School News
Partnership awards nearly 25 percent of Gillespie graduates with scholarship
Back Row (L to R) Tyler Swank, Braden Rauzi, Landen Emelander, Quinn Beechler, Owen Schweppe, Traegan Madeline, Macie Wright, Mia Brawner, Katie Spencer, John Fassero, Ken Tebbe
“We are honored to reward and assist almost 25 percent of this years graduates,” reported John Fassero, Jr., at the Gillespie High School senior awards night on Thursday May 14. The president of the CUSD7 education foundation, noted that once again every applicant received a $2,000 tuition scholarship to the college or institute of their choice.
“We are proud tonight to award $34,000 in tuition scholarships to these amazing and very worthy seniors out of a graduating class of 72,” he said. “Our directors were moved by the applicants’ personal statements of the varied life experiences that have shaped their future goals.
“To date we have awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships to 556 GHS graduates to further their educations,” Fassero said. “In addition, we have donated more than $700,000 for in-classroom grants since 1992. Our latest grant capped a three-year $90,000 gift to update computers for student school and at home use.
The 2025 awards and their recipients are:
BEHRENS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FOR A CAREER IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, OR MEDICINE
Today James William Behrens, retired senior technical advisor for the U.S. Navy to the Pentagon, initiates this scholarship to honor his family which has contributed to Gillespie since 1869. Henry H. Behrens and wife Wilhelmina raised eight children, including George William Behrens Sr. and his son George William Jr., who later operated Behrens Drug Store in Bunker Hill.
Madilyn Martin, daughter of Emily and Josh Martin of Gillespie, will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to study pre-dentistry.
PETE AND WANDA BERNOT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship was established to honor students who exemplify the values that the Bernots held dear: service to community, dedication to hard work, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Mia Brawner, daughter of Nikki and Matt Brawner of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study sonography.
BILL AND GWEN BERUTTI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Beruttis left a generous gift to fund scholarships. Gwen taught English in Roxanna and Mt. Olive after she earned a graduate degree at SIU Carbondale. She was also well known as a keyboard accompanist and vocalist in her husband Bill’s musical combo. Bill worked at Berutti Self Service Grocery Store, in the office at Shell Oil, and was a piano technician and musician.
Ellie Wilson, daughter of Stephanie and Jim Wilson of Gillespie, will attend Illinois College in Jacksonville to study writing.
DR. D. ROSS AND MRS. ROSEMARY BILLITER SCHOLARSHIP
“We are grateful to the people of this area who have supported my medical practice,” said Dr. Billiter, when he retired recently after nearly 50 years as a general surgeon at St. Francis Hospital. “This gift acknowledges our appreciation and an investment in the future of our area.”
Owen Schweppe, son of Sara and Larry Schweppe of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College, to study industrial electricity.
ELINOR DAVIES NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
Established by friends and family in honor of Elinor who served many decades as school nurse in CUSD7. She was also an active member of the Gillespie First United Methodist Church.
Owen Pau, son of Sara and Gavin Pau of Gillespie, will attend University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, to study nursing.
ROGER DEWITT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
An outpouring of memorials for this farmer, painter, horse breeder, horticulturist, and musician led to this award. Song writing and performing with his band Southern Blend were backdrops to his farming and painting. Self-taught, he depicted small family farm life, a disappearing culture of the rural Midwest.
Macie Wright, daughter of Shannon and Dave Wright of Gillespie, will attend Millikin University in Decatur, to study art therapy and psychology.
JOE DONA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
A friend has chosen to recognize Joe’s years of service to his community. A professional truck driver, Joe was best known for his deep commitment to the area. He was in the first EMT class for the Gillespie ambulance service. He joined the Gillespie fire department in 1960 and remained active until his death in 2022. In addition, he was an auxiliary policeman and kept the Benld Catholic Cemetery in beautiful condition for many years.
Landen Emelander, son of Kelly and Eric Emelander, will attend Midwest Technology Institute in Springfield to study HVAC/R and electricity.
H.E.I.D.I. FOUNDATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Gerald and Sandi Brand’s foundation, in memory of their daughter Heidi, assists those interested in helping young people with special needs to achieve full potential. H.E.I.D.I. stands for Helping Every Individual Develop Independence.
Traegen Madeline, son of Deanna Ellis and Jeremy Ellis of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study exercise science.
RYAN KOSCHAK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Established by his wife, Abbie Bunge Koschak, this scholarship supports students in the trades. Ryan, GHS Class of 1999, graduated from the Midwest School of Welding and became a Boilermaker (Local 363). He was known for his exceptional kindness, humor, and generosity as well as skillful welding. Especially devoted to his daughter Vivien, he touched many lives with joy before his untimely passing.
Quinn Beechler, son of Tammy and Jim Beechler of Gillespie, will attend Midwest Technology Institute in Springfield, to study welding, specifically pipeline welding.
DAISY LANCASTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Daisy retired as a cafeteria cook in CUSD7. She was an active member of the Gillespie United Methodist Church. She and her husband Bill enjoyed playing pinochle and watching their nine grand- and great grandchildren play sports.
Kennedy Helmkamp, daughter of Danielle and Robert Helmkamp, will attend Millikin University to study business.
