Students, parents and other guests met author and Collinsville High School alumnae Kerry Nenn who shared tips and encouragement about becoming a professional writer.  She said there are several traits necessary to become a W-R-I-T-E-R.

W = Wish
R = Reality
I = Investment
T = Time
E = Excitement
R = Repeat

During the certificate presentation, each student was called forward to share the title of their book. Following a brief photo session, everyone was invited to stay for refreshments.

Students’ Young Authors book submissions are turned-in at the school level.  Each school chooses books to represent them at the district level.  The district submissions are reviewed, and several are chosen to advance to county and state level competition.

The 2024 CUSD 10 Young Authors Receiving Recognition are:

Gabriella Basuel – The Magical Kingdom
Lela Post-Biondi -The Untold Story of The Five Princesses
Elle Aunna Click – What Kindness is All About
Vivian Gottschalk – The Lost Unicorn Horn #3
Paityn Hamilton – Seven Ribbons
Nathaly Hernandez – Dejame Entrar
Harper Homes – How You Make a Pen
Timmir Ladd – The Missing Train
Makenzie Myrick – The Wave is Rising
Natalia Cortes Reese – The Giant Unicorn Came to Town
Emilia Shaw – Stella’s Big Move
Everett Shaw – The Sheperd
Jillian Smithe -Pile of Bad Decisions
Emery Sorensen – The Fairy That Was Lost
Isla Stelmach – The Adventures of Kip the Cat

The post 2024 Young Authors Celebrated appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

March 15,  2024 – Collinsville High School second-year social studies teacher Dakota Tostado was named the Illinois Education Association 2024 Bob Haisman Teacher of the Year during the organization’s annual Representative Assembly in Rosemont, Illinois, on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

The Bob Haisman Teacher of the Year recognizes a “new teacher” IEA member who has shown outstanding accomplishments in their involvement in the local, state, and/or national association; in their profession; in promoting public education; and in enhancement of the image of early career educators  in the Association, the school or the community.

Tostado was nominated by Kathleen Cervera, IEA Early Career Chairperson, who wrote:

…Dakota is a second year social studies teacher at Collinsville High School in Collinsville, Illinois.  As a first year teacher, Dakota became engaged with Association work. He embraces the work that his local, region, and the IEA have been doing to support public education, educators, and students…

Dakota is enthusiastic about the work that is being done at the local, regional, and state levels
of the association. He is also passionate about recruiting other early career educators to attend local and state events. Dakota’s ambition, positivity, enthusiasm, and emerging leadership makes him a qualified candidate for this award. I am excited to see the many things that Dakota will accomplish as he continues to be an active and engaged IEA member.

The Illinois Education Association, an affiliate of the National Education Association, is a union of more than 135,000 members composed of Illinois elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty and staff, educational support professionals, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.  Their mission is to effect excellence and equity in public education and to be THE advocacy organization for all public education employees.

The post CHS Teacher Dakota Tostado Recognized by IEA appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

This information was compiled the the Collinsville High School Multicultural Kahoks club.  To submit information for next year’s presentation, contact Collinsville High School.

Districtwide Black History Month Information

Use THIS LINK to view information compiled by the Collinsville High School Black Student Union for schools to share with students about Black History Month.

The post Celebrating Black History Month 2024 with a Focus on Alumni appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The post Class of 2020 Grad Monserrat Muñoz Recognized by American Advertising Federation appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Collinsville, Illinois – December 27, 2023

The Hall of Fame was established in May 2022 “to recognize athletic and personal accomplishments, exemplary citizenship, contributions to society and actions that brought distinction and honor to all associated with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10.”

The 2024 group is the second to be enshrined in the Kahok Hall of Fame. Twenty-one individuals and teams were honored as the inaugural class last year.   

Beginning in May 2023, nominations for the 2024 class of inductees were solicited from the public.  In August, the eleven members of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee – four from the school district and seven representing the community at large – chose this year’s Kahok Hall of Fame inductees from a lengthy list of worthy individuals and teams.  

To be eligible, a candidate must have graduated from Collinsville High School, worked for Collinsville CUSD #10 or be affiliated with the Collinsville CUSD #10 communities. Individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame must be at least 30 years of age prior to being inducted.

The Collinsville CUSD 10 Kahok Hall of Fame has two divisions:

• Distinguished: Individuals are recognized for community service, academic achievement, professional accomplishment and/or school district employment.
• Athletic: Individuals, teams and coaches are recognized for their success and accomplishments.

“Our district is really excited to recognize our alumni, residents and employees for their community service, academic achievement, professional accomplishments, service to the district, athletic success and accomplishments,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich.

“It was a challenge and an honor for the committee to review and select the Collinsville Kahok Hall of Fame Class of 2024,” added Skertich, “We are extremely proud of this year’s inductees and look forward to our  community  celebrating their accomplishments in February.”

2024 Induction Dinner Tickets and Information:

The 2024 inductees will be celebrated February 15, 2024 at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Illinois.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m.  The inductee presentations begin at 6:45 p.m.  The cost is $40 per person.  Tables seating eight can be requested. Tickets for this event are limited and must be purchased in advance. Ticket sales end on February 1, 2024.  

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Clay Smith (csmith1@cusd.kahoks.org) 618-346-6320 Ext. 1231 OR Jan Harmon (jharmon1@cusd.kahok.org)  618-346-6320 Ext. 1122.  

2024 Collinsville CUSD 10 Kahok Hall of Fame Inductees:

1965 Basketball Team (Athletic Achievement): The 1964-65 Kahok basketball season was supposed to be a “rebuilding year” after an upset loss in the super sectionals ended the 1963-64 season. However, everything came together that winter to bring home Collinsville High School’s second state basketball championship.  Under the leadership of legendary Collinsville basketball coach Vergil Fletcher and assistant coach Frank Pitol, with grit and perseverance, as well as a historic command of Fletcher’s 1-2-2 “ball press” defense, the ‘65 team accrued a 30-2 season, 12-0 conference record, and state championship.  

1986 Soccer Team (Athletic Achievement): The 1986-87 Kahoks capped an 18-5-2 season with Collinsville High School’s second boys soccer state championship. Collinsville beat Libertyville in the state tournament final match 2-1 in a nail-biter that included four overtimes. 

William (Bill) Baumgartner (Distinguished Achievement):  A 1976 graduate of Collinsville High School; as well as graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, University of New Orleans and Harvard Law School, retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Bill Baumgartner’s 33 year military career included serving as The Judge Advocate General/Chief Counsel (TJAG) and Seventh District Commander of the Coast Guard. He is the recipient of the Legion of Merit Award for his actions during the global war on terror.

Bob Bone (Athletic Achievement): Bob Bone was a three-year starter for Kahok Basketball leading up to his graduation from CHS in 1973. He played on two regional and sectional championship teams and two Elite Eight teams. Bone was named All-Conference, All-State and All-State Tournament as a senior.  At University of Missouri-St. Louis, Bone started every game for four years, and was a three-time NCAA Division II All-American. He was also an academic All-American and earned an NCAA postgraduate scholarship. His career as an athletic director and basketball coach includes twenty-years at Collinsville High School. 

Brenda Holdener (Distinguished Achievement):  Captain Brenda Holdener enlisted in the U.S. Navy following her 1978 graduation from Collinsville High School. She earned degrees from Oregon State University, the Naval War College and University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.  During her 31-year Navy career, she served as a combat helicopter pilot, navigator on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Kitty Hawk, commanding officer of a helicopter squadron, and command center director for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). She was the first female commander of the USS Wasp, a multipurpose amphibious assault ship.  In the early 1990s, Holdener was part of a panel that spoke before Congress regarding the combat exclusion law which prohibited women from serving in combat positions.

Francesca “Frannie” Kolesa (Athletic Achievement): CHS Class of 2010 graduate Frannie (Steiner) Kolesa’s calm and cool demeanor helped lead the Kahok Girls Bowling team to the state championship in 2010; to date the only IHSA state championship girls team in school history.  At the state tournament, Kolesa’s 2,756 (229 average) pins, including three consecutive strikes in her final frames, helped the Lady Kahoks clinch the team championship, and earned her the individual state title.  She was named 2009-10 SIHSBC Player of the Year and St. Louis Post-Dispatch Female Athlete of the Year.

