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

CHS TRAPSHOOTING SPIRIT WEAR ONLINE STORE
Show your support for our Chester High School Yellow Jacket Trapshooting program with gear from the our Spirit Wear Store:

https://chestertrapshooting26.itemorder.com/

TIENDA EN LÍNEA DE ROPA DE ESPÍRITU DE CHS – TRAPSHOOTING
¡Demuestre su apoyo a nuestro programa de Trapshooting de los Yellow Jackets de Chester High School con artículos de nuestra tienda de ropa de espíritu escolar!

https://chestertrapshooting26.itemorder.com/

CHS SOFTBALL SPIRIT WEAR ONLINE STORE
Show your support for our Chester High School Yellow Jacket Softball program with gear from the our Spirit Wear Store:

https://stores.inksoft.com/WS132384

TIENDA EN LÍNEA DE ROPA DE ESPÍRITU DE CHS – SÓFTBOL
¡Demuestre su apoyo a nuestro programa de sóftbol de los Yellow Jackets de Chester High School con artículos de nuestra tienda de ropa de espíritu escolar!
https://stores.inksoft.com/WS132384

CHS Winter Senior Night Information for Boys Basketball, Cheer, Band and Dance
See attached graphic.

Información de la Noche de Seniors de Invierno de CHS para Baloncesto Masculino, Porristas, Banda y Danza.
Vea el gráfico adjunto.

CHS Girls' Basketball Regional Information. Good Luck Ladies!!

Información Regional del Baloncesto Femenino de CHS. ¡Buena suerte, chicas!

CHS: JANUARY PBIS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
We are pleased to recognize our January PBIS Students of the Month. These students have been acknowledged by our faculty for exemplifying this month's character trait: SELF-DISCIPLINE. Our school community is committed to fostering positive character traits that contribute to a constructive learning environment.
Thank you for your continued support.

CHS: ESTUDIANTES PBIS DEL MES DE ENERO
Nos complace reconocer a nuestros Estudiantes PBIS del Mes de enero. Estos estudiantes han sido reconocidos por nuestro personal docente por ejemplificar el rasgo de carácter de este mes: AUTODISCIPLINA. Nuestra comunidad escolar está comprometida con el fomento de rasgos de carácter positivos que contribuyen a un ambiente de aprendizaje constructivo.
Gracias por su continuo apoyo.

CHS: PBIS JACKET SHOUT-OUTS WEEKS 18-19
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our weeks 18-19 of PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs. Jacket Shout-Outs provide a platform for teachers to commend students who have made positive contributions to our learning community. We extend our gratitude to these students for their exemplary efforts and for serving as role models for their peers. Thank you!

CHS: RECONOCIMIENTOS PBIS JACKET – SEMANAS 18-19
Chester High School se complace en reconocer a los estudiantes que recibieron los reconocimientos PBIS Jacket correspondientes a las semanas 18 y 19. Los Jacket Shout-Outs brindan una plataforma para que los maestros feliciten a los estudiantes que han hecho contribuciones positivas a nuestra comunidad de aprendizaje. Extendemos nuestro agradecimiento a estos estudiantes por sus esfuerzos ejemplares y por servir como modelos a seguir para sus compañeros. ¡Gracias!

CHS Football recognizes four 2025 YellowJackets for record-setting season ( 2 of 2)
Tray Peters, Ethan Colvis, TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros receive honors at CHS Basketball game
BY JIM BEERS
TaShawn Palacio
TaShawn Palacio, a junior, had the greatest receiving season in the history of Chester High School. He broke two records set by former YellowJacket receiver Jim Howie back in 1986. Palacio set new records for “Single-season receiving yards” and “Single-season receiving touchdowns”.
At CHS in 2025, TaShawn earned the team award for being the YellowJackets’ “Offensive Weapon”. Coach Billy Belton said, “TaShawn is the player that every opponent has to prepare for. If they don’t stop him, they can’t stop the YellowJacket team!”
TaShawn earned the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “All-Conference” title for both Defensive Back and Wing Back. His new CHS school records included “Most Single-Season Receiving Yards” with 900 yards and “Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns” with 13 Touchdowns. He ended 2025 with 44 overall receptions and averaged 20.45 yards per reception.
Palacio also earned the “All-South Award” and finished 19th in the State of Illinois in Class 2A in Receiving. Just as impressive is the fact that he further earned recognition for his academic accomplishments having earned the coveted “All-State Academic Award”. For his sports prowess, TaShawn was honored by being named as a 2025 “All-State Honorable Mention” recipient for his receiving skills and accomplishments.
Karim Landeros
Finally, Karim Landeros, a junior, also broke two school records in the 2025 season. Karim broke the CHS record for the number of “Yards per Punt” with an average of 40.6 yards per punt. The previous record was set by Karim’s brother, Jared Landeros, back in 2021. Jared had a record of 39 yards per punt.
Karim also set a new Chester High School record for “Most All-Time PAT’s. He finished 2025 with a total of 98 PAT’s. The previous record was set by Curt Owen. Karim earned “All-Conference” honors from the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division for his skills on the Defensive Line. Finally, Landeros earned the honor of being selected to the 2025 “All-State Academic Team” for his academic accomplishments at CHS.

