protest is about reminding everyone, especially those in power, that real strength comes from the people.”
Participants are encouraged to make protest signs that convey their personal messages. Packaged, nonperishable food items will be accepted for donation to local food pantries to help low-income families who will be hit hardest by Trump’s policies.
The NO KINGS protest in Carlinville is organized by a volunteer coalition of the Macoupin PRIDE and the Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible grassroots movements. The coalition has created a Facebook page titled “Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible” for concerned citizens to follow.
Comments
Madison Communications technicians and SCTE Gateway Chapter win first place
Beleagured board chairman responds to critics as County Board prepares to start budgeting process