Dominique Manley (Athletic Achievement): Kahok middle-distance runner Dominique Manley graduated from Collinsville High School in 2010 holding eight school records; seven still standing today. During his high school years, he was a two-time 800m, and one-time 4X800m relay Madison County champion; and 4x400m Southwestern Conference relay champion.  Manley made three appearances at IHSA State, including when he won the 800m state championship in 2010. He continued his track career at Kansas University where he competed individually and as part of Jayhawk relay teams.

Ken Oberkfell (Athletic Achievement): Ken Oberkfell, a 1974 graduate of Collinsville High School, learned baseball growing up in Maryville, Illinois, and as a Kahok at CHS.  He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1975, which launched his long career as a professional baseball player and coach.  The highlight of his Major League career was being a member of the Cardinals’ 1982 World Championship team as part of “the best infield in baseball.”

Dennis Pace (Athletic Achievement): The 1965 Kahok state championship basketball team was led by center Dennis Pace. He averaged 25.6 ppg during their 30-2 season.  He was the state tournament’s leading scorer, and earned All-State and All-American honors.  After graduating in 1965, Pace took his skills on the court to the University of Illinois where he excelled in the classroom, too, earning both All-Big Ten and All-American academic honors.  After college, he returned to Collinsville High School as a physical education instructor and coach.  

Tom Parker (Athletic Achievement): Basketball player Tom Parker graduated from Collinsville High School in 1968.  At 6 feet 6 inches tall, Parker was a three-year starting center for Kahok Basketball.  During his record-setting career at CHS, he scored 2,041 career points and set many school records. In high school, he earned All-State honors twice, and was named an All-American his senior year. At the University of Kentucky, his standout performance continued: All-SEC First Team, Academic All-SEC Team, and co-SEC Player of the Year. Parker was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1972 NBA draft. 

John A. “Jack” Renfro (Distinguished Achievement): Jack Renfro dedicated his career to public education.  Renfro, a 1950 graduate of Collinsville Township High School, was a multisport Kahok; a four-year contributor in basketball, track and baseball, including captain of the 1950 basketball team that took 4th in state, and the record holder of both 100- and 220-yard dash. After graduating from SIU Carbondale and service in the U.S. Army in South Korea, he began his career as a teacher and coach in several Illinois communities. In 1970, he returned to his hometown, where he was an educator for several years before serving as superintendent for 22 years.  John A. Renfro Elementary is named in his honor.  

John M. Renfro (Distinguished Achievement): John Renfro is a 1978 graduate of Collinsville High school where he was a member of National Honor Society and science club, officer of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and captain of the cross country and track teams.  Next, he followed the path of several relatives who earned degrees at SIU Carbondale. There he earned the business degree that would become the foundation of a career that has included senior executive roles at Zenith, Gateway, The Walt Disney Company, HP, AECOM and Capital Group. He is currently an executive advisory board and founding member of SemperVirens Venture Capital in California.     

Everett Singleton (Distinguished Achievement):  Everett Singleton was a pioneer in ending racial discrimination and segregation in the Collinsville public school system. Singleton was born in 1914 and raised in Collinsville during segregation. He attended Lincoln School for Blacks in the community, but graduated from high school elsewhere because Collinsville Township High School was not desegregated until 1940.  He earned a teaching degree from Illinois State Normal University and returned to Collinsville where he would serve as a teacher, and eventually, the final principal of Lincoln School for Blacks. Singleton’s leadership and character helped convince the Board of Education to close the school and integrate its students and staff into other schools. Singleton taught at Summit Elementary and Webster Elementary until his death in 1970. 

Kevin Stallings (Athletic Achievement): While growing up in Collinsville, Kevin Stallings developed a passion for basketball.  Stallings played guard at Collinsville High School for four years under legendary coach Vergil Fletcher. When he graduated in 1978, the Kahoks had collected three conference championships and two appearances in the state tournament; and Stallings had set records in career assists, season assists and season steals. He went on to play basketball at Purdue University for American Hall of Fame basketball coach Gene Keady. After college, Stallings became an assistant coach at Purdue, then University of Kansas. Over the next 25-years, he served as head basketball coach at Illinois State University, Vanderbilt University and University of Pittsburgh. 

Collinsville CUSD 10 Kahok Hall of Fame

For more information about the Kahok Hall of Fame,  including previous inductees,  visit: www.kahokhalloffame.org

Collinsville Area Community Foundation

The Collinsville CUSD 10 Hall of Fame is supported through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation. 

CACF works to enhance the quality of life for the communities of Collinsville, Maryville, Caseyville, Fairmont City and surrounding areas by promoting impartial, unbiased and ethical philanthropy, with a commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, by bringing together people and resources that identify and address present and emerging school and community needs.

CACF is a public charitable organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  All contributions and gifts are tax deductible. To learn more and make a donation, visit the Collinsville Area Community Foundation website. 

The post Kahok Hall of Fame Announces 2024 Inductees appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The 2nd Annual Kahok Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is February 15, 2024 at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Illinois. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. The inductee presentations begin at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $40 per person. Tables seating eight can be requested.

To reserve your seat and purchase tickets, contact:

Clay Smith (csmith1@cusd.kahoks.org) 618-346-6320 Ext. 1231
Jan Harmon (jharmon1@cusd.kahoks.org) 618-346-6320 Ext. 1122

Please note: Tickets for this event are limited and must be purchased in advance. Ticket sales end on February 1, 2024.

The Kahok Hall of Fame 2024 class of inductees will be announced at the Prairie Farms Holiday Basketball Tournament at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 in Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium at Collinsville High School. A tournament ticket is required to attend. The announcement will be broadcast live on the Kahok Sports Network.

The Kahok Hall of Fame was established in May 2022 to recognize athletic and personal accomplishments, exemplary citizenship, contributions to society and actions that brought distinction and honor to all associated with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10. For more information, including how to make a monetary donation to support the Hall of Fame, visit www.kahokhalloffame.org.

The post Tickets on Sale for 2024 Kahok Hall of Fame Induction appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The post CHS Class of 1973 Class Reunion Donates $5,000 to KAHOKstrong appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

August 3, 2023 – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 is proud to welcome back 2003 graduate Ms. Jennifer Root-Smith as an assistant principal at Collinsville High School for the 2023-24 school year.

Ms. Root-Smith grew up in Maryville, Illinois, and continues to live there today.  She has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as principal and learning behavior specialist endorsements from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  She has been a 4th grade teacher, instructional coach and administrator. The 2023-24 school year will be Ms. Root-Smith’s 17th year in education.

“I am passionate about building relationships with students and partnering with all stakeholders for the success of our students,” says Root-Smith, “All students can achieve with guidance, support and even a little love.  

“I have high hopes for this school year.  Together, we will learn new things and discover strengths and skills that we didn’t know we had.  By challenging ourselves and working together we will experience success.  It is my hope that we can partner together every step of the way to provide a rigorous, high quality education for ALL CHS students.  I am excited about the possibilities that this school year will bring and elated to be a Kahok again!”

Ms. Root-Smith is married to her high school sweetheart.  They enjoy exploring fun things to do in and around the St. Louis area.  The couple’s five-year-old son will attend Maryville Elementary School in fall 2023. The family has two dogs, a Shiba Inu named Kota, and an English Black Labrador named Dixie. 

 “I am beyond excited to return to my alma mater and work in the district where I live and where my son will attend school,” proclaims Root-smith, “Besides, everything is better in purple!”

The post Alumna Jennifer Root-Smith Returns to CHS as Assistant Principal appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Collinsville, Illinois – May 12, 2023 –

Stabenfeldt will receive the honor and address the Class of 2023 during the commencement ceremony.  The event will be livestreamed on the Tomahawk Studios YouTube channel. 

Dr. Sarah Stabenfeldt is an Associate Professor and Associate Director of the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering at Arizona State University. Following her 1998 graduation from Collinsville High School, Stabenfeldt earned a B.S. in biomedical engineering from Saint Louis University. Next, she pursued graduate school at the Georgia Institute of Technology to earn her PhD in bioengineering.  

In 2011, she joined ASU to build a biomedical research program.  Her work spans nanoparticle delivery strategies for traumatic brain injury to developing novel biomarkers for TBI to neural regenerative medicine. Dr. Stabenfeldt’s research is funded by federal, state and private foundation/clinical sources. 

