Chester Community School District 139

📣 We Want to Hear from YOU!

Chester School District is launching a long-term Strategic Plan, and your voice matters. As part of this process, we are conducting a Community Survey to gather valuable input from parents, employees, board members, and community members.

Your feedback will help guide our priorities, shape district goals, and strengthen the future of our schools.

📝 Please take a few minutes to complete the survey:
🔗 https://forms.gle/ZnSEDCqxxYnSjP1J8

📱 Or scan the QR code in the image attached to this post!

The survey is open to all stakeholders—including parents, staff, students, alumni, business owners, and residents who want to be part of shaping our future.

Thank you for being an important part of Chester CUSD 139’s continued growth and success.

#ChesterCUSD139 #StrategicPlanning #CommunityEngagement #YourVoiceMatters #TogetherWeGrow

Chester hosts 2026 IHSA Girls’ Class 2A Sectional Basketball Tournament (2 of 2)
Nashville and Breese Central win and advance to the Sectional Championship game Thursday Feb. 26
BY JIM BEERS
In the third quarter, Nashville outscored Massac County, 17-6, to extend the Lady Hornettes lead to 32 points, 48-16. Down the stretch in the 4th quarter, there was a continuous clock as the Hornettes led the Lady Patriots by more than 30 points. Both teams played their benches much of the very quick period as Nashville won the game by 28 points, 54-26.
In the win, the Hornettes had just one player score in double figures. Samantha Brinkmann scored 21 points. Massac County’s Kenna Hight scored 12 points for the Lady Patriots.
With the win, (1) Nashville advanced to the Chester Sectional Championship game Thursday February 26 at 6:00 pm. with an overall record of 31-2.
2026 Chester Class 2A Girls’ Sectional Championship game:
Chester High School will host the Championship game of the 2026 IHSA Class 2A Girls’ Sectional Tournament Thursday February 26 at 6:00 p.m. The title game will take place in CHS Colbert Memorial Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court.
(1) Nashville Hornettes will face off with the (2) Breese Central Lady Cougars to determine the 2026 Chester Class 2A Sectional Champion.

(2) Breese Central and (1) Benton congratulates each other following the conclusion of Game 1 of the 2026 IHSA Class 2A Girls' Sectional Basketball Tournament. Chester High School hosted the event Tuesday February 24 at CHS Colbert Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court. The Breese Central Lady Cougars soundly defeated the Benton Rangerettes, 70-35, to advance to the Sectional Championship game Thursday February 26 at 6:00 p.m. (2) Breese Central will face-off with (1) Nashville Hornettes to determine the Sectional Champion. Jim Beers Photo

Chester hosts 2026 IHSA Girls’ Class 2A Sectional Basketball Tournament (1 of 2)
Nashville and Breese Central win and advance to the Sectional Championship game Thursday Feb. 26
BY JIM BEERS
Tuesday February 24, Chester High School hosted the 2026 IHSA Girls’ Class 2A Sectional Basketball Tournament. The 21-team event started last week with four regional tournaments that feed into the Chester Sectional Tournament.
From the Herrin Regional (1) Benton advanced. From the Breese Central Regional (2) Breese Central advanced. From the Freeburg Regional (1) Nashville advanced. From the Vienna Regional (3) Massac County advanced. Those four regional Champions met in Chester Tuesday February 24 for the Sectional Semi-Finals.
Game 1 featured (1) Benton and (2) Breese Central at 6:00 p.m. and Game 2 featured (1) Nashville and (3) Massac County at 7:30 p.m. The winners of those Semi-Final games advanced to the 2026 IHSA Class 2A Girls’ Sectional Championship game which will take place Thursday February 26 at 6:00 p.m.
Game 1: Breese Central 70-Benton 35
After commanding the Herrin Regional with wins over DuQuoin, 67-37 and West Frankfort, 49-21, to win the Herrin Regional title, (1) Benton faced (2) Breese Central in Game 1 of the Sectional Semi-Finals.
(2) Breese Central blew through the Breese Central Regional with wins over (10) Columbia, 55-19, and (3) Breese Mater-Dei, 54-25, to claim the Regional Championship. The two Regional winners faced-off in Game 1 of the Chester Semi-Final.
(2) Breese Central came into the game with a record of 27-3 overall and an undefeated conference record of 10-0 to finish 1st in Place in the Cahokia Conference, Mississippi Division. Their Rank in Illinois Class 2A was 6th.
Benton came into the game with an overall record of 26-7, and a River-to-River Conference, Mississippi Division record of 8-2 to finish 2nd. The Benton Rangerettes were ranked 73rd in Class 2A.
After one quarter of play it was a very tight game with Breese Central leading by one point, 13-12. In the second quarter the Breese Central Lady Cougars outscored Benton, 19-7, to take a 32-19 lead at halftime.
The third quarter was a bit closer with the Lady Cougars outscoring the Lady Rangers, 18-11, but led by 20 points, 50-30. Down the stretch, Breese Central blew the Rangers away outscoring them, 20-5, to win the game by 35 points, 70-35. The 4th quarter was played with a continuous clock.
Breese Central was led by three players who scored in double figures including Taylor Trame (21), Lexy Santel (18), and Ella Nettemeier (14). Benton was led by Kinley Glover who scored 13 points.
With the win, (2) Breese Central advanced to the Chester Sectional Championship game Thursday February 26 at 6:00 p.m. with an overall record of 28-3.
Game 2: (1) Nashville 54-(3) Massac County 26
(3) Massac County defeated Carterville, 50-39, in the Vienna Regional Semi-Finals, and beat (2) Vienna, 43-37, in the Championship game. With the win they advanced to the Chester Sectional Semi-Finals to match-up with (1) Nashville Lady Hornettes.
(1) Nashville beat (9) Belleville Althoff, 64-21, in the Freeburg Regional, then defeated (4) Freeburg, 40-28, to win the Freeburg Regional. They also advanced to the Chester Sectional. The Lady Hornettes faced (3) Massac County Lady Patriots in the Semi-Finals of the Chester Sectional in Game 2.
(1) Nashville came into Game 2 with an overall record of 30-2 and an undefeated River-to-River Conference record of 10-0 to win the Mississippi Division title. The Hornettes were ranked 7th in the State of Illinois in Class 2A.
(3) Massac County came into the Sectional Semi-Final with an overall record of 17-12, and a River-to-River, Ohio Division Conference record of 6-2 to finish 2nd. They were ranked 253 in the State of Illinois in Class 2A.
Game 2 of the Chester Class 2A Sectional mirrored Game 1 in several ways. After one quarter of play, (1) Nashville led (3) Massac County by just five points, 12-7. In the second quarter, however, the Hornettes outscored the Lady Patriots by 16 points, 19-3, to lead at halftime by 21 points, 31-10.

