April 4, 2022 – Members of the Delta Epsilon Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society gathered with students and guests to honor members of the Collinsville High School Class of 2022 who rank in the top 10% of the graduating class, and to present scholarships to four students.
Delta Epsilon is a teacher honor society that “values academic achievement, and promotes past, present and future women educators.” For more than two decades, they have honored the Top 10% of the CHS senior class. Each spring, they invite those students and their families to a celebration. During the event, they also present scholarships, including one to a promising future female educator. Members of Delta Epsilon are current or former teachers and school counselors who have dedicated their lives to working with students in Collinsville Community Unit School District #10.
“Delta Epsilon is proud to award scholarships to Collinsville High School graduating seniors. We hope the scholarships help these deserving seniors pursue their college education,” said Delta Epsilon President Jan Mattea, “Our organization works diligently to mentor future educators in leadership roles in the community.”
2022 Scholarships & Recipients
Delta Epsilon Future Educator Scholarship:
Each year the scholarship committee of Delta Epsilon accepts applications from individuals who want to pursue a degree in education. Those eligible to apply include senior girls who plan to major in education or a related field. Recipients are chosen based on scholastic achievement, school activities, community activities, special recognitions and a submitted essay.
The 2022 recipient is Bailey Terveer. Bailey will attend SIUE and major in education. She plans to become a first grade teacher.
Nancy Graves Scholarship:
Nancy Graves had a 35-year teaching career. Many of those years were in Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 as a kindergarten teacher at Kreitner Elementary and a substitute teacher. In addition, Mrs. Graves started the CUSD 10 pull-out gifted program, and as classes were added, taught the 4th grade gifted class at Webster Elementary.
She joined Delta Kappa Gamma in 1994, the year the local Delta Epsilon chapter was founded. She was chapter president twice 2009-2010 and co-President 2010-2012. She served Delta Epsilon on many committees including Rules Committee chairperson, parliamentarian, World Fellowship/International Projects chairperson, Women in the Arts Chairperson and Nominations Committee Chairperson. She was on the state committee for Women in the Arts and served on several other state committees.
Nancy was an active community volunteer, devoted friend and treasured mentor.
This year’s recipient is Megan Houberg. Megan is still deciding which university she will attend, but plans pursue a career in public relations.
John Renfro Bright Future Scholarship:
In the late 1990s, the family of former Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Superintendent John Renfro created the Bright Future scholarship fund in his memory to provide financial assistance to children for summer enrichment programs. The focus of the award changed over time, and for the past six years, Mary Renfro Shaw has funded college scholarships for CHS students in honor of her late husband.
Mary, a retired Learning Tree Preschool teacher, became a Delta Epsilon member in 2000. Through her generosity over a dozen former Kahoks have been helped on their college journey. Mary writes each recipient a letter telling them about her late husband, who was superintendent of Collinsville CUSD 10 from 1974-1996.
2022 recipients are Mackenzie Young and Nile Peace. Mackenzie will attend the University of Missouri and major in nursing. Nile also plans to attend the University of Missouri and will major in nutrition and exercise.
Delta Epsilon Community Projects:
Book Donations – Delta Epsilon ensures each public school library receives books to honor the outstanding students in their 4th and 6th grades. Outstanding 8th grade students in private schools are recognized with honor books. Every kindergarten student in the Unit 10 community receives a book to take home.
Tote Me Home – Delta Epsilon works with the local food pantry to provide bags of food to needy students every Friday during the school year.
HHH (Homework Help and Hoops) – Delta Epsilon volunteers and supports the HHH summer camp program at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Collinsville.
Adopt-a-Family Initiatives – Delta Epsilon “adopts” families in need and supports programs to benefit students through CUSD 10, Collinsville Food Pantry, Kahoks Kloset and summer outreach.
Support Delta Epsilon:
“We find great value in investing in the future of Collinsville Unit #10 students as well as local charities.” says President Jan Mattea.
To support Delta Epsilon’s many efforts in the greater Collinsville community, consider attending or donating to their upcoming Spring Fling Brunch and Auction, on Saturday, April 23 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Collinsville. For more information, contact President Jan Mattea at [email protected].
CHS Class of 2022 Top 10% of the Graduating Class:
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Nathan Austin
Jack Benson
Andrew Bicanic
Luke Boston
Narayeli Cardenas
Madison Cawvey
Emma Clark
Matthew Clark
Maya Clark
Anna Falbe
Abigail Fister
Lydia Fluss
Mazie Gilland
William Grieb
Madison Harris
Alyssa Herman
Kaiden Hollerbach
Megan Houberg
Melina Huckelberry
Allix Jakich
Destiny Jones
Aiden Kaufman
Alice Knoebel
Gavin Koonce
Grace Lanier
Alexander Lorsbach
Jacob McChristian
Ricki Merlak
James Metcalf
Lucy Montgomery
Chelsea Nott
Colin Ogle
Melody Pacewic
Kathryn Roeck
Sarah Schaibly
Alexis Schellhardt
Rose Scott
Jake Sebesta
Sydney Sommer
Emma Stauthammer
Cassandra Stirling
Christopher Thilman
Jordan Trice
Lillian Vallina
Seth Verstraete
Zoey Ward
Mackenzie Young