Dr. Stabenfeldt has received a number of prestigious awards including National Institute of Health Director’s New Innovator Award, National Science Foundation CAREER Award and Arizona Biomedical Research Centre Early-Stage Investigator Award. In 2022, her achievements were recognized by being elected as a Fellow of American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering; this organization represents the top 2% of medical and biological engineers, including the most accomplished medical and biological engineers in academia, industry, education, clinical practice and government.  

Stabenfeldt fondly remembers growing up in Collinsville and her early days at Summit Elementary School.  She recalls playing with neighborhood friends as they went exploring, riding bikes and swimming. She enjoyed swimming at Gaslight and Town & Country clubs; teaching swimming at CMT YMCA and Gaslight; as well as working as a lifeguard at Gaslight.  

Like many who have called Collinsville home, she reminisces about birthday cakes from Kruta Bakery.

Dr. Stabenfeldt attended North Junior High where she played basketball.  At CHS, she was a  member of the girls basketball and swim club teams, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Mu Alpha Theta and Monogram Club. 

Her favorite high school classes were chemistry, physics, physiology and math/calculus. She says several CHS teachers made an impact on her:  Mrs. Contratto (chemistry), Mrs. Grindler (physics), Mrs. Brueggeman (calculus) and Mr. Adams (mythology).

Positive experiences at CHS inspired her career choice. “Support from high school teachers in STEM provided confidence to pursue biomedical engineering at Saint Louis University,” says Dr. Stabenfeldt, “Then once at SLU, the mentorship and support of the BME faculty provided the space for me to grow and explore biomedical research as a career path.” 

Stabenfeldt says the most rewarding aspects of biomedical engineering and research are “the potential to contribute to understanding and solving complex problems; and the collaboration with colleagues and trainees to pursue research questions that have not yet been asked.” 

“If I can contribute one piece of the bigger puzzle, inspire future researchers, and break down barriers to create more inclusive STEM learning environments,” she says, “I will have accomplished more than I set out to achieve in my career.”

Outside her professional endeavors, Dr. Stabenfeldt likes to spend time swimming, camping, hiking and pursuing outdoor adventures with her husband, Richard, and six-year-old son, Graham.

“We love adventures, exploring and traveling together. Graham has been to at least five different countries already!” she says.  

While her family grew up in Collinsville, today only an aunt, uncle and one cousin remain.  “We grew up together in Collinsville, but now everyone is scattered across the country.” Stabenfeldt says, “We are still very close, and plan vacations and holidays together.”

Dr. Stabenfeldt says her advice to the Class of 2023 is to “Remain true to yourself while discovering your likes and dislikes in the world. Be curious. Be kind to yourself and others. And while you are discovering and exploring, find those folks that support your aspirations – don’t take directions from those that do not know where you are going.”

She adds: “I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition. I look forward to going to work each day at Arizona State University. I could never have imagined that I would have accomplished as much as I have so far in life, yet, I see it as just me pursuing my passions and interests in life.”

The post Sarah Stabenfeldt PhD is 2023 Alumni Achievement Honoree appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Nominate a deserving Kahok

Online and printable nomination forms are posted on the Kahok Hall of Fame website or can be accessed using these links:  ONLINE nomination OR PRINTED nomination

The selection committee is accepting nominations May 1, 2023 through August 1, 2023.

Kahok Hall of Fame

The Kahok Hall of Fame was established in May 2022 to recognize “athletic and personal accomplishments, exemplary citizenship, contributions to society and actions that brought distinction and honor to all associated with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10.”

“Our district is fortunate to have a long and storied list of alumni, residents and employees who are worthy of recognition for their community service, academic achievement, professional accomplishments and service to the district,” said CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, “Furthermore, Kahok Nation has a long history of student athletes, alumni and coaches who have experienced a great deal of athletic success and accomplishments.”

To organize the difficult task of selecting inductees, the founders of the Kahok Hall of fame established the following Hall of Fame Divisions:

• Distinguished: Individuals are recognized for community service, academic achievement, professional accomplishment and school district employment.
• Athletic: Individuals, teams and coaches are recognized for their success and accomplishments.

2024 Induction Ceremony & Dinner

The induction ceremony and dinner for the 2024 hall of fame inductees will be held at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville on February 15, 2024. Tickets for this event will be limited and go on sale in December 2023.

Support the Kahok Hall of Fame

The Kahok Hall of Fame is supported through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation. CACF is a public charitable organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions and gifts are tax deductible.  Donations and bequests are accepted from and disbursed to individuals, groups or businesses. To learn more and to make a donation to the Kahok Hall of Fame, visit the foundation website. 

The post Nominations Open for 2023 Kahok Hall of Fame Inductees appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Click the image below to scroll though the list of graduates we’re celebrating in March 2023

To share information for a future list, reach out to Multicultural Kahoks sponsor Barbara Lindauer blindaue@cusd.kahoks.org.

#onceakahokalwaysakahok

The post CUSD 10 Celebrates Women’s History by Featuring CHS Grads appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Collinsville, Illinois – December 28, 2022

The Hall of Fame was established in May 2022 “to recognize athletic and personal accomplishments, exemplary citizenship, contributions to society and actions that brought distinction and honor to all associated with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10.”

Beginning in June 2022, nominations for the 2023 class of inductees were solicited from the public.  In September, the eleven members of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee – four from the school district and seven representing the community at large – began the formidable task of selecting the inaugural class of Hall of Fame inductees from a lengthy list of worthy individuals and teams.  

To be eligible, a candidate must have graduated from Collinsville High School, worked for Collinsville CUSD #10 or be affiliated with the Collinsville CUSD #10 communities. Individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame must be at least (thirty) 30 years of age prior to being inducted.

The Collinsville CUSD 10 Kahok Hall of Fame has two divisions:

• Distinguished: Individuals are recognized for community service, academic achievement, professional accomplishment and/or school district employment.
• Athletic: Individuals, teams and coaches are recognized for their success and accomplishments.

“Our district has a long and storied list of alumni, residents, students and employees who are worthy of recognition for their community service, academic achievement, professional accomplishments and service to the district; and a long history of student athletes, alumni and coaches that have experienced a great deal of athletic success and accomplishments,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich.

“It was a challenge and an honor for the committee to review and discuss so many deserving Kahoks to create the first class of Hall of Fame inductees,” added Skertich, “We look forward to the community reminiscing and celebrating these individuals and teams with us.”

2023 Collinsville CUSD 10 Kahok Hall of Fame Inductees:

Michelle Bartsch-Hackley (Athletic Achievement):  A 2008 graduate of Collinsville High School, Bartsch-Hackley is a professional volleyball player. In addition to many high school, college and professional accolades, Bartsch-Hackley earned a gold medal at the 2022 Tokyo Olympics with the US Women’s National Team. 

Terry Bethel (Athletic Achievement): Bethel, a 1957 Collinsville graduate, was a first team All-American basketball player in 1957, as well as All-State in 1956 and 1957. He was an initial inductee into the Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Fame.  

Donald Bitzer (Distinguished Achievement): A 1951 graduate of Collinsville Township High School, Bitzer is widely known as the “Father of PLATO” having co-invented the PLATO Computer System (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations).  PLATO was the first system to combine graphics and a touch sensitive screen. 

Irving Dilliard (Distinguished Achievement): Dilliard was a 1923 graduate of Collinsville Township High School.  He became an accomplished writer, editor and well-known authority on the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court. 

Walter “Hoot” Evers (Athletic Achievement): Evers graduated from Collinsville Township High School in 1938. He excelled in multiple high school and college sports. Evers served his country in WW2, and returned to play, coach and hold executive positions in major league baseball.

Arthur Fletcher (Athletic Achievement): Born in 1885, raised and educated in Collinsville, Arthur Fletcher was a professional baseball player from 1909 to 1922.  He later coached in the major leagues, including with the New York Yankees from 1927-1945 when they won ten American League pennants and nine World Series championships.

Vergil Fletcher (Athletic Achievement): Vergil Fletcher’s legendary career at Collinsville High School ran from 1946-47 through 1977-78  He was head basketball coach for 32 years, including two state championships, and head football coach for 20 years. Renowned for coaching basketball, Fletcher earned a winning percentage of .814 at the helm of Kahok Basketball.  Among his many accolades, Fletcher was named to the charter class of the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973 and the 100 Legends of the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament in 2006. Fletcher was inducted into the National Federation of High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.

