📣 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 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
Employment Opportunities
CHS SADD: SUICIDE PREVENTION DRESS UP WEEK
Monday: Don’t Sleep on your Mental Health, its important too! (Pajama Day)
Tuesday: Team up and Fight Against Suicide (Twin Day)
Wednesday: Show your support for National Suicide Prevention Day (Wear Teal & Purple)
Thursday: Battle it out together with your class (Wear Your Class Colors)
Friday: Unite together to help take down suicide (Wear Orange & Black)
Monday: Don’t Sleep on your Mental Health, its important too! (Pajama Day)
Tuesday: Team up and Fight Against Suicide (Twin Day)
Wednesday: Show your support for National Suicide Prevention Day (Wear Teal & Purple)
Thursday: Battle it out together with your class (Wear Your Class Colors)
Friday: Unite together to help take down suicide (Wear Orange & Black)
CECC, CGS & CHS DENTAL SAFARI (CORRECTION)
Dental Safari is coming to our schools. It is a great opportunity to get a free dental evaluation.
If you have any questions, please call the main office of your students' school of attendance.
Chester Early Childhood Center
November 19, 2025
Chester Grade School
December 3rd, 2025
Chester High School
October 31, 2025
Dental Safari is coming to our schools. It is a great opportunity to get a free dental evaluation.
If you have any questions, please call the main office of your students' school of attendance.
Chester Early Childhood Center
November 19, 2025
Chester Grade School
December 3rd, 2025
Chester High School
October 31, 2025
Chester Football announces Week 4 “Practice Player of the Week” and “Special Teams Player of the Week”
Weekly “Special Teams” player of the week sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling, and “Practice Player of the Week” sponsored by Night Hawk Coal.
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School Head Football Coach, Billy Belton, has announced that starting this 2025 CHS Football season his program will start a new award program. This program will be weekly and sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling of Chester, and Night Hawk Coal.
Each week Belton and his staff will select two players to be recognized and honored. The first award will recognize the best “Special Teams” player of the week and the second award will recognize the best “Practice Player” of the week.
Belton is proud to announce award winners for Week 4 of the 2025 YellowJacket Football season.
Korando Heating and Cooling “Special Teams” Player of the Week: # 55 Karim Landeros
Coach Belton said, “Landeros, a junior, made some big plays on kickoffs that saved touchdowns for us against Pinckneyville last week! He also had two kicks for touchbacks which were beautiful. The kicker and linebacker helped us win, 53-7 over a good Panther team!”
“Nighthawk Coal “Practice Player” of the Week: # 52 Hayden Haslett
Coach Belton said, “Hayden Haslett, a sophomore, is a good scout team player. He plays defensive line and offensive line for us. Hayden always gives us a great look. He makes his teammates better each and every day! He is a tackle on both offense and defense.”
Each of the two weekly award winners will receive a special T-shirt provided by the two sponsors. Korando Heating and Cooling and Night Hawk Coal have stepped up to be the 2025 sponsors of the “Special Teams” and “Practice Player” of the Week Awards for Chester Football.
Coach Belton stated, “I would like to give a special THANK YOU to Korando Heating and Cooling and Night Hawk Coal for sponsoring our “Special Teams Player of the Week” program and our “Practice Player of the Week” program.
The awards for Week 4 were announced and presented Thursday September 11 at the weekly team meeting and supper in the CHS Football Offices. This is a weekly event following the Thursday afternoon “Run-Through” practice in preparation for the Friday Night Game