CGS February 2026 Students of the Month
Monday February 23 Chester Grade School announced its February 2026 Students of the Month. Students were selected based upon the fact they have demonstrated all four of the "HIVE" character traits of 1) Having respect; 2) Initiating Responsibility; 3) Valuing Safety; and 4) Encouraging Empathy. Teachers at the various grade levels met to nominate those students that fit all four of the character traits and one student from each grade level was selected each month. The February Students of the Month include (left to right): Atio Koester, Kindergarten, Evelyn Schwier, 1sat Grade, Rowan Liter, 2nd Grade, Brandon Marquez, 3rd Grade, Chloe Keeton, 4th Grade, Myah Palacio, 5th Grade, Breanna Johnson, 6th Grade, and Landon Coffey, 7th Grade. The 8th Grade Student of the Month is not publishable. At the far right is Kasey Crook, School Counselor. Crook coordinates the Student of the Month Program. Each recipient received a certificate, his or her name was announced over the CGS PA system, and he or she will be invited to an end of the Year party. Jim Beers Photo

ESTUDIANTES DEL MES DE FEBRERO 2026 DE CGS
El lunes 23 de febrero, Chester Grade School anunció a sus Estudiantes del Mes de febrero de 2026. Los estudiantes fueron seleccionados en base a que han demostrado los cuatro rasgos de carácter “HIVE”: 1) Tener respeto; 2) Iniciar la responsabilidad; 3) Valorar la seguridad; y 4) Fomentar la empatía. Los maestros de los distintos niveles de grado se reunieron para nominar a los estudiantes que cumplían con los cuatro rasgos de carácter y se seleccionó a un estudiante de cada grado cada mes. Los Estudiantes del Mes de febrero incluyen (de izquierda a derecha): Atio Koester, Kindergarten; Evelyn Schwier, 1.er grado; Rowan Liter, 2.º grado; Brandon Marquez, 3.er grado; Chloe Keeton, 4.º grado; Myah Palacio, 5.º grado; Breanna Johnson, 6.º grado; y Landon Coffey, 7.º grado. El Estudiante del Mes de 8.º grado no es publicable. En el extremo derecho se encuentra Kasey Crook, consejera escolar. Crook coordina el Programa de Estudiante del Mes. Cada estudiante recibió un certificado, su nombre fue anunciado por el sistema de megafonía de CGS y será invitado(a) a una fiesta de fin de año.
Foto de Jim Beers.