Moses Harrison II (Distinguished Achievement): A member of the Collinsville Township High School Class of 1950, Judge Harrison is the only Collinsville graduate to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court. He was Chief Justice from 2000 until 2002.

Tom Jager (Athletic Achievement): Record setting swimmer Tom Jager is a 1982 graduate of Collinsville High School.  He earned NCAA individual championships, was named 1984 Pacific-Ten Conference Swimmer of Year, and was an eleven-time United States National Open Champion.  A multiple-year Olympian, Jager won seven Olympic medals for the United States.

Richard Mark  (Distinguished Achievement): A 1973 CHS graduate, Richard Mark has had an exemplary civic and business career.  His professional positions included CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis and President/Chairman of Ameren Illinois. Mark has earned numerous civic awards and recognition for philanthropic efforts. 

George Musso (Athletic Achievement): Musso was a football player and 1929 grad of Collinsville Township High School.  He was a standout at Milliken College and All-Pro player during his 12-season career with the Chicago Bears.  He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Bogie Redmon (Athletic Achievement): A 1961 grad, Redmon was an All-State athlete in football and basketball, and All-America in basketball. His role with the 1961 undefeated state and national champion Kahoks Basketball team earned many tributes, including a spot on the IHSA Top 100 All-Time List. His storied basketball career continued at University of Illinois, where Redmon is listed on the Fighting Illini Basketball All-Century team.  

Joe Reiniger (Athletic Achievement): Reiniger is a 1989 Collinsville High School graduate, where he was a two-time soccer All-American and member of the 1986 state championship team. His notable career continued at SIUE, then for 13-years as a professional soccer player and coach. He is in the SIUE and St. Louis Sports Halls of Fame.  Reiniger influences future generations of soccer players through the Gateway Rush Soccer Club.

Fred Riddle (Athletic Achievement): Riddle graduated in 1961 from CHS where he was named All-State in football and basketball.  He was one of the rare individuals who continued to play both football and basketball in college at the University of Iowa. In 1963, Riddle set a then-Big Ten record by throwing five touchdowns in a single game.

John Shimkus (Distinguished Achievement): Upon graduation from Collinsville High School in 1976, Shimkus accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Following military service, he worked in several local government roles before being elected to the US House of Representative in 1997.  He retired from Congress in 2021, after serving all or part of the CUSD 10 community during his 24 years in office.     

Lucille Stehman (Distinguished Achievement): Lucille (McLanahan) Stehman, a 1936 Collinsville Township High School graduate, is recognized for her outstanding career of service and work as a Collinsville area historian who helped preserve Collinsville’s rich history for future generations.  She produced “Collinsville: A Pictorial History” in 1992. 

Mathew Welch (Distinguished Achievement): A 1910 graduate of Collinsville Township High School, Welch was a member of the school’s first boys basketball team, as well as the baseball and track teams. He played on the Illinois Wesleyan University conference champion baseball team and served in WWI. Welch practiced law in Collinsville and served as the Assistant State’s Attorney for Madison County, in addition to holding leadership roles in local civic endeavors and fraternal organizations of his era.  

1941 Baseball Team (Athletic Achievement):  The 1940-41 Kahok baseball team won the first state championship in school history. After graduation, many members served in World War II. 

1961 Basketball Team (Athletic Achievement): The 1960-61 Kahok boys basketball team was an undefeated state champion at 32-0 and was crowned the #1 high school team in the nation that year. The 1960-61 Kahoks are remembered as one of the finest teams in Illinois high school basketball history.  Under the direction of fabled coach Vergil Fletcher, the team included two All-Americans: Bogie Redmon and Fred Riddle.  

1981 Soccer Team (Athletic Achievement): The 1981-82 Kahok boys soccer team was the first Kahok soccer team to win a state championship in soccer.  They finished the season with a record of 24-2-2 and won their three state tournament games by a total combined score of 8-1.  

2010 Girls Bowling Team (Athletic Achievement): To date, the 2009-2010 Collinsville High School Girls Bowling Team is the only IHSA state championship girls team in Collinsville’s history. In addition to the championship that year, the Lady Kahok Bowlers set the record for the highest pinfall in state finals history.

Collinsville High School Athletic Director Clayton Smith said, “The Kahok Athletic Department is excited to share the pride, history, and tradition with our inaugural class and community.  Collinsville Community Unit 10 has so much to be proud of! Sharing the history and past accomplishments with our current students will teach them the importance of what it means to be a Kahok, and give them a sense of pride to carry on past traditions started before them.” 

“Our district has so much rich history. We look forward to commemorating the inaugural class of 2023 and honoring more outstanding Kahoks in the years to come,” said Skertich.

Hall of Fame Dinner

The 2023 class of inductees will be honored at the First Annual Collinsville CUSD 10 Kahok Hall of Fame Dinner on February 16, 2023 at Gateway Center in Collinsville.  Seating for the event is limited.  Tickets are $35 and can be purchased on GoFan: https://gofan.co/app/events/745197?schoolId=IL24016  

Collinsville Area Community Foundation

The Collinsville CUSD 10 Kahok  Hall of Fame is supported through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation (CAF) works to enhance the quality of life for the communities of Collinsville, Maryville, Caseyville, Fairmont City and surrounding areas by promoting impartial, unbiased and ethical philanthropy, with a commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, by bringing together people and resources that identify and address present and emerging school and community needs.  For information, visit: https://www.collinsvillefoundation.com/

The post CUSD 10 Announces 2023 Kahok Hall of Fame Inductees appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The event will be held at the Gateway Center in Collinsville.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the presentation ceremony at 6:30 p.m.  Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased via the QR code above or by using THIS LINK.

The inaugural class of inductees will be announced at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday,  December 28, 2022, during the Prairie Farms Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament at Fletcher Gym.  Tournament tickets are required for admission. For tournament and ticket information, visit the Classic Tourney website: https://www.collinsvilleholidayclassic.org/.

The post Tickets on Sale for Inaugural Kahok Hall of Fame Dinner appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The presentation was complied through responses from graduates or information provided by their families.  If you would like to be included in next year’s presentation, or know someone who would, please email the following information to CHS teacher (and Veteran herself) Barbara Lindauer blindaue@cusd.kahoks.org 

1. Year you graduated from CHS
2. Which branch you served in and your specific job.
3. Highlights from your career/life.
4. What have you been doing since detaching?
5. Advice to current students
6. A few photos.

Click the image below to view the 2022 presentation

The post CHS Honors Veterans with 2022 Presentation of Grads Who Served appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The crew showed the medical helicopter to Renfro students and answered questions about their work and careers.  Each class got to take an up-close walk around the helicopter and pose for a photo with the crew.

The post Medical Helicopter Team Visits Renfro Elementary appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The post KAHOKstrong Thanks CHS ’72 for $2,000 Donation appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

September 28, 2022

The Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete Scholarship was established for a graduating CHS female student athlete who plans to attend college after graduation.  There will be one $5,000 scholarship awarded a year. 

Adams attended Illinois State Normal University (today Illinois State University) and became a physical education teacher. She earned a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She taught elementary and junior high PE for 34 years – 31 in East Alton School District #13.  She officiated softball, field hockey, basketball and volleyball throughout the area for many years.    

Pat has been interested in sports her entire life.  When she was a student at Collinsville High School in the mid-1950s, female athletes were limited to intramural volleyball, basketball and softball, where they did not compete against other schools; and were members of the gender-specific Girls’ Athletic Association (GAA).  She is pleased with the opportunities afforded today’s Lady Kahoks and wanted a way to reward those who successfully balance the demands of athletics with academics. 

“I want this scholarship to reward someone who has worked hard to be a good student,” said Adams.    

Her desire to pay it forward comes from an anonymous cash donation given to her when she was a young student teacher. “I received assistance and I want to pass it along,” she said, “Young people need to be encouraged. If we have the capacity to help someone, we should go ahead and do it.”

Adams moved back to her Collinsville hometown and reconnected with the Kahoks when she retired in 1994.  She admittedly “bleeds purple” and is a superfan cheering at countless Kahok men’s and women’s athletic competitions.  “Ms. Pat” gets to know students, coaches and families. She often shares stories and the history of Title IX with today’s athletes to build a bridge between her generation and theirs.   

