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Gillespie KCs donate $1,916 for Special Education

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Accompanied by Kyle Hlafka, Superintendent of Staunton Unit School District 6, Mike Hailstone, Chairman of the Gillespie Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, presents a check in the amount of $1,916.34 to K.C. Special Education staff member Marian Mayfield.

Gillespie Knights of Columbus Council 2076 awarded the students of the Special Education Mentally Impaired Class a check in the amount of $1,916.34 on Friday May 18.

The donation represents proceeds from the Knights of Columbus annual Tootsie Roll Drive, held the weekend of Sept. 16-17 with very favorable weather conditions.  Mike Hailstone was chairman for this year’s successful drive.

For the past 37 years the K.C.’s have sponsored the Annual Tootsie Roll Drive to assist mentally challenged students.  The donations from the drive make it possible for the class to purchase numerous items to benefit the students with new and innovative materials that help stimulate learning.  The proceeds also supplies supplemental money for field trips.

Christmas is a very special time of the year for the students.  In December, the students attended a Christmas shopping trip to Wal-Mart.  Each student chose and purchased a reasonable priced gift for them and practiced receiving the correct change.  Afterwards, they lunched at the Chinese Buffet where they were enjoyed a variety of cultural foods while making their own choices.

Special Education students and staff extend their thanks for the work the K.C.’s are doing for them.  Special thanks are extended to Grand Knight William Tallman, Treasurer Larry Pianfetti, Drive Chairman Mike Hailstone, the Knights of Columbus members and non-members, and those who donated.

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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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