CGS presents “HIVE” good character awards
28 students earn HIVE Awards
BY JIM BEERS
There were 28 students at Chester Grade School who earned HIVE awards for demonstrating the character traits of having RESPECT; Initiating RESPONSIBILITY; valuing SAFETY; and encouraging EMPATHY.
Ten students earned recognition for respect, 12 students for responsibility, 1 for safety, and 5 for sympathy. Those students are listed below.
RESPECT (10)
Edrei Cardona Gomez, and Hudson Eggemeyer for Kindergarten; Santos Pastor Ramos, Cayson McDonough, and Jhoel Guzman for 1st Grade; Ren Holly and Rowan Liter for 2nd Grade; Adaya Wunderlich for 5th Grade; Ian Lazu-Colon and Gio Munoz for 8th Grade.
RESPONSIBILITY (12)
Ayden Govero, Kindergarten; Maria Hernandez, 1st Grade; Joan Delos Santos Mendez, 3rd Grade; Karson Hecht, Niaya Pender, Kinsley Eggemeyer and Yeimi Jiminez Pascual, 4th Grade; Alan Murillo Roman and Calvin Marshall, 5th Grade; Presley Howell, 6th Grade; Emma Voudrie, 7th Grade, and Yadiel Cerrano, 8th Grade.
SAFETY (1)
Wyoma McGuire, 4th Grade.
EMPETHY (5)
Paisley Eckert and Zayne Houk, 2nd Grade; Marshall Gonzalez, 3rd Grade; and Aleyxis Moore and Ella Newton, 5th Grade.
Students can be nominated by a teacher or staff member for a HIVE award by demonstrating one of the four HIVE characteristics. Each recipient receives a certificate and recognition at school for earning a HIVE award. The HIVE Program is coordinated by Kasey Crook, School Counselor.

The CHS Baseball Team has opened its Spirit Wear store, if anyone is interested in ordering anything. The store closes on March 5. The logo says Chester, rather than CHS, so the items would be perfect for CGS baseball players/families as well. ⚾🧡🖤

https://chesterhsbaseball26.itemorder.com/shop/home/

El equipo de béisbol de CHS ha abierto su tienda de ropa de espíritu (Spirit Wear), por si alguien está interesado en hacer un pedido. La tienda cerrará el 5 de marzo. El logotipo dice “Chester” en lugar de “CHS”, por lo que los artículos también serían perfectos para los jugadores y familias de béisbol de CGS. ⚾🧡🖤

https://chesterhsbaseball26.itemorder.com/shop/home/

CHS Art Club receives grant for a Mobile Program (3 of 3)
A team approach utilizing a partnership with CHS, the Mississippi Valley Art Guild, and a generous stipend from the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies, is making art a possibility at CHS
BY JIM BEERS
Paetzhold, better known to everyone at CHS and the community of Chester as “Teach”, helped students develop artistic skills and lasting friendships. We hope that this new collaborative effort will bring a creative spark to our community!
Carolyn Schwent commented regarding the grant, “The Beta Delta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society was awarded this generous stipend of $1,800.00 from the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies, Inc. The purpose of this stipend is to provide programs and supplies for the Chester High School Art Club members”.
Grace Kirkpatrick, is the current President of the CHS Art Club. Kirkpatrick said, “It is surreal to see this huge collection of art supplies. Last year we operated mostly with brushes and paints students brought from home. It is exciting to see how these resources will help us grow Art Club membership and skills.”
Beth Stumpe Bell noted that the 2025-26 program will feature a series of six classes to be taught by members of the Mississippi Valley Art Guild. Bell said, “We hope to be able to offer classes at least monthly, and possibly even during the summer. This fall of 2026 we may offer a program of painting the windows of Chester businesses as a fund-raising project to help fund future Art Club activities.”
The second Art Club class was held Friday February 13, 2026. It was held at the Mississippi Valley Art Guild building in downtown Chester. The focus of this class was on mixing colors, perspective and paint composition. Those in attendance created an “acrylic” art piece.
Beth Stumpe Bell was joined by Cathy Eggers, Carolyn Schwent, and Jeannie Wagner of the MVAG and the Beta Delta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society. There were 12 CHS students who attended the class including Samantha Poppens, Julia Reeves, Emily Gruenewald, Ella Jackson, Maddie Worley, Kylie Eggemeyer, Layla White, Ashlynn Young, Hannah Stueve, Grace Kirkpatrick, and Taelyn Cleland.
The March 2026 meeting of the CHS Art Club is scheduled to meet at Chester High School. The unconfirmed date is Friday March 27, after school (early dismissal).


Photo 7
The following Chester High School members of the CHS Art Club pose for a photo Friday February 13 at the second class of that Art Club. The session was held at the Mississippi Valley Art Guild in downtown Chester and focused on mixing colors, perspective, and paint composition. Pictured with their acrylic compositions were (front row. left to right, kneeling) Samatha Poppens, Julia Reeves, Emily Gruenewald, and Ella Jackson. (Back row, left to right, standing) Ashley Garcia, Maddie Worley, Kylie Eggemeyer, Laya White, Ashlynn Young, Hannah Stueve, Grace Kirkpatrick, and Taelyn Cleland. Beth Bell Photo