CHS Athletic Director Clayton Smith said, “Pat Adams is a Kahok!  Her support for our Kahok Student Athletes and coaches is greatly appreciated.  Pat is a pioneer for female athletics, and her generosity in providing scholarships for our student athletes to attend college is a fantastic opportunity.”  

“I was planning to put something in my will to set-up a scholarship,” said the 84-year-old Adams, “When I read about giving through the Collinsville Area Community Foundation, I decided now was the right time to do it. I can make a difference and meet people benefitting from my scholarship.” 

She wants her generosity to be an inspiration to others:  “People need to see this happening.  It doesn’t have to be a huge amount. Anyone can make a difference.”

“Pat exemplifies the love and support our students receive from our community regarding academic and extracurricular success,” said Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich, “Her generosity will positively impact our future graduates for generations to come.”

The Pat Adams Lady Kahok Scholar Athlete Scholarship application must be submitted by April 3, 2023 for consideration.  Information will be posted soon on the CHS Counseling Department’s scholarship webpage.

Support Local Scholarships

To support or create a scholarship for Collinsville High School students, visit the Collinsville Area Community Foundation website. CACF is a public charitable organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions and gifts are tax deductible.  Donations and bequests are accepted from and disbursed to individuals, groups or businesses.

The post CHS Alumna Pat Adams Establishes Scholarship to Benefit Lady Kahoks appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The following article was published in the September 15, 2022 Times-Tribune newspaper.

The following was published in the Belleville News-Democrat on October 3, 2022. (Click HERE to download a PDF)

The post Class of 1970 Celebrates Gift of Statue 50+ Years Later appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Collinsville High School 2022 graduates: Please take a few minutes to respond to a brief survey from ISBE.  Access the survey by clicking the image below:

The post ISBE Wants to Hear from 2022 Grads appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Chelsea says: “Everything is going great!! Still getting used to the change in setting and the transition to the professional world but I love my team.”

The post 2022 Grad Chelsea Nott is Federal Reserve Summer Intern appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

May 31, 2022 – Today, Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced the creation of a Hall of Fame to celebrate accomplishments of the many Kahoks who have brought positive recognition to our community over the years. 

Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich shared the Hall of Fame news in the following letter:

On behalf of the district and Board of Education, I am excited to announce the creation of the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Hall of Fame.  The Hall of Fame has been established to recognize students, alumni, community members and employees for individual and team successes, and other notable accomplishments.

I have been fortunate to interact with many different people from our communities the past three years.  Our talks often turn to the amazing things our students, staff, alumni and community members have accomplished.  Kahok Nation is a special place and we have a rich history to celebrate.  The timing is right for the establishment of the Collinsville CUSD #10 Hall of Fame.

In recent weeks, I have met with district and community leaders to envision how to best capture Kahok Pride and honor the accomplishments of individuals and teams who have brought recognition and distinction to our community. We plan to gather nominations this summer and induct the Collinsville CUSD #10 Hall of Fame Class of 2023 during a special event in February.  Next week we will announce more details about this exciting endeavor.

Our district has numerous individuals and teams that are deserving of this kind of recognition.  We hope to memorialize their accomplishments for the Collinsville School District and our respective communities to share and embrace for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Mark B. Skertich Ed.D.
Superintendent

The post Collinsville CUSD 10 Hall of Fame Announced appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Nenn was accompanied by Twin Echo Principal Dr. Julie Haake on visits to classrooms as part of the school’s “V.I.P.” day.  The theme-for-the-day was part of the school’s alphabetical countdown to the end of the school year….May 13 representing the letter “V”.  Dr. Haake shared yearbook photos of  young Kerry Nenn to show the students how the children’s book author was once just like them.

“T-Rex in My Closet” is Nenn’s first children’s book in her career as a full-time freelance writer and author.  She says the inspiration for the book was her two nephews’ love of dinosaurs.  Nenn collaborated with an illustrator to bring the book to life.  Learn more about her on her website: https://nennpen.com/.

In addition to reading her book to students, she talked about being a writer and encouraged them to create stories of their own. The students asked many questions and were very interested in talking about what they would do if they suspected a dinosaur was hiding in their rooms.

“T-Rex in My Closet” is available on Amazon.  Click HERE for information.

The post Former Student Visits Twin Echo As Author appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

May 10, 2022

Captain Holdener graduated from Collinsville High School (CHS) in 1978 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  She graduated with honors from Oregon State University in 1985 with a B.S. Construction Engineering Management; graduated from the Naval War College in 2000 with M.A. National Security and Foreign Affairs; and graduated from University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in 2002 with Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security.

In 1980, Captain Holdener received a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship.  She was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1985, and completed Naval Flight School training in 1988, earning the Wings of Gold as a Naval helicopter pilot.  

She recalls: “I completed Naval Flight School training as a helicopter pilot with my brother Michael A. Holdener, also a 1978 CHS graduate. We were the first brother-sister team to complete Navy flight school school together.”

Captain Holdener was deployed with the Navy multiple times on a variety of ships to the Mediterranean, Northern Atlantic, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, as well as Japan, Korea, Guam and Australia in the Pacific Theater. Her assignments included combat helicopter pilot, navigator on the USS Dwight S. Eisenhower and USS Kitty Hawk, and command center director for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

In 2001, she became the Commanding Officer of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Two (HC-2), a helicopter squadron with 450 personnel and 14 H-3 helicopters. 

Captain Holdener became the 17th commanding officer and first female commander of the USS Wasp, a multipurpose amphibious assault ship in 2010.    

At the time she was inducted into the Oregon State University Academy of Distinguished Engineers in 2013, she recalled, “My construction engineering management degree was broad enough to help me excel as a helicopter pilot and a ship’s commanding officer.  The engineering background made the technical aspects easy, and the business background kept me thinking about efficiencies in large organization management.” 

“I’ve been able to influence and lead 1,100 young men and women on a daily basis as the commanding officer of a ship.  If I was able to help only one of them to reach their goals, then I was successful at my job,” she added.

Captain Holdener retired from the U.S. Navy in 2014 after 31 years of active military service. 

Her retirement gift to herself was to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. “It was 2,189.2 miles, took 173 days with 34 of those days hiking zero miles. I started March 20 and ended September 10.  It was definitely one of my greatest accomplishments,” she says.  She has also hiked 169 miles on the Florida Trail, and 369 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Most recently, she hiked 175 miles coast-to-coast across Costa Rica. 

Twice during her long career, Captain Holdener notably participated in Congressional hearings. Her first appearance was related to the Navy’s involvement in Operation Desert Storm.  In 1991, she was part of a panel discussion regarding the combat exclusion law which prohibited women from serving in combat positions (the law was subsequently overturned).  

In addition to her military service, Captain Holdener was an alternate on the East Territory Select Side for USA Rugby, and a member of the Combined Services Select Side Women’s Rugby Team.  She was nominated for consideration on the USA Rugby Board of Directors.  

Brenda Holdener hiking Thunder Mountain in Juneau, AK; Mendenhall Glacier

Captain Holdener currently lives in Alaska.  She says, “I’m living my dream in Alaska.  When there is a season, I work as a hiking and whale watching guide, and a whale watch boat captain.  My happy place is anywhere outdoors – hiking, kayaking, camping, etc.”

She was active in high school athletics in the late 1970s at CHS, including volleyball, track and basketball.  Holdener recalls being a member of the first Lady Kahoks basketball team her senior year. She notes there are many more options for female athletes today than when she was in high school, and is impressed with the long list of today’s Kahok competitive sports.

Captain Holdener says CHS Volleyball Coach Jean Willmore was the person at CHS who was most influential in her career path.  Coach Willmore encouraged her to go to college; and as a way to get tuition paid, she encouraged her to visit a Navy recruiter.  Holdener says enlisting was her best option to pay for college and led to her degree in construction engineering management.  

Her advice to Collinsville High School students is: “First and foremost believe in yourself! You can DO and BE anything you want to be.  It is usually not the physical aspect or how smart you are.  It is more mental.  How bad do you want it?

“Follow your passion.  Follow your dream.  Follow your heart and go for it!  If you are not happy with what you are doing, change your trajectory and go do something else.  Life’s too short! Trust me.  When I was in high school I had no idea I would become a helicopter pilot or in command of my own ship.  Anything is possible,” she said. 

Captain Holdener wants to honor the women who came before her and made her accomplishments possible, “Cheers to the many women who have gone before me to open up the doors of opportunity for me.”