PHOTO 3
CHS junior football player, TaShawn Palacio poses for a photo just after CHS Head Football Coach, Billy Belton presented him with a commemorative football for his 2025 record-breaking season in 2025. Palacio set a new Single Season record of 900 Receiving Yards as well as a new school record of Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns with 13. He also finished 19th in the State of Illinois in Class 2A for his receiving skills.

PHOTO 4
Head Chester Football Coach, Billy Belton, presents Karim Landeros, a junior, with a commemorative football, for his record-breaking 2025 season at CHS. Landeros set a new record for Single-Season Punting with 40.6 Yards Per Punt. In addition, Karim set a second record of 98 PAT's, the All Time Leader in PATs at Chester High School.

PHOTO 5
All four Chester High School Record-Breakers for the 2025 CHS YellowJacket Football Season include (left to right) Ethan Colvis, Tray Peters, TaShawn Palacio, and Karim Landeros. All four were recognized and honored at a special ceremony Friday February 6 at a Chester High Schol basketball game when Chester hosted Red Bud. All four are holding their commemorative footballs they received from CHS Head Coach Bill Belton at the ceremony.

CHS Football recognizes four 2025 YellowJackets for record-setting season ( 1 of 2)
Tray Peters, Ethan Colvis, TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros receive honors at CHS Basketball game
BY JIM BEERS
The 2025 Chester High School YellowJacket Football Team had an outstanding season! The YellowJackets recorded a regular-season record of 8 wins and just 1 loss. The Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division record was 5-0, an undefeated season. It was back-to-back seasons with a conference championship.
Chester made the IHSA Class 2A State Football Playoffs for the 8th year in-a-row and hosted Maroa-Forsyth at W.O. Smith Field in Round 1 of the 2025 playoffs. The Jackets lost, 26-14, but Maroa-Forsyth eventually advanced all the way to the Class 2A State Championship game where they lost, to finish 2nd in the State of Illinois in Class 2A.
Chester gave them their hardest challenge in the playoffs until the championship game when they were defeated. The YellowJackets finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 8 wins and just 2 losses.
Coach Billy Belton said, “This year we outscored our opponents on an average of 37-38 points. The seniors finished their combined years of conference play with a record of 19-1. They made it to the playoffs for the 8th year in-a-row. The team broke all kinds of records!”
Four particular YellowJackets broke school records this season. For their efforts, Chester High School recognized and honored these fine young players, 2 seniors and 2 juniors, at a ceremony Friday February 6 during the CHS vs Red Bud basketball game.
Those honored include seniors Ethan Colvis and Tray Peters and juniors TaShawn Palacio and Karim Landeros. Each of these outstanding athletes were introduced at the ceremony and received a special football for their record-breaking seasons.
Ethan Colvis
Ethan Colvis, a senior, is the first YellowJacket in 12 years to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. He averaged 8.21 yards per carry and scored 14 rushing touchdowns. He was one of three players to earn the title of “Elite Warrior” which is the equivalent of being a YellowJacket “Most Valuable Player” (MVP). Colvis was also a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “All-Conference” selection as both an Offensive Running Back and a Defensive Linebacker.
More impressive was the fact that he earned the title of Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “Player of the Year”. Colvis further earned a place on the “All-South” squad. Ethan was extremely impressive with his selection to the Academic All-State Team. Finally, Mr. Colvis was a 1st Team All-State Football player.
Tray Peters
Tray Peters, a senior, was a “YellowJacket Elite Warrior” which is equal to being selected as a team’s “Most Valuable Player” and hardest worker. There were three such team awards for the 2025 season. Mr. Peters earned “All-Conference” honors for both Quarterback and Defensive Back in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division. He further earned the title of Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division “Offensive Player of the Year”.
Mr. Peters set two school records this season. First was for “Passing Touchdowns” and the second was for “Pass Completion Percentage”. These two former records were just set last year by former CHS Quarterback Zain Al-Jassim.
Tray had a great year with three games in which he had five Passing Touchdowns. Peters finished the 2025 football season with 25 Single-Season Passing Touchdowns (a new record), 1,657 passing yards, and 99 overall passing completions. His completion percentage was 65%. This was the highest completion percentage in CHS school history (a new record). Mr. Peters was also an “All-South” selection, and an “Academic All-State” honoree.