PHOTO 8
Chester High School Art Club members diligently work on an acrylic art project at the Mississippi Valley Art Guild building in downtown Chester under the watchful eye of Jeanne Wagner, a volunteer facilitator of the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society. That group wrote and acquired an $1,800 grant from the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies, Inc. to purchase a mobile Art Cart and supplies to use in the CHS Art Club educational activities. Beth Stumpe Bell Photo

Photo 9
Ashlynn Young, a Chester High School Art Club member, works hard to create her acrylic project Friday February 13 at the Mississippi Valley Art Guild building in downtown Chester. The Art Guild has teamed up with the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society to utilize an $1,800 stipend from the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies, Inc. This stipend provides educational activities for Chester High School students who are interested in expanding their artistic skills and knowledge. Beth Stumpe Bell Photo

CHS Art Club receives grant for a Mobile Program (2 of 3)
A team approach utilizing a partnership with CHS, the Mississippi Valley Art Guild, and a generous stipend from the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies, is making art a possibility at CHS
BY JIM BEERS
Mrs. Bell is also a Facilitator of the program. Bell said, “The grant funded a rolling cart which was stocked with a wide range of art supplies. For some time, there was no dedicated space at CHS to hold Art Club meetings and activities. The “Art Cart”, as it is known, allows members to roll the large cart, which is on sturdy wheels, to various locations around the school which are available to hold Art Club activities. Since the start of the program, there has now been a space dedicated for storing the “Art Cart” and to host meetings.
The grant also comes with a partnership with the Mississippi Valley Art Guild (MVAG). This partnership is offering a series of six “hands-on” workshops for students. Various very talented members of MVAG have dedicated their time and services to working alongside CHS students with their artistic endeavors.
Bell noted, “The workshops are designed to focus on drawing, painting, sculpture, watercolor, Scale design projection, and collage. The workshops are offered after school on early-release days at CHS, on Fridays. This helps reduce transportation barriers and makes it easier for students to participate. Interest in the arts has garnered additional contributions from the Chester High School Class of 1974 and the Mississippi Valley Art Guild.”
The first workshop took place January 23, 2026 and was held at the school. Beth Stumpe Bell directed the session with assistance from Carolyn Schwent and Jeanne Wagner of the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. Both Schwent and Wagner are retired school teachers who are experienced in working with students and love the opportunity to assist with the program.
The first workshop focused on “collage”. Bell introduced the students to the art principles of composition, character, and contrast, prior to demonstrating the basic techniques of creating collage. The students then selected materials from a table filled with supplies. They then began creating their own individual works of art.
The grant also enabled each student to receive a zippered portfolio in which to collect and protect their artwork throughout the year. Bell stated, “These portfolios will also be used for a future art show and may help students prepare for admission to art or graphic design programs. Often such programs require a portfolio as part of the application process.”
Another member of the program is Michelle Daschka, a former Chester High School student. Daschka is the current President of the Mississippi Valley Art Guild. Michelle said, “Art is a key component of brain development. Many of us have fond memories of the skills and friendships built in Pauline Paetzhold’s art classroom at CHS”.

PHOTO 4
Chester High School Art Club Officers (left to right) Emly Gruenewald, Vice President, Taelyn Cleland, Project Manager, and Hannah Stueve, Art Director, show off the new "Art Cart" that they now use to store and transport art supplies to-and-from the dedicated art room at CHS. Jim Beers Photo

Photo 5
CHS Art Club members sophomore Taelan Clelland, junior, Julia Reeves, and junior, Hannah Stueve, work on creating a "collage" during the inaugural Art Club class January 13 at CHS. Jim Beers Photo

Photo 6
Jeanne Wagner of the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society and Beth Stumpe Bell of the Mississippi Valley Art Guild, assist Chester High School Art Club students in their first class focused on creating a collage. Jim Beers Photo

CHS Art Club receives grant for a Mobile Program (1 of 3)
A team approach utilizing a partnership with CHS, the Mississippi Valley Art Guild, and a generous stipend from the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies, is making art a possibility at CHS
BY JIM BEERS
Several years ago, the art program at Chester High School was discontinued. That left a huge hole for those students who loved art and the related programming as part of their curriculum.
Recently CHS worked out an alternative which allows students at CHS who are still interested in art to have the opportunity to engage in artistic activities with the help of outside entities. Chester High School now has an “Art Club” and students are enjoying taking part in learning activities in a “club atmosphere”.
Concerned citizens came together to create a space at CHS in which to meet and keep their art supplies. Members of the Mississippi Valley Art Guild, located in downtown Chester, Illinois, have stepped up to offer occasional assistance, training, and guidance to members of the CHS Art Club.
Officers of the CHS Art Club include Grace Kirkpatrick, President, Emily Gruenewald, Vice President, Elizabeth Wilson, Secretary, Hanna Stueve, Art Director, Taelyn Cleland, Project Manager, and Neaveh Armbruster and Ashley Garcia, Art Assistants. The Art Club Sponsor is Cheri Diercks-Boyd, who is a CHS Teacher. There are currently 33 members of the club.
A recent grant received by the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Educator’s Society, has helped make the new program a possibility. Beth Stumpe Bell, a former Chester High School graduate and Mississippi Valley Art Guild Member, assisted with writing the grant which is valued at $1,800.00. Bell wrote the grant on behalf of the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. The award was funded by the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies, Inc.