Collinsville High School 2022 Commencement is Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in Vergil Fletcher Gymnasium at Collinsville High School, 2201 South Morrison, Collinsville, Illinois.  The ceremony will be livestreamed and archived on the Tomahawk Studios YouTube channel. 

The post Brenda Holdener is 2022 CHS Alumni Achievement Honoree appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

May 06, 2022 –

Linda (Price) Nunn is a 1983 graduate of Collinsville High School.  She has fond memories of her years at CHS where she was a four-year member of cheerleading (basketball, football and soccer), a Thespian, member of Latin Club, Student Council and Science Club.  She also participated on the soccer and track teams.  

“Collinsville High School was very impactful for me,” she said, “My husband and I want to help change the life of one senior. The scholarship is for students that work hard, have good grades, and are active participants in school activities and clubs.”

Mrs. Nunn intends for the scholarship to help a student reach for their dream school by providing additional financial support that helps make their goals more attainable.  

The Linda (Price) Nunn scholarship is to be awarded before May college commitment deadlines, to help the student in their choice of school.  The money will be available for tuition and room and board, and will be administered by the Collinsville Area Community Foundation.  The funds may be used over four years as needed.

“CHS was one of the things that helped me set a great path for my life.  It led to many other positive decisions later.  My husband and I raised our family in Collinsville for the first 15 years after we met at the University of Illinois. My family has many deep roots in Collinsville.  I grew up there my entire life and have many fond memories,” said Nunn.

“I have been very blessed in life with a wonderful family. We are lucky to have the financial means to give something back. We can help, so we shall,” she added, “It is our hope that we may encourage others to follow this same path to help [CHS] seniors seek their dreams.  We often look back at the people that helped us.  We are just paying it forward.  We hope others join us.” 

The Nunns have also created a scholarship for a graduating senior at Anthony’s former high school, Beecher High School in Beecher, IL.  

Mr. and Mrs. Nunn worked with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich and CHS Counseling Department Chair Karen Olsen to create a scholarship to fulfill their vision and identify potential candidates. They reviewed applications independently and both chose the same recipient without conferring: CHS senior William “Willy” Grieb.  

 The Nunn’s recently visited Collinsville High School to meet Grieb and surprise him with news that he would be the first recipient of the Linda (Price) Nunn Scholarship.  Following the announcement, Grieb took them on a tour of CHS and discussed his future plans.  

“William’s application jumped out at us as a person who has done the kind of things we were looking for: great grades, involvement in the bands, leadership positions, outside work…and when we met him, we saw he is a great person, too!” said Mrs. Nunn. 

Willy has been active in CHS Bands throughout his high school career.  He’s currently trumpet section leader of Marching Kahoks, principal trumpet of the CHS Wind Ensemble, and president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.  Local residents also know him as the current bugler who announces the Call to Post prior to races at Fanduel Sportsbook & Horseracing at Fairmount. 

He is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society.  In addition, he’s part of the technical crew for CHS Drama productions, and a member of the International Thespian Society.  Since August 2020 he has worked at St. Louis Bread Company in Collinsville. 

“I plan to study aerospace engineering and was choosing between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of South Carolina (USC). I’m honored to be the first recipient of this scholarship. It allows me to do everything I want to do.” said Grieb, “My selection enables me to continue my education at  USC – the school that checks all of the boxes for me.” 

Willy plans to be part of the Air Force ROTC at USC and serve in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from college.  He has wanted to work with airplanes or spacecraft since he was very young. He also wants to explore ways to nourish his passion for music.   

“This will launch me in the direction I need to go in order to pursue my dreams of working with the planes I’ve dreamt of working with, and serving the country I’ve dreamt of serving since I was five-years-old,” he said.  

“Our advice to Willy is to keep working hard and experience everything you possibly can.” said Linda Nunn, “Life is meant to be lived, don’t hold back. People that work hard and perform well get choices. They get to choose where they go to college. They get to choose the job they wish to take. They are the ones that choose life, not have life make the choice for them.”

“You hear about people giving back to their former school,” said Grieb, “I’m experiencing that firsthand and am grateful for their generosity.  They are really nice, awesome people.  I appreciate that they want to see me succeed and hope I can turn around and help others someday.” 

“I cannot say thank you enough to Mr. and Mrs. Nunn for the commitment they have shown to Willy and future graduates.  Unit 10 is a special place because of our students and the support they are shown by our staff, community members and our alumni.  Mr. and Mrs. Nunn are a shining example of the commitment and generosity shown to our  students that never ceases to amaze me,” said Collinsville Superintendent Dr. Skertich. 

Support Local Scholarships

To support or create a scholarship for Collinsville High School students, visit the Collinsville Area Community Foundation website. CACF is a public charitable organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions and gifts are tax deductible.  Donations and bequests are accepted from and disbursed to individuals, groups or businesses. 

The post Collinsville Alumna Creates Scholarship for CHS Grads appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Click below to view the 2022 slideshow:

The post CUSD 10 Celebrates May as Asian-American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

February 28, 2022 –

CAVC Director Joe McGinnis said, “The Huber family was looking to be philanthropic and help improve the community where they raised their family. They designated their gift to be split equally between the Kahoks Teaching Kahoks future teachers program and post-secondary scholarships for vocational students.”

Marilyn Huber was a school psychologist in Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 for 17 years before retiring. Their children Aaron (CHS Class of 2005) and Patrick (CHS Class of 2006) attended Collinsville schools. Doug’s father was the Superintendent of Schools in Westville, Illinois, which added to their family’s desire to support education.  Their passion for the Collinsville community, and new scholarship initiatives launched by CUSD 10 and CAVC, provided the catalyst for their philanthropy.

“I grew up in Collinsville and it’s where we raised our family,” said Marilyn, “Collinsville has such dedicated teachers and staff.  We are impressed with the innovative approach the district has taken to grow future teachers through the Kahoks Teaching Kahoks program.  And, as a former school psychologist, I know students have different talents and many thrive in the “hands-on” environment offered by Career and Technical Education. Access to both of these opportunities is important.”

“Our contribution to these scholarship programs will help make it possible for high school graduates to continue their education and move toward careers.  A simple act by our family will make a difference to students who are trying to pay for college or technical training,” she said.

“Mr. and Mrs. Huber’s passion to make a difference, and their love for the district, are evident in their generous contribution that will benefit our high school students for years to come and expand our work force in both education and the trades,” said Collinsville CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich. “They embody one of our communities’ strongest qualities: a constant dedication to our students.”   

The Huber gift is among several scholarship funds supported through the newly organized Collinsville Area Community Foundation.  For more information on supporting scholarships for Collinsville CUSD 10 and CAVC students, visit the Collinsville Area Community Foundation website.  Donations through CACF are tax deductible.

CAVC Promotes Career & Technical Education During February 2022 CTE Month

Collinsville Area Vocational Center currently boasts its highest enrollment in a decade as more students and families see Career and Technical Education as a practical path to the workforce. 

“We are preparing students for careers through a wide variety of programs.  From long-established classes for the trades like welding and automotive mechanics, to courses in fields like education and cybersecurity, CAVC has diverse offerings that appeal to a broad-range of students,” said CAVC Director Joe McGinnis.  

In addition to Collinsville High School, CAVC currently serves students from Civic Memorial High School, Dupo High School, East Alton – Wood River High School, Edwardsville High School, Highland High School, Lebanon High School, Mascoutah High School and Triad High School.  McGinnis says other local schools are considering becoming part of CAVC.  

“Taking a course at the CAVC is the safest, most affordable way to learn about a future career,” he says, “Students can see if a field appeals to them and use vocational classes – which offer things like dual credit and professional certifications – as a springboard to the workforce and/or post-high school education.”

McGinnis says course popularity varies from year-to-year.  Currently, auto mechanics, criminal justice and welding top students’ lists.  Today, many CAVC classes are at capacity and have a waitlist. Program admittance is very competitive. Students are ranked based on academic performance, attendance and discipline during their early high school years to be accepted into vocational courses which are offered to juniors and seniors.

Current CAVC programs are: Auto Body Repair, Automotive Mechanics, Building Trades, Clinical Health Occupations, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Early Childhood Education, Electronics, Engineering, Food Service, K-12 Teacher Prep, Precision Machining, and Welding.  