PHOTO 1
Chester High School senior football player, Ethan Colvis, was one of four CHS football players to be recognized with a commemorative football for his record-breaking accomplishments on the field in 2025. With Colvis is his father, Matt Colvis, an Assistant Coach for the YellowJackets. Colvis was the first Chester player in 12 years to rush for 1,000 yards. Colvis has just signed to continue his football career at the collegiate level at McKendree University next fall.

PHOTO 2
CHS Head Football Coach, Billy Belton presents CHS senior quarterback, Tray Peters, with a commemorative football for his record-breaking 2025 season. Peters set two school records, one for Most Passing Touchdowns (25), and the other for best Passing Completion Percentage (65%).

CHS recognizes six Lady Jackets on “Senior Night 2026” ( 2 of 2)
Riley Lochhead, Lillian Diskey, Natalie Guetersloh, Jessica Stumpe, Aubrey Coleman, and Lexi Mott are honored at pre-game ceremony Thursday February 5
BY JIM BEERS
Jessica Stumpe (24)
Jessica is the daughter of Scott Stumpe and Jennifer Cartwright. She has played basketball all four years. She also competed in track and field all four years. Her freshman through junior years she was on the CHS golf team. Finally, her freshman and sophomore years she played volleyball.
Her favorite memory is decorating the gym for the game that was dedicated to Coach Jeff Mott last year when they won against Red Bud. Her advice to the underclassmen is to always bring 100% to practice and games. Further, she said “don’t be hard on yourselves and enjoy games and have fun!”
After graduation Jessica plans to enjoy her summer with friends and family before heading to college. She thanked all of her coaches for always pushing her to get better and for believing in her even when she didn’t believe in herself. Finally, she thanked her parents and family for coming to every game and supporting her. Lastly, Jessica thanked her fellow seniors for being so funny and amazing. She was very thankful for getting to spend her senior year with them!

Aubrey Coleman (31)
Aubrey is the daughter of Brad and Jen Colman. She played basketball all four years at CHS. She played volleyball her freshman year and ran track her freshman and sophomore years. Her favorite basketball memory is beating Red Bud at the game dedicated to Coach Jeff Mott.
Aubrey’s advice to underclassmen is to play with confidence and to show up for your team. Always give forth your best effort. After graduation she plans to attend Renaissance Beauty School to earn a degree in cosmetology and get her license.
Aubrey thanked her Mom for always being there to guide her and her Dad for always showing up and pushing her to be the best she can be. She further thanked her grandpa Pat who instilled in her the same love and passion he had for the game. Finally, Aubrey thanked Coach Jeff Mott for all of his time and effort he has dedicated to the players.

Lexi Mott (33)
Lexi is the daughter of Jeff and Tracy Mott. She has played basketball all four years at CHS and is also a starter on both the softball and volleyball teams. Her favorite basketball memory was raising money for her Dad, Jeff Mott, and Carterville’s Coach, Eli Gunter, to support both of their battles with cancer.
Lexi earned a single game scoring record of 38 points; a career rebounding record; a career free throw record for most made free throws; a 1000th point Club membership; and she just recently broke a career points scored record for surpassing the record of Jennifer Coleman set when she was in high school of 1,566 points. Lexi surpassed that record during the Red Bud game 2-5-26.
Lexi advised the underclassmen to show up and work hard every single day. She thanked her coaches and teammates for always pushing her. She also thanked her parents, brothers and grandparents for supporting her throughout her career.

Senior Night 2026 was a huge success and the girls played their hearts out and beat Red Bud, 50-48, in overtime. The huge crowd made it all the more enjoyable and the CHS Pep Band, Football players, Pep Club, CHS Cheerleaders, and CHS Dance team made it all the more enjoyable and memorable.