Photo 1
Beth Stumpe Bell displays her "collage" that she used as a sample for Chester High School Art Club students in the first-class of the Art Club Friday January 13. Bell, a former CHS student when she was Beth Stumpe, is a facilitator for the new Art Club at CHS. Jim Beers Photo

Photo 2
Pictured with the brand new "Art Cart" that was purchased by the Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society via the $1,800 grant from the Lambda State Foundation for Educational Studies, Inc., are (left to right) Carolyn Schwent, President of Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society, Beth Stumpe Bell, Mississippi Valley Art Guild, facilitator, and Jeanne Wagner, member of the Beta Delta Chapter. The "Art Cart" is fully supplied with a wide variety of items to use with the new CHS Art Club. Jim Beers Photo

Photo 3
Caroln Schwent works with CHS Art Club member, Zander Thomas, at the first CHS Art Club Class. The focus of that class was to create a collage and learned the principles of Composition, Character, contrast, and put them to use in their own works. Jim Beers Photo

🦸‍♂️✨ Super Readers UNITE✨🦸‍♀️ Chester Grade School is celebrating Read Across America Week in a SUPER way! 💥📚 Join us for our Superhero-Themed Family Reading Night on 📅 Monday, March 2nd ⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM 📍 Chester Grade School Put on your capes and bring the whole family for an evening filled with reading fun, exciting activities, and superhero surprises! We believe every child has a superpower — and reading helps it grow! 💙❤️💛 We can’t wait to see our CGS families come together to celebrate the power of books and learning. ————————— Also! Don’t forget about Read Across America Week! Fun dress up week focused on the amazing author Dr. Seuss❤️💙 & on Monday, March 2nd at 2:00 pm EVERYONE is encouraged to drop all you are doing and read for 10 minutes! —it’s time to bring back this old tradition, take a break from our day and enter a world of imagination✨

It's time to cast your vote for CECC Faculty of the Month for March! Use the link below to nominate who you feel deserves recognition! Nominations will close on March 15, 2026 at 3:00 pm.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduZ-5jfftrGx_qSRMAbdO0mYK1TSwdcGrSVPRCj5j-jhuNjg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103972002453398854304

¡Es hora de emitir su voto para el Docente del Mes de CECC de marzo! Use el enlace a continuación para nominar a quien usted considere que merece reconocimiento. Las nominaciones se cerrarán el 15 de marzo de 2026 a las 3:00 p. m.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduZ-5jfftrGx_qSRMAbdO0mYK1TSwdcGrSVPRCj5j-jhuNjg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103972002453398854304

Become a part of our team. 🧡🖤🧡🖤

🎉📚 Congratulations, Chester High School Fall Honor Roll Students! 📚🎉
We are proud to recognize our 2025–2026 Fall Honor Roll students for their outstanding academic achievement! Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence truly reflect what it means to be a Yellowjacket.
Success in the classroom doesn’t happen by accident — it takes focus, hard work, and determination. We applaud each of you for setting high goals and rising to meet them.
Keep striving, keep growing, and keep making CHS proud!
#YellowjacketPride #CHSExcellence #HonorRoll #HardWorkPaysOff

🎉📚 ¡Felicitaciones a los estudiantes del Cuadro de Honor de Otoño de Chester High School! 📚🎉
Nos enorgullece reconocer a nuestros estudiantes del Cuadro de Honor de Otoño 2025–2026 por su destacado logro académico. Su dedicación, perseverancia y compromiso con la excelencia reflejan verdaderamente lo que significa ser un Yellowjacket.
El éxito en el salón de clases no ocurre por casualidad — requiere enfoque, esfuerzo y determinación. Aplaudimos a cada uno de ustedes por establecer metas altas y esforzarse para alcanzarlas.
¡Sigan esforzándose, sigan creciendo y sigan haciendo que CHS se sienta orgullosa!
#OrgulloYellowjacket #ExcelenciaCHS #CuadroDeHonor #ElEsfuerzoValeLaPena