“For the 2022-23 school year, we will launch the Kahoks Teaching Kahoks initiative to instruct and recruit future K-12 educators. This will be done through 2 new courses, Teaching as a Profession and a 2nd year education field experience course. We hope to add additional new course offerings over the next three years. A dental assistant and agriculture program are two under consideration,” said McGinnis.  

In March, CAVC will launch an updated career exploration project to make young students and their families more aware of CTE programs and career paths. The plan includes digital curriculum and a mobile career exploration trailer that will be brought to schools serving students in K – 8 grades. 

“One of the long-term goals of CUSD #10 and CAVC is to increase career awareness and opportunities for students at all grade levels within the district,” said McGinnis, “ We have re-imagined and are rolling out new ways to increase career exposure to students in the lower grade levels. This will include a digital career curriculum for elementary students and a mobile career exploration trailer that will have 3d printers and LEGO stem kits that classroom teachers can reserve. As we roll out this initiative we will also be looking to add additional equipment and tooling to further expand opportunities for district students.”

Parents wanting to know more about Career and Technical Education, should contact CAVC Director Joe McGinnis at jmcginni@cusd.kahoks.org or 618-343-6141.

The post CAVC 2022 CTE Month News Includes Scholarship Donation appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Click Dr. Stabenfeldt’s photo below to read an article from ASU’s Full Circle magazine:

Sarah Stabenfeldt PhD – CHS Class of 1998

The post 1998 CHS Grad Sarah Stabenfeldt Named to AIMBE College of Fellows appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Siegel is the 3rd women’s soccer player enshrined in the Spartan Athletics Hall of Fame. She is a four-time All-AMC First Team selection and three-time AMC Player of the Week. She earned AMC Freshman of the Year honors in 2000 and AMC Player of the Year in 2003. Siegel holds MBU Women’s Soccer career record for goals (68) and points (166) as well as single game records for goals (5) and points (11).  She is credited in helping the Spartans to 50 wins a 4-year span, including an AMC record in 2002.

Mrs. Siegel is a Title I teacher at Caseyville Elementary.

Congratulations! #thekahokway #onceakahokalwaysakahok

The post CHS 2000 Grad Cally (Gavlick) Siegel Honored by Former University appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

September 30, 2021 – Three Collinsville High School graduates were among 18 students chosen to become Presidential Ambassadors for Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO).

Presidential Ambassadors act as student representatives in promoting goodwill with university visitors and guests. Students are nominated to become presidential ambassadors and are ultimately chosen through a competitive selection process.

SEMO President Carlos Vargas told the new ambassadors, “In the important role of Presidential Ambassador, you will serve as a representative of the university promoting goodwill with visitors and guests, and assisting at presidential functions. As such, it is important for you to remember that many people will consider you the face of university.”

Eighteen Presidential Ambassadors were chosen.  SEMO’s current undergraduate enrollment is 8,629 students.

The three Kahok grads who were chosen in the recent group of SEMO ambassadors all participated in the Leadership 101 program and played varsity sports at CHS.

• Brady O’Neill: Collinsville Class of 2020. Southeast Missouri State University 2024. Major: Special Education
• Joel Philpott: Collinsville Class of 2019. Southeast Missouri State University 2023. Major: Finance. Minor: Entrepreneurship
• Matthew Wilde: Collinsville Class of 2020. Southeast Missouri State University 2024. Major: Computer Science

The SEMO Presidential Ambassadors recently attended a dinner with University President Dr. Carlos Vargas and his wife Pam to discus the importance of being a presidential ambassador and their roles during the upcoming school year.

The post Three Kahok Alumni Are SEMO Presidential Ambassadors appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Mr. Fitzpatrick receives his diploma from CHS Principal Daniel Toberman

Collinsville, Illinois – September 20, 2021 – At their September 2021 regular monthly meeting, the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education presented a 1968 Collinsville High School Service Member Diploma to John Paul Fitzpatrick. 

Mr. Fitzpatrick was attending Collinsville High School when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in October of 1967.  He qualifies for a Service Member Diploma in accordance with CUSD Board Policy 6:300 Graduation Requirements:

“The District will award a diploma to a service member who was killed in action while performing active military duty with the U.S.Armed Forces or an honorably discharged veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Conflict, provided that he or she (1) resided within an area currently within the District at the time he or she left high school, (2) left high school before graduating in order to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, and (3) has not received a high school diploma.”

Mr. Fitzpatrick was a senior at Collinsville High School when he went with a friend to the Army Induction Center in St. Louis, Missouri, to enlist in the United States Army in October 1967.  He was assigned to Basic Tank Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  He was next sent to Fort Pope, Louisiana, for infantry training and then to Fort Knox, Kentucky.  

Thinking he would be heading to Vietnam, Mr. Fitzpatrick instead was ordered to Daley Barracks in Bad Kissingen, Germany, as a member of a Tank Unit. He re-enlisted in the U.S. Army and was later stationed stateside working on military missile systems, radar control systems and computers. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army after serving our country in Europe and the United States. 

Mr. Fitzpatrick obtained his Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He worked as a civilian with various Civil Engineering firms in the metropolitan St. Louis area. During his civilian career, he assisted with many military missions in 37 different countries. 

Officially retired, Mr. Fitzpatrick now makes sure children are transported safely to and from school each day as a school bus driver in a local community.  

Collinsville High School Principal Daniel Toberman said, “Tonight we are proud to award a Collinsville High School diploma to Mr. Fitzpatrick.  As we say, ‘Once a Kahok, Always a Kahok!’”

The post Veteran Receives 1968 Diploma from Collinsville High School appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Attendees should wear masks, honor social distancing and other public health guidelines.

The post Collinsville Community Watch Party Aug 7 to Cheer Kahok/Olympian appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Collinsville, Illinois

Oberkfell, a 1974 graduate of Collinsville High School, was raised in Maryville, Illinois. He attended Maryville Elementary School and North Junior High School, and was a CHS Kahok Baseball player before being signed by the Cardinals organization in 1975.  After a storied career in professional baseball, Oberkfell once again lives locally and spends time sharing his knowledge and love of the sport with local youth. 

Ken Oberkfell started playing baseball in Maryville when he was six years old.  Growing up across the river from St. Louis, he dreamed of playing in the major leagues for the St. Louis Cardinals. After graduating from Collinsville High School, he played baseball at Belleville Area College (now Southwestern Illinois College) where he was named a Junior College All-American.  At that time, he was scouted by the Cardinals and signed as a free agent on his birthday, May 4, in 1975. 

“My dad loved baseball,” says Oberkfell, “but was a [Chicago] Cubs fan.  I was a Cardinals fan. When the Cardinals scouts talked to us, I was only nineteen years old. There was no doubt I wanted to play for them. My dad left it up to me to make the decision.  It was my dream come true.” 

He played for farm teams in the Cardinals system until late 1977 when he got the call to move up to replace an injured player. In 1978, he played his first full season in Major League baseball.  

Cardinal Infielders Tommy Herr, Keith Hernandez, Ken Oberkfell and Ozzie Smith

The highlight of his Major League career was being a member of the Cardinals’ 1982 World Championship team as part of “the best infield in baseball.”  

He was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1984 and went on to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros and California Angels.  Among his memories: playing for the Giants in the 1989 World Series during the historic game when an earthquake struck the Bay Area. He retired from playing in 1992. 

Oberkfell transitioned to coaching and worked in the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets organizations.  He was named Minor League Manager of the Year in 2005, and won Winter League and Carribean Series championships managing Leones Del Escogido in the Domincan Republic. He coached for several Minor League teams and eventually retired to return to the Collinsville/Maryville area.

He has three grown children:  Tami, Joseph and Elizabeth.  He enjoys playing golf and mentoring young baseball players. He coaches 10-year-olds in Maryville’s Drost Park Khoury League and offers lessons upon request.  He’s currently the color commentator for Kahoks Baseball on the Kahoks Sports Network. 

He credits his parents for their support of his dream to play professional baseball and for giving him opportunities to make his dream come true.  He says growing up in Maryville was “…a lot of fun.  Everybody knew everybody.” Oberkfell fondly remembers his days at Collinsville High School.  

“I remember my high school science teacher Carl Temple and baseball coaches Terry Smith and Russ Keene. Russ Keene was a great teacher and a great person,” said Oberkfell. He is pleased the Freshman/JV baseball field behind the high school was recently named for Keene.