PHOTO 4: Jessica Stumpe (24), daughter of Scott Stumpe and Jennifer Cartwright Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 5: Aubrey Coleman (31), daughter of Brad and Jen Coleman Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 6: Lexi Mott (33), daughter of Jeff and Tracy Mott Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 7: Chester's six Lady Jacket Basketball players and their parents proudly stand center court after being introduced at Chester High School's "Senior Night 2026" prior to the CHS vs Red Bud game Thursday February 5. The Lady Jackets defeated Red Bud for the third time this season, 50-48, in overtime on Senior Night. Jim Beers Photo

Lady Jackets battle Red Bud to a 50-48 overtime “Senior Night” victory (4 of 4)
Chester honors six seniors in heart-warming pre-game ceremony including Riley Lochhead (11), Lillian Diskey (21), Natalie Guetersloh (22), Jessica Stumpe (24), Aubrey Coleman (31), and Lexie Mott (33)
BY JIM BEERS
With 5.5 seconds on the clock, Jessica Stumpe grabbed a monster rebound on a missed Red Bud shot. Coach Jeff Mott immediately called a time out. When play resumed, Lexi Mott grabbed another dramatic rebound to end the game with Chester winning, 50-48.
When asked for his comments on the game Coach Mott said, “The atmosphere was awesome! The girls don’t get that kind of crowd, band, cheerleaders, and dance team very often. It’s nice to see people come out and support these girls because I really think they are a special group.”
“We knew coming in you can throw out the records because it’s Red Bud. They play physical and tough man-to-man defense. They have played a ton of really good teams really close. We played hard, but we got into a little foul trouble early and that disrupted our flow. What I love is that the next person in line always stepped it up!”
Jessica and Lexi both had huge games. Marlie Caby came up big in several key moments. Aubrey and Lillian both did really well with the pressure and getting the ball into the paint to our posts.”
“It was a great win on Senior Night and it was great to see Lexi move past Jennifer Coleman in all-time scoring in front of that big crowd. Jennifer had 1,566 points and Lexi needed 17 to pass her, which she did and then some. She is now 2nd all time.”
In the win, the Lady Jackets were led by Lexi Mott who scored 21 points. She actually led all players on either team. Jessica Stumpe had 14 points. Marlie Caby added six points and Lillian Diskey had five points. Rounding out the Chester scoring was Aubrey Coleman with four points.
Red Bud was led by Lilly Minemann and Ava Wagner, each who scored 13 points apiece. Other contributors included Emma Carter (9), Nora Rothlisberger (4), Kendra Ehret (4), Brooke Grohmann (3), and Addy Piel (2).
With the win, Chester improved to an overall record of 15 wins and 11 losses. In the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division, the Lady Jackets improved to an even 4 wins and 4 losses. The Jackets played non-conference DuQuoin Saturday February 7 in a rare afternoon game at DuQuoin.

PHOTO 3
Jessica Stumpe (24) looks for an open teammate in the first quarter of the CHS vs Red Bud game Thursday February 5. The Lady Musketeer defense, Emma Carter (10) kept Chester's Lexi Mott (33) all tied up throughout much of the game. In spite of the extremely physical treatment, Mott was the overall top scorer on either team with 21 points. Lexi connected for ten "hard-fought" field goals and was perfect at the free throw line making her "only" free throw of the evening, in spite of the rough play and double-teaming she received all night. In the overtime period, Mott scored Chester's only two field goals for four of the Lady Jackets' six points. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 4
Thursday February 5 there was a packed house on hand to support the Lady Jackets basketball team when they hosted the Lady Musketeers from Red Bud. The Chester High School Pep Band played all night and the CHS Dance Team performed at halftime. The CHS Cheerleaders were on hand to cheer and the CHS Pep Club was in the Beehive behind the south basket to keep YellowJacket spirit alive. The CHS Football team was also there to support the girls. Both Chester and Red Bud had big crowds. Shown here, everyone in Colbert Memorial Gymnasium stood to attention as the CHS Pep Band, under the direction of Steve Colonel, played the National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner". Jim Beers Photo