Lady Jackets close out regular season with 53-34 win over Sparta (2 of 2)
Perryville edges Chester, 51-48, in final seconds to win
BY JIM BEERS
Chester 53-Sparta 34
The Lady Jackets closed the door on the 2025-26 regular season Thursday night February 12 with a decisive 19-point, 53-34 win over cross-county rivals, the Sparta Lady Bulldogs. It was Game 30 of 30 regular season games and the ladies from “Popeye Town” closed the door in style!
The Lady Jackets buzzed out to a commanding 18-4 run to open the game. In that stinging quarter Lexi Mott had eight points. Jessica Stumpe drained a 3-pointer and a two-pointer for five points and Lillian Diskey knocked down a basket and made a pair of free throws. Marlie Caby put the “icing on the cake” with a free throw. Cierra Starr scored three points and Kaylynn French added a free throw for Sparta’s four points.
The second quarter was much more competitive. Chester outscored Sparta, 14-11, and the first quarter Lady Jacket performance allowed Chester to enjoy a safe, 17-point, 32-15 lead at the halftime break.
In that period, Lady Jacket Jessica Stumpe drained a three pointer and a two pointer for five points. Aubrey Coleman also hit a trey. Marlie Caby was perfect, 2-for-2 at the free throw line. Lexi Mott and Lillian Diskey each sank buckets for two points apiece. For Sparta, Sierra Starr led the Lady Bulldogs with three field goals for six of Sparta’s 11 points. Liberti Johnson drained a 3-pointer and Serenity Richardson hit a field goal.
After the popcorn break, both teams had “slim scoring” 3rd quarters. CHS scored just five points and SHS added three points. Lexi Mott and Marlie Caby each hit buckets and Lillian Diskey was 1-of-4 at the free throw line. For Sparta, Liberti Johnson made the Lady Bulldog’s only field goal and Serenity Richardson made 1-of-2 free throws. Chester led by 19 points, 37-18, after three quarters of play.
Both teams woke up in the 4th quarter and matched each other in the scorebook with an additional 16 points apiece. Chester was paced by Lexi Mott who hit a pair of field goals and went 4-for-4 at the free throw line. Riley Lochhead and Lillian Diskey each hit a basket apiece and each made 1-of-2 free throws. Marlie Caby rounded out the scoring making 2-of-4 free throws.
The Lady Bulldogs had scoring from five different players. Liberti Johnson and Serenity Richardson each hit a field goal apiece and each went 2-for-2 at the free throw line. Sierra Starr and Kaylynn French each added three points apiece by making a basket and a free throw. Finally, Maria Sangurima hit a bucket for Sparta’s final two points.
In the win, Lexi Mott had her second game in-a-row with 20 points to lead all players on either team. Chester had two other players who scored in double figures. Lillian Diskey and Jessica Stumpe each scored 10 points apiece. Marlie Caby added seven points and Riley Lochhead and Aubrey Coleman each scored three points apiece.
For Sparta, Sierra Starr led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points. She was followed by Liberti Johnson (9), Serenity Richardson (7), Kaylynn French (4), and Maria Sangurima (2).
With the win, The Chester Lady Jackets improved to an overall record of 17-13 to close out the regular season. They also ended the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division with an even record of 5 wins and 5 losses.
The Lady Jackets finished the 2026 portion of the regular season with 10 of their 17 wins. Since January of 2026 the Jackets recorded an overall record of 10 wins and 5 losses. In the 2025 portion of the regular season, Chester had an overall record of 7 wins and 8 losses.
The Lady Jackets are definitely on a positive roll going into the 2026 IHSA Class 2A Regional Tournament! No. 4 Chester will face No. 5 West Frankfort Monday February 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Herrin High School.

Photo 1
Lexi Mott (33) a Chester High School senior, had back-to-back 20-point games to close out the Lady Jackets regular season. She scored 20 points Wednesday February 11 in the game at Perryville, Missouri and 20 points the next night Thursday February 12 when Chester hosted Sparta in the final regular season game of the 2025-26 season. Jim Beers Photo