Oberkfell says he admires the strength shown by the Class of 2021 as they endured more than a year of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  He said his commencement message will include telling them to “Dream big. Dream big and it can happen for you.  It happened for me.  Dreams do come true.”

For more information on 2021 Commencement, visit: Celebrating the Class of 2021.

The post Former Cardinal Ken Oberkfell to Receive CHS Alumni Achievement Award appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The post CHS/CAVC 2017 Grad on Frontline Administering Vaccine appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Accomplishments and Advice from Women Who Graduated from CHS:

Members of the Multicultural Kahoks and sponsor Barbara  Lindauer reached out to female CHS graduates to hear about their accomplishments since graduating and to ask for advice to share with current CHS students.  Click the image below to view a slideshow highlighting accomplishments of many CHS Alumnae:

 Daily Announcements/Recognition

Throughout the month of March, during morning announcements, the Multicultural Kahoks are sharing information about the accomplishments of notable women:

March 1st/2nd

March is National Women’s History Month! Multicultural club will be sharing important women throughout history with you as well as giving out prizes to celebrate women’s history! Each Monday there will be a challenge you can complete for the chance to earn a prize. This week there is a fun presentation showcasing successful female graduates from Collinsville High School!

Today the multicultural club would like to tell you about Susan B. Anthony. Susan B. Anthony was a pioneer crusader for women’s suffrage in the United States. She was president of the National Woman Suffrage Association. Her work helped pave the way for the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote.

March 3rd/4th

A message from the multicultural club- Remember to check out the Women’s History Month presentation and fill out the google form emailed to you for a chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card!

Interested in important women in history? Meet Shirley Chisholm! Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman elected to U.S. Congress in 1968, and later became the first black candidate for a major party’s nomination for president.

March 9th/10th

Attention all students! Check your email to participate in a women’s month activity for a chance to win a gift card!

The Multicultural Club would like to introduce you to Coretta Scott King! Coretta Scott King was a leader in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After her husband’s death, she continued his work advocating for African Americans’ rights and became a leader in the women’s rights, LGBT rights and anti-apartheid movements. King was also a singer who often incorporated music into her civil rights work.

March 11th/12th

Attention all students! Remember to check your email to participate in a women’s month activity for a chance to win a gift card!

Today we are highlighting Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte! Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte became the United States’ first Native American doctor. She graduated at the top of her class from Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1889 before returning to her Omaha tribe armed with training in modern medicine, and the goal to heal her community by advocating for public health.

The post CHS Recognizes 2021 Women’s History Month appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Mr. Hrubetz grew up in Maryville, Illinois during the Great Depression.  He graduated from Collinsville High School in 1946 and joined the US Marines. He later studied at St. Louis University and became a geophysicist who has earned several advanced degrees and worked both internationally and domestically in the oil business.

Mr. Hrubetz’s biography:

Albert Hrubetz, Chairman and President of Hrubetz Oil Company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, has been active in the petroleum industry for 67 years. He spent his youth in Maryville during the Great Depression and attended Maryville grade school. He graduated from Collinsville High School in 1946 and joined the Marines. Upon returning home, he married Rose Ramatowski, a 1948 graduate of Collinsville High School. Al and Rose have four children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A 1953 graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from the Institute of Technology, St. Louis University, Hrubetz is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program and the Owner-President Management Program of the Graduate School of Business Administration at Harvard University.

Hrubetz joined the Exploration Department of Continental Oil Company (CONOCO) as a geophysicist in 1953, and at age 34 was promoted to Chief Geophysicist, International Exploration and Production, overseeing company oil exploration activities on six continents. He was personally responsible for discovering the major oil fields in Dubai, as well as what remains the largest gas field in southeast Asia. He then became Executive Assistant to the President and later had executive responsibility for integrated petroleum operations in the southern United States, CONOCO’S largest and most important profit center.

In 1972 Hrubetz joined Texas Pacific Oil Company as Senior Vice-President. In 1975 he was named Executive Vice-President and served as President and Director of 17 foreign subsidiaries. In 1978 he became President and Chief Executive Officer of Texas Pacific. Hrubetz took the company from an asset value of $376 million to $2.3 billion in less than two years. In 1980 Texas Pacific was sold to Sun Oil Company in what was then the second largest commercial sale in U.S. history. He then founded Hrubetz Oil Company after personally raising $100 million in a joint venture with international and domestic corporations, plus Wall Street investment firms.

Albert Hrubetz is a past Director of the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. Oil and Gas Association and the Independent Petroleum Association of America. He is also past Chairman of the Texas Oil & Gas Association and served on its Executive Committee. A Trustee Associate of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, he is also a member of the Dallas Geological Association and the Dallas Geophysical Society, the All-American Wildcat Committee and the Dallas Wildcat Committee. Hrubetz is past President of the Dallas Petroleum Club, as well as Trustee Emeritus and past Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Dallas. He is an Advisory Board Member of the Maguire Energy Institute at the Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University,

A Knight of Malta and a Knight Commander in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Hrubetz is also a recipient of the Alumni Merit Award from St. Louis University in recognition of distinguished achievement in geophysical exploration. He was listed in Who’s Who in Finance and Industry and Outstanding Young Men of America.

Hrubetz is the author of the books Maryville Illinois – Growing Up During the Great Depression and A Geophysicist’s Memoir – Searching for Oil on Six Continents.

Due to current travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Hrubetz is not able to visit Collinsville to accept his award.  He sent recorded remarks to be shared with the CHS Class of 2020 during their virtual graduation ceremony.

The post Albert Hrubetz III (CHS ’46) is 2020 Alumni Achievement Recipient appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes a Collinsville High School graduate who has distinguished him/herself after leaving CHS.

Nominations, with supporting information, should be forwarded to Collinsville High School Principal David Snider.  Please be sure to include contact information for the nominee, as well as the person making the nomination.

ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020.

Click here for CHS Alumni Achievement Award Fillable Nomination Form

FORWARD NOMINATIONS TO:

David Snider
Principal
Collinsville High School
2201 S. Morrison
Collinsville, IL  62234

Or via email:  dsnider@cusd.kahoks.org

The post CHS Seeking Nominations for 2020 Alumni Achievement Award appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

She’s assembling a SPRING CONCERT ALUMNI CHOIR, for a special performance opportunity during her final concert on May 7, 2020 at CHS. The alumni choir will sing two selections on their own and then join with the current CHS Choir members for the final song of the concert.

Interested former students should contact Mrs. Cleveland by email at  lclevela@cusd.kahoks.org to indicate interest and receive a rehearsal schedule.  Music will be emailed after Christmas.

More than 115 CHS Choir Alumni have already indicated they would like to perform.  Interested alumni MUST email Mrs. Cleveland to get on the list.  She is also asking everyone to submit choir photos from their time in CHS Choirs.

The post CHS Assembling Alumni Choir to Honor Mrs. Cleveland in Spring 2020 appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Attention Collinsville High School alumni:

February 2019 — CHS is putting together a database of contact information to help us stay in touch with graduates.  The data is being compiled by CHS Athletic Director Clayton Smith to facilitate communication with alumni regarding special events and news.

Please use this link to provide your information.

Important:  The information you provide is strictly for use by Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 to communicate with Collinsville High School alumni.  Your information will not be shared with outside organizations/businesses. 

The post CHS Seeking Contact Information for Alumni appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes a Collinsville High School graduate who has distinguished him/herself after leaving CHS.

Nominations, with supporting information, should be forwarded to Collinsville High School Principal David Snider.  Please be sure to include contact information for the nominee, as well as the person making the nomination.

ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018.

CHS Alumni Achievement Award Fillable Nomination Form

Forward nominations to:

David Snider
Principal
Collinsville High School
2201 S. Morrison
Collinsville, IL  62234

Or via email:  dsnider@cusd.kahoks.org

The post Seeking Nominations for 2018 CHS Alumni Achievement Award appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.

Feast Midwest highlights the culinary scene in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Springfield (MO).  Dix was recognized for competing alongside acclaimed St. Louis chef Ben Grupe in the Team USA selection event for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or  international gastronomy competition. The duo finished second nationwide.

Dix, who is only 19-years-old, works at Elaia on Tower Grove Avenue in St. Louis.  His skills are earning him national recognition at a very young age.  

Click here to read the Feast article.

The post CHS Grad Jared Dix is Acclaimed Young Chef appeared first on Collinsville Kahoks.