Lady Jackets battle Red Bud to a 50-48 overtime “Senior Night” victory (3 of 4)
Chester honors six seniors in heart-warming pre-game ceremony including Riley Lochhead (11), Lillian Diskey (21), Natalie Guetersloh (22), Jessica Stumpe (24), Aubrey Coleman (31), and Lexie Mott (33)
BY JIM BEERS
The Lady Musketeers then used the final 3:24 to launch a 9-0 run to get within one point of Chester, 33-32, to close out the third quarter. During that run Emma Carter hit a basket to get things started with a basket at the 3:24 mark to get Red Bud within eight points (CHS 33-RBHS 25). With 2:34 to play, Ava Wagner drained two free throws to get the Musketeers within six points, 33-27.
With 1:27 on the clock in the 3rd quarter, Lilly Minemann hit a huge 3-pointer to narrow the Chester lead to just three points, 33-30. Chester then called a time out to calm things down. With only .28 on the clock, Kendra Ehret knocked down a final shot to get Red Bud within one point, 33-32. That’s how the third quarter would end.
The 4th quarter was a wild affair with four lead changes and three ties. At the final buzzer in regulation play, the score was tied 41-41.
Coming into the 4th quarter Chester had a slim, 33-32 lead. Red Bud’s Kendra Ehret scored a 2-pointer a minute into the period to give the Lady Musketeers a 34-31 lead over Chester (6:57).Chester’s Lillian Diskey answered with a bucket of her own at 6:10 to regain a Chester lead, 35-34. At the 5:40 mark, Chester’s Marlie Caby was fouled and made one of her two free throws to extend the Lady Jacket lead to 36-34. Red Bud called a time out.
After the time out, Red Bud tied the game, 36-36 on Ava Wagner’s 2-pointer. On Chester’s next possession Jessica Stumpe connected on a 2-pointer to re-take Chester’s lead again, 38-36, with 4:00 on the clock. Chester then called a time out at 3:53.
The Lady Jacket defense went to work and held Red Bud scoreless, and at the 3:33 mark when Marlie Caby knocked down another basket to extend Chester’s lead to 40-36. Ten seconds later, Chester’s Lillian Diskey was fouled and made one of two free throws. Chester led, 41-36 with 3:23 to play. Chester then called a time out at the 2:56 mark.
On Red Bud’s next possession Ava Wagner struck again with a basket with 2:43 remaining in the game. She was fouled and completed the three-point play by making her free throw. Red Bud was just two points away, 41-39. Red Bud’s Ava Wagner tied the game, 41-41, with another field goal. On the next play (1:59), Red Bud’s Nora Rothlisberger fouled out of the game.
With only 0:48 on the clock, Red Bud made things really suspense-filled when Lilly Minemann drained a three pointer to take a 44-41 Red Bud lead. Chester’s Marlie Caby answered with a basket 11-seconds later to get Chester back within one point, 44-43.
On Red Bud’s next possession Ava Wagner was fouled and went to the free throw line with 18.8 seconds to play. She missed both free throws and the Lady Warriors still led, 44-43. With just 14.4 seconds to play, Chester’s Lillian Diskey was fouled and went to the free throw line. She made things very scary for Jackets fans when she missed her first free throw. On the second opportunity, Diskey swished her shot and tied the game, 44-44.
Red Bud got the ball with 14.4 seconds to play in regulation. They called time out with 6.6 seconds on the clock. Chester’s defense did a great job keeping the Musketeers from getting the win, and the game went into overtime!
The excitement and nerve-wracking competition continued throughout the entire 4:00 overtime with a lead change, a tie, and three more lead changes before the final horn sounded with Chester on top with a 2 point, 50-48, lead for the win.
Red Bud drew first blood in the O.T. when Lilly Minemann knocked down a shot. Red Bud took a two-point, 46-44 lead. It took Chester two minutes before they tied the game again at 46-46 on Lexi Mott’s bucket (2:00).
Just 20-seconds later (1:41), Jessica Stumpe was fouled and made one free throw. CHS extended the lead to 47-46. Red Bud’s Emma Carter popped a basket with only 1:12 remaining in the overtime to re-take the lead for the Musketeers, 48-47.
Tensions were high and stomach acid was flowing freely among Lady Jacket fans. With just 23.3 seconds left to play, Chester’s Lexi Mott battled her way to yet another Chester field goal. That basket gave Chester the lead, 49-48.
The YellowJacket defense stood tall and firm in the final 23.3 seconds. Chester’s Marlie Caby was fouled with 13.7 seconds to play and made one of her free throws to extend Chester’s lead, 50-48.

Lady Jackets battle Red Bud to a 50-48 overtime “Senior Night” victory (2 of 4)
Chester honors six seniors in heart-warming pre-game ceremony including Riley Lochhead (11), Lillian Diskey (21), Natalie Guetersloh (22), Jessica Stumpe (24), Aubrey Coleman (31), and Lexie Mott (33)
BY JIM BEERS
Junior Varsity Game: Red Bud 42-Chester 20
The evening began with a junior varsity game which tipped-off at 6:00 p.m. The Chester JV was out-manned with several Red Bud players that had height advantages of 5’8, 5’10, 5’10, 5’8, and 5’7. The Musketeers had a roster of 12 players.
The JV Lady Jackets had a roster of eight players. They played hard and battled with heart and determination from start-to-finish, but the physical advantages of the Lady Musketeer squad were almost impossible to overcome.
Chester scored the first three points of the game on an Evelyn McKinney basket and a Kinley Davitz free throw. That’s all the points that CHS would score the remainder of the first quarter. The Musketeers led, 10-3, after one quarter. Red Bud outscored Chester 12-5 in the second quarter, to lead 22-8 at halftime.
A 12-2 third quarter gave Red Bud a 34-10 lead after three periods. In the 4th quarter the JV Jackets outscored the JV Lady Musketeers 10-8 to end strong, but unfortunately it was too-little-too-late, as the Red Bud JV defeated the Chester JV 42-20.
In the loss, Chester was led by Rylee Schemonic who scored six points, followed by Evenly McKinney (4), Bailey Hartman (4), and Kinley Davitz (4). Harlow Ebers added two points.