Lady Jackets close out regular season with 53-34 win over Sparta (1 of 2)
Perryville edges Chester, 51-48, in final seconds to win
BY JIM BEERS
A very long regular season came to an end this week with the Chester High School Lady Jackets playing three games in three days. It was Week 13 of 13 weeks and games 28, 29, and 30 of 30 regular season games.
Chester traveled to Carlyle Tuesday February 10 for Game 28, to battle the Lady Indians in a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division match-up. CHS fell, 58-27, to a very good Carlyle team that sits in second place in the Cahokia Conference.
Wednesday February 11 The Lady Jackets traveled across state lines to Perryville, Missouri to challenge the Lady Pirates. Chester lost in a close, hard-fought game. The Pirates stole the game, 51-48, for the win.
The Lady Jackets closed out the regular season Thursday February 12 at home in Colbert Memorial Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court. It was Game 30 and Chester gave Sparta a 19-point, 53-34, loss to close out the regular season in style. The Jackets take an overall record of 17-13 and a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division of 5-5 into the Regional Tournament next week.
Perryville 51-Chester 48
Chester and Perryville traded leads all night on the road at Perryville. The Lady Jackets outscored the Lady Pirates by eight points, 14-6, to open the 1st quarter. Lexi Mott led the charge in that opening frame with seven points. Aubrey Coleman added four, Riley Lochhead contributed two free throws and Marlie Caby sank a free throw to round out the first quarter scoring. Fritsche and Amberger each chipped in three-points apiece for Perryville.
The Lady Pirates answered with a devastating 21-5 second quarter to take an 8-point, 27-19, lead into the locker room at halftime. During that run, Porter led with nine points followed by Gremand (7), Robles (2), and Sticht (3). Mott (2), Caby (2), and Lillian Diskey (1) came through with Chester’s five points.
After halftime the Jackets stung the Pirates, 15-14, to trail by just eight points, 41-34, after three quarters of battle. Lexi Mott led the 3rd quarter charge for CHS with seven points. Aubrey Coleman drained a 3-pointer and a deuce for five points, Jessica Stumpe came alive with two points and Lillian Diskey made a free throw for Chester’s 15-point effort.
Perryville’s Porter knocked down eight points for the Pirates, and Amberger, Robes, and Sticht each contributed a basket to round out Perryville’s offense.
Down the stretch, the Jackets outscored the Pirates, 14-10, to almost take the lead, but the final seconds proved to be the deciding factor as Perryville as able to edge the Jackets by just three points, 51-48, to steal the win.
In that 4th quarter race, Mott, Caby, and Stumpe each made two baskets apiece and Aubrey Coleman drained another bucket to total Chester’s 14-point performance. Perryville was paced by Amberger (5), Gremand (3), and Porter (2).
In the slim loss Chester was led by Lexi Mott who scored 20 points to lead all players on either team. She was followed by Aubrey Coleman (11), Marlie Caby (7), Jessica Stumpe (6), and Riley Lochhead and Lillian Diskey with 2 points apiece.
Perryville was paced by Porter who scored 19 points, followed by Gremand (10), Amberger (6), Sticht (5), Robes (4), and Fritsche (3).
Regarding the game, CHS Head Coach, Jeff Mot said, “It was Okay. We had a decent lead, then we fell apart a little. We trailed by 13 points in the 3rd quarter and came back and had it within one point with 30 seconds left in the game.” With only seconds remaining the game, the Pirates managed two more points to secure the win by three points, 51-48.
With the loss, the Lady Jackets fell to 16-13 overall and remained at 4-5 in Cahokia Conference play.

CHS honors the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team (2 of 2)
1965 was the first time in school history that a YellowJacket Football Team won a Conference Championship
BY JM BEERS
The 1965 YellowJackets had an overall record of 8-1 and they were undefeated in the Southwest Egyptian Conference (SWE). That tough conference in 1965 included Chester, Murphysboro, DuQuoin, Nashville, Pinckneyville, Sparta, and Anna-Jonesboro. That season the Jackets also defeated Dupo and Carterville. The only team to defeat Chester was Valle of Ste. Genevieve. Ste. Gen had a 9-1 record during that 1965 season and they were the “team to beat” in the area.
The 1965 team averaged 20.8 points per game and they only allowed 6.1 points per game. In that era, there no IHSA State Football Playoffs or the YellowJackets would have undoubtedly earned as bid to the event.
The 1965 Football YellowJacket Team was the only team to ever win a conference championship until 47 years later when the 2012 Chester High School YellowJackets won the Black Diamond Conference title with their 9-0 record.
In 1994 when the Chester High School Dick Roth Hall of Fame was introduced at CHS, the 1965 Football Team was the first team to be inducted into that prestigious entity.
The 1965 Championship Team had an overall record of 8-1 and an undefeated record of 6-0 in the Southwest Egyptian Conference. The 1965 schedule and corresponding scores and records are as follow:
CHESTER SCORE OPPONENT SCORE OVERALL CONFERENCE

Chester 39 Carterville 0 (1-0) Non-Conf.
Chester 20 Anna Jonesboro 0 (2-0) (1-0)
Chester 27 Pinckneyville 9 (3-0) (2-0)
Chester 7 Valle-Ste. Gen 20 (3-1) Non-Conf.
Chester 13 Nashville 6 (4-1) (3-0)
Chester 13 DuQuoin 6 (5-1) (4-0)
Chester 7 Murphysboro 0 (6-1) (5-0)
Chester 28 Dupo 7 (7-1) Non-Conf.
Chester 33 Sparta 7 (8-1) (6-0)
Members of the 1965 Championship Team had a great time gathering both prior to the CHS Football game and after, as well as sitting together at the game and being recognized during the ceremony. The 1965 team and other groups associated with the Championship season extend wholehearted thanks to everyone at CHS who worked hard to create the anniversary celebration.