J. E. LIBBRA FAMILY FARM SCHOLARSHIP
Married for 48 years, Joe, a hardworking grain and livestock farmer, and Eileen, a nurse, were dedicated to their four children. Today Mary Sievers, Joe Libbra, Trish Elking, and Carol Kramer, maintain this scholarship to honor their parents and give back to their community.
Hayleigh Otten, daughter of Elizabeth and Michael Otten of Gillespie, will attend the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis to study nursing.
DENIS AND MARGARET MCGRADY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Denis and Margaret Bee McGrady are honored by their nine children: Denis, Jr.; Connie Page; Mikey McPheters; Doug; Charlie; Barb Mathenia; Margaret Enlow; Murray; and Brian. Denis graduated from the University of Illinois Commerce and Law programs, returned to Gillespie and practiced law for almost 50 years. Both were known for their love of flower gardening, landscaping, and hospitality. Margaret, who passed in 2024 at age 98, was also a talented musician, seamstress, and interior designer.
Kaitlyn Spencer, daughter of Steven and Victoria Spencer of Gillespie, will attend Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to study pre-law.
SCHMIDT-BARTON FAMILY FUND SCHOLARSHIP
John Schmidt and his wife Peg were the very first “partners” of The Partnership, generously stepping up to generously support our shared mission of improving educational opportunities for young people in CUSD7. John’s father, William E. Schmidt, Sr., and his wife Florence raised five children in Gillespie. William worked in a Gillespie bank for 20 years before joining the Columbia Quarry Company in 1932. Son John of Tucson, AZ passed away in 2025. He was president of their family Foundation but turned the reins over to his daughter Susan Hillkemeyer. After 33 years, the Schmidts are still one of our most generous and consistent supporters.
Elissa Plasters-Cline, daughter of Kellyn and Justin Peoples of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study accounting.
DAWN TILLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Dawn Tilley was a paramedic with the Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service. Dedicated to emergency care, she also worked on Dunn’s and Medstar ambulances. She was also an active local volunteer in children’s causes. “She would help anyone who needed anything,” says her family.
Corinne Fellin, daughter of Kathy and Chuck Fellin of Benld, will attend Lincoln Land Community College to study x-ray technology.
MICHAEL VALENTI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This 1994 GHS graduate lost his life in a tragic accident. Michael had earned an associate degree at Lewis and Clark Community College and was continuing his education at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Andrew Sellers, son of Dale and Brian Sellers of Benld, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study pre-dentistry.
VFW POST 4547 SCHOLARSHIP
The Partnership is pleased to offer a scholarship for a child or grandchild of a U.S. military veteran and/or a student who has committed to ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) in college. This scholarship is the result of a generous gift from the now disbanded Gillespie VFW Post 4547.
Haeden Kellebrew, son of Jake Kellebrew and Jessica Ross of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study pre-dentistry.
JOHN R. WOLFF MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
John was a 1963 graduate of GHS and a lifelong area farmer. He was the recipient of the FFA Farmer Degree. He aspired to witness younger generations uphold the tradition of acquiring knowledge of both the history and future of farming and the trades.
Braden Rauzi, son of Jennifer and Brad Rauzi of Gillespie, will attend Midwest Technology Institute in Springfield to study HVAC and electricity.
EVALINE BOEHMKE MUSICIANSHIP AWARDS
Evaline Boehmke of Gillespie was an ardent supporter of music. She left a bequest for $100 cash awards for students selected by the music faculty of GHS for their outstanding musicianship in band and chorus. This year the BAND winner is Kennedy Helmkamp, and the CHORUS winner is Tyler Swank.
The Partnership for Educational Excellence is an IRS-chartered 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational foundation. It also awards classroom grants to enhance curriculum. To donate or learn more, contact us at www.thepartnership7.org or P.O. Box 125, Gillespie IL 62033.
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Benld resident Geonnah Johnson has been named to the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Dean’s Honor Roll for their work in the fall 2025 semester, a distinction given to those who achieve the university’s highest academic standards.
To be included on the President’s or Dean’s Honor Roll, a student must be enrolled full time. For the President’s Honor Roll, a student must record a “straight-A” or 4.0 GPA, while Dean’s Honor Roll must earn a 3.5 GPA or better for the semester and no grade lower than a B.
The university recognized 1,924 students on the President’s Honor Roll and 1,574 students were named to the Dean’s Honor Roll from throughout Oklahoma, the country and world.
UCO is a campus community in motion—leading, innovating and creating transformative learning opportunities that foster success for students. As Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan university, UCO provides high-quality, nationally recognized programs that are always evolving and adapting to the needs of students and the community. This commitment is rooted in its founding in 1890 as the state’s teacher’s college, training those who would educate the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” – UCO continues to evolve and grow, offering 120 undergraduate and 79 graduate programs to our more than 12,000 students from its main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro. The university is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information about UCO, visit www.uco.edu.
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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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The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association announces that it will be awarding over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the State of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2026-2027 academic year.
The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books, and fees only. The student must be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning, full-time. Online learning is also acceptable.
Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl will be awarding one scholarship in the amount of $500.
There will be no restriction on any applicant by reason of race, age, creed, color, sex, or national origin. The only limitations are applicants must be a permanent Illinois resident and students must be enrolled as a full-time student during the 2026-2027 school year, excluding summer session.
Applications are available at the sheriff’s office located at 215 South East Street, Carlinville or on the ISA website. Students must complete the application, answer the essay question, and return all documentation to the sheriff’s office by March 13.
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