Red Bud had offensive contributions from seven players, led by Reagan Tallman who recorded 11 points. She was followed by Cabri Hartmann (8), Clare Carnahan (7), Gracie Rahn (6), Tessa Stenzel (4), Ella Cowell (4), and Brynlee Liefer (2).
Varsity Game: Chester 50-Red Bud 48 (in overtime)
Chester opened the game on a 9-0 run. Jessica Stumpe led the charge for Chester with back-to-back 2-point field goals. Lillian Diskey drilled a 3-pointer at the 3:19 mark to give CHS a 7-0 lead. With 3:00 left in the first quarter Lexi Mott made her way to the hoop for two points and Chester led, 9-0.
A familiar theme started late in the first quarter when Red Bud came alive and ended the frame on a 7-4 run of their own to get within six points of Chester, 13-7. During that run Brooke Grohmann drained a three ball, Lilly Minemann made a basket and a free throw, and Ava Wagner put in a free throw. Down the stretch, Lexi Mott and Jessica Stumpe each made buckets. The quarter ended with Chester leading by six points, 13-7.
The second quarter started like the first with the Lady Jackets opening with a 5-0 run to lead, 17-9 just two minutes into the period. Lexi Mott started the run with a basket and Aubrey Coleman drained a 3-pointer.
The Lady Musketeers responded with a 6-0 run on a 2-pointer by Emma Carter and a three ball by Ava Wagner. Carter hit a free throw a minute later to cap off the Musketeer run. Red Bud was within two points, 17-15 at the 4:10 mark.
The theme of trading runs back-and forth continued as Red Bud’s Ava Carter, Nora Rothlisberger, and Addy Piel each hit back-to-back-to-back baskets. Rothlisberger’s basket tied the game at 19-19 at 1:38 and Piel’s bucket gave Red Bud their first lead of the game, 21-19.
That lead lasted just six seconds, however, as Chester’s Lexi Mott went to work. With 1:03 remaining in the second quarter Mott battled for a short jumper. She made the shot, was fouled, and made her free throw. Chester re-took the lead, 22-21.
After a Chester time out, Lexi Mott came back and barged her way in for another short jumper with 29.5 seconds left on the clock. Chester went to the locker room with a three point lead, 24-21. During the second quarter, Red Bud did, however, outscore Chester, 14-11.
Chester’s Jessica Stumpe began the second half the way she started the first half, with a 5-0 run of her own to extend the Lady Jacket’s lead to eight points, 29-21. She did it with a 3-pointer at 6:30, followed by a 2-pointer a few seconds later. Red Bud called a time out with Chester up by eight points, 29-21.
After the time out, Red Bud’s Lilly Minemann hit a shot to get Red Bud within six points, 29-23. Chester’s Lexi Mott answered with a 4-0 run of her own to extend the Lady Jacket’s lead again, this time by 10 points, 33-32 with 3:42 to play in the 3rd quarter. That would be Chester’s last points of the quarter.