CHS honors the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team (1 of 2)
1965 was the first time in school history that a YellowJacket Football Team won a Conference Championship
BY JM BEERS
A long overdue celebration and recognition took place during the fall of 2025 Chester High School YellowJacket Football season. During one of the CHS home football games, Chester High School recognized and honored the Class of 1965 Football Team. That 1965 team was the first team in Chester High School history to win a conference football championship!
In 1965 Chester High School was a member of the Southwest Egyptian Conference (SEC) and the 1965 team was the first team in CHS history to secure a conference title. The 2025 CHS Football season at Chester marked the 60-year anniversary for the 1965 accomplishment.
Thanks to the efforts of numerous current Chester High School administrators, staff and coaches the 2025 tribute became a possibility. Those organizers and implementers included Jeremy Blechle, Current CHS Principal, Jenny Cartwright, current CHS Athletic Director, Billy Belton, current CHS Head Football Coach, Alison Heuer, current CHS Secretary, and Dwight Lochhead, current CHS Technology Advisor.
The 1965 Football Team included Andy Schuwerk, So. QB, Mike Usher, So. QB, John Greager, Sr. QB, Don Lowry, So. HB, Nick Wolff, Sr. HB, Joel Thornton, Sr. HB, Don Schopfer, Jr. HB, Dennis Berry, Sr. G, Larry Eggemeyer, So. E, Mike Howie, Jr. FB, Larry Dauer, Sr. WB, Bob Herschbach, Sr. WR, Steve Paulus, Jr. WB, Bill Haynes, Jr. WB, Larry Bierman, Jr. FB, Russ Rader, Sr. FB, Jimmy Carter, Jr. C, Steve Springer, Jr. C, Darrel Ehlers, Sr. C, Larry Surman, Sr. G, Bill Cushman, Jr. G, Mike Korando, Sr. G, Mike Bond, Jr. G, Robert Farmer, Jr. G, Terry Gremmels, Sr. G, Rich Hartenberger, So. FB, Donnie Petrowske, So. T, David Mueller, Jr. C, Mark Colvis, Jr. T, Kenny Taggert, Jr. T, Gary Jolly, So. T, Kenny Rathert, Sr. T, Jerry Bierman, Sr. T, Ed Hornberger, So. T, mike McLean, Sr. E, Terry Bollman, Jr. E, Terry Brown, Jr. E, Berry Smith, Jr. E, Mike Frazer, Sr. E, John Gordon, So. E, Bruce Clayton, Jr. E, Mark McLean, So. E, and Brian Thies, So. E.
The 1965 CHS Football Coaches included Jerry Germain, Head Coach, Jim Stuart, Assistant Coach, and W.O. Smith, Line Coach & Freshman-Sophomore Coach. Steve Wright and Mike Herrell were the two Football Managers. Team Captains were Kike Korando, Joel Thornton, and Larry Surman.
The Chester High School Varsity Cheerleaders included Joyce Clevenger, Joselyn Hargis, Shelia Linton, Gayle Lowery, Susan Preusse, Patsy Smith, Patty Sweany, and Lynn Weber.
On the night of the tribute at the current CHS Football game, Stadium Announcer Luke Lochhead, boldly announced during the pre-game festivities, “Attention everyone! This evening we are thrilled to welcome members of the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team. During halftime, we will honor them with a brief presentation recognizing their achievements from 60 years ago”.
Immediately following the traditional arrival of the current Chester High School Football Team and their “run-out” onto W.O. Smith Field for pre-game activities, The 2025 Football YellowJackets ran over to where the 1965 Football Champions were seated in the CHS Football Grandstands and “tipped their hats” to those formers players.
Stadium Announcer, Luke Lochhead then proclaimed. “On behalf of the YellowJackets Football Team and the CHS Community, we proudly honor you with a special “Tip of Our Cap” from our own Chester YellowJackets. Your legacy inspires us all!”
Immediately after the last notes were played by the Chester High School Marching YellowJackets during their halftime show, which was directed by Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director, Marching YellowJackets Stadium Announcer, Dr. Jim Beers, gave a brief summary of the 1965 SEC Championship Football Team’s accomplishments.
Beers said, “We have with us this evening, members of the 1965 YellowJacket Football Team. They are with us tonight celebrating the 60th Anniversary of winning the school’s first outright conference championship!” Beers then proceeded to give a brief list of their championship season’s accomplishments. Some of those very impressive facts included the following items.

CHS FREE BASKETBALL BROADCAST (HERRIN AWAY GAME)
Today, Chester High School will host our first away game, multiplatform basketball game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook from Herrin, IL.
For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!|

Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139

In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.

TRANSMISIÓN GRATUITA DE BALONCESTO DE CHS (PARTIDO DE VISITA EN HERRIN)
Hoy, Chester High School transmitirá nuestro primer partido de visita con una transmisión multiplataforma de baloncesto, que se emitirá simultáneamente en Hudl, YouTube y Facebook desde Herrin, IL.
Para su conveniencia, los códigos QR están incluidos en los gráficos adjuntos y los enlaces se proporcionan a continuación. ¡Los invitamos a acompañarnos en este emocionante evento!

Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139

En caso de presentarse algún problema con la transmisión en vivo de Facebook, le recomendamos utilizar una de las plataformas alternativas disponibles. Gracias por su comprensión.