Lady Jackets battle Red Bud to a 50-48 overtime “Senior Night” victory (1 of 4)
Chester honors six seniors in heart-warming pre-game ceremony including Riley Lochhead (11), Lillian Diskey (21), Natalie Guetersloh (22), Jessica Stumpe (24), Aubrey Coleman (31), and Lexie Mott (33)
BY JIM BEERS
Thursday February 5, 2026 was “Senior Night” at Chester High School for the 2025-26 Lady Jacket Basketball Team. The opponent for the night was the Red Bud Lady Musketeers of the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division.
The two teams had already met twice this season. The first meeting was in the second game of the very early 2025-26 season on Wednesday February 19, 2025 in the Sparta Lady Bulldog Tournament. Chester won, 35-31.
In the second meeting of the two teams, Chester traveled to Red Bud Wednesday January 12 for a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division match-up. Chester won that game with a decisive 46-30 victory. That win evened the Jacket’s conference record to 2-2, and improve the overall record to 11-9.
On their 3rd meeting of the 2025-26 season, the Lady Musketeers traveled to Chester High School, Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, to battle the Lady Jackets on Rocky Bridges Court. It is very difficult to beat a team twice in a season, but to accomplish that goal three times was extremely difficult!
It was senior Night at CHS and the Lady Jackets were “fired-up” for the game! In recent years, there has been somewhat of a heated, but healthy rivalry developing between Chester and Red Bud. That rivalry was evidenced on “Senior Night” when the Lady Musketeers took the floor against a Chester team that had already beat them twice this season.
The game was very physical from the opening tip-off until the final buzzer. Both teams fought with high energy, enthusiasm, pride, confidence, and a veracious desire to win! Lots of emotion was exhibited on both sides of the court! At times, despair, frustration, amazement as well as confidence, determination, and joy were apparent.
This was a very long, exciting, entertaining, heart-throbbing and heart-breaking game, all packaged into one long, drawn-out competition. Both teams experienced a wide range of experiences and feelings, but the Chester YellowJackets calmly dealt with the ups-and-downs, highs-and-lows, roller-coaster of a game and never stopped fighting for the victory. Their high level of composure and confidence eventually brought them to a nerve-wracking, two-point, 50-48, overtime win!
A packed Colbert Gym crowd helped to create a wonderful atmosphere, especially for the Lady YellowJackets. These girls have earned a great deal of support from Jacket fans due to their continued improvement and their demonstrations of the ability to overcome hard battles and achieve a winning record.
Chester High School came out with huge support from the CHS Pep Band, CHS Cheerleaders, CHS Dance Team, the CHS Bee Hive Pep Club, the 2025 CHS Football Team, as well as a very large, supportive Community fan base. The excitement in Colbert Gymnasium was “electrifying!”
Prior to game time, underclassmen members of the Lady Jacket Basketball Team and their parents beautifully decorated the gym with a wide array of decorations to set the tone for “Senior Night”.

PHOTO 1
Chester's Lillian Diskey (21) sank key free throws for the Lady Jackets in the win over the Red Bud Musketeers Thursday February 5 at CHS. The first was with 3:23 to play in the 4th quarter to give Chester a 41-36 lead and the real "lifesaving" free throw came in 4th quarter with just 14.4 seconds remaining in regulation play and the Jackets down by one point, 44-43 to Red Bud. Diskey made her second free throw to tie the game, 44-44 and send the game into overtime. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 2
Prior to the start of the Chester vs Red Bud game, CHS honored its' six seniors in a pre-game ceremony. Pictured are (left to right) Lexi Mott (33), Aubrey Coleman (31), Jessica Stumpe (24), Natalie Guetersloh (22), Lillian Diskey (21) and Riley Lochhead (11). Along with the senior players are their parents. Jim Beers Photo

CECC STAFF OF THE MONTH
CECC is excited to announce our Staff Member of the Month for February, Mrs. Lindsey Hargis!!

PERSONAL DEL MES DE CECC
CECC se complace en anunciar a nuestra Miembro del Personal del Mes de febrero: ¡la Sra. Lindsey Hargis!

A couple of weeks ago, before all the snow arrived, CGS classes organized a "Snowmageddon" challenge! Students predicted the snowfall in Chester, and the class with the closest estimate without going over the actual amount won an ice cream cake party. We measured in three different areas within Chester and found that it received 11.5 inches of snow!! Both Mrs. Surman's 4th-grade class and Mrs. Handel's 5th-grade class guessed 11.5 inches exactly, resulting in a tie. Great job, CGS!

Chester Grade School extends our gratitude to local law enforcement agencies, including the Chester Police Department, Randolph County Deputies and Sheriff, State Troopers, and Conservation Officers. They showed up in full force for our Ballers vs. Badges Dodgeball Day at CGS this past Friday, and the students had a blast spending time with them during their PE classes! We love creating opportunities for our students to engage positively with law enforcement. We are truly thankful for their dedication to our community!

Chester High School would like to recognize the 2025 Football Team for another outstanding season.
The Yellowjackets finished the year with an impressive 8–2 record and captured back-to-back Conference Championships.
This season was also one for the record books, as four players set new school records. Tonight, we proudly recognize those young men.

Karim Landeros
First up, Karim Landeros.
Karim broke two school records this season.
He set a new record for Yards Per Punt, averaging 40.6 yards, breaking the previous mark of 39 yards set in 2021 by his brother, Jarad Landeros.
Karim also became the school’s all-time leader in career PATs, finishing with 98, breaking the previous record of 74 held by Curt Owens.

TaShawn Palacio
Next, we recognize TaShawn Palacio.
TaShawn had the greatest receiving season in school history, breaking two records that had stood since 1986, originally set by Jim Howie.
He set new marks for Single-Season Receiving Yards and Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns.
TaShawn finished the year with:
900 receiving yards
13 receiving touchdowns
44 receptions
20.45 yards per catch
He was also named Honorable Mention All-State Receiver.

Tray Peters
Next up, Tray Peters.
Tray set two school records, breaking the marks for Passing Touchdowns and Completion Percentage, both of which were set last season by Zain Al-Jassim.
He had an incredible year, including three games with five touchdown passes.
Tray finished the season with:
25 passing touchdowns
1,657 passing yards
99 completions
A 65% completion percentage, the highest in school history
Tray was named the Conference Offensive MVP.

Ethan Colvis
Finally, we recognize Ethan Colvis.
Ethan became the first player in 12 years to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.
He averaged an outstanding 8.21 yards per carry and scored 14 rushing touchdowns.
Ethan was named:
Conference MVP
All-State Running Back and Linebacker


La Escuela Secundaria de Chester desea reconocer al equipo de fútbol americano 2025 por otra temporada sobresaliente.
Los Yellowjackets terminaron el año con un impresionante récord de 8–2 y obtuvieron campeonatos de conferencia consecutivos.
Esta temporada también fue histórica, ya que cuatro jugadores establecieron nuevos récords escolares. Esta noche, reconocemos con orgullo a esos jóvenes.
Karim Landeros
En primer lugar, Karim Landeros.
Karim rompió dos récords escolares esta temporada.
Estableció un nuevo récord de yardas por despeje (punt), con un promedio de 40.6 yardas, superando la marca anterior de 39 yardas establecida en 2021 por su hermano, Jarad Landeros.
Karim también se convirtió en el líder histórico de la escuela en puntos extra (PAT) en su carrera, terminando con 98 y superando el récord anterior de 74 que pertenecía a Curt Owens.

TaShawn Palacio
A continuación, reconocemos a TaShawn Palacio.
TaShawn tuvo la mejor temporada como receptor en la historia de la escuela, rompiendo dos récords que se mantenían desde 1986, establecidos originalmente por Jim Howie.
Estableció nuevas marcas de yardas recibidas en una sola temporada y touchdowns recibidos en una sola temporada.
TaShawn terminó el año con:
900 yardas recibidas13 touchdowns por recepción
44 recepciones
20.45 yardas por recepción
También fue nombrado Receptor Mención Honorífica All-State.


Tray Peters
El siguiente es Tray Peters.
Tray estableció dos récords escolares, rompiendo las marcas de touchdowns por pase y porcentaje de pases completos, ambas establecidas la temporada pasada por Zain Al-Jassim.
Tuvo un año increíble, incluyendo tres partidos con cinco pases de touchdown.
Tray terminó la temporada con:
25 touchdowns por pase
1,657 yardas por pase
99 pases completos
Un 65% de pases completos, el más alto en la historia de la escuela
Tray fue nombrado Jugador Ofensivo Más Valioso (MVP) de la Conferencia.

Ethan Colvis
Finalmente, reconocemos a Ethan Colvis.
Ethan se convirtió en el primer jugador en 12 años en superar las 1,000 yardas por tierra en una temporada.
Promedió unas destacadas 8.21 yardas por acarreo y anotó 14 touchdowns por carrera.
Ethan fue nombrado:
MVP de la Conferencia
Corredor y linebacker All-State

🏀CHS Food Drive at the Chester V. Red Bud Basketball Game! 🏀
Join us at the February 6th, Chester vs. Redbud basketball game as we host a food drive in support of our Just 4 Jacket's Pantry!
This pantry helps provide meals and grab-and-go snacks for students in need at CHS.
As a thank you, everyone who donates will receive a voucher for a FREE bag of popcorn.
Please see the flyer attached for a list of needed items and additional details.
Thank you for helping support our students!

🏀 ¡Colecta de Alimentos de CHS en el partido de baloncesto Chester vs. Red Bud! 🏀
¡Acompáñanos el 6 de febrero en el partido de baloncesto Chester vs. Red Bud mientras realizamos una colecta de alimentos para apoyar nuestra Despensa Just 4 Jacket’s!
Esta despensa ayuda a proporcionar comidas y refrigerios para llevar a estudiantes de CHS que lo necesitan.
Como agradecimiento, todas las personas que donen recibirán un vale para una bolsa de palomitas GRATIS.
Por favor, consulta el volante adjunto para ver la lista de artículos necesarios y más detalles.
¡Gracias por ayudar a apoyar a nuestros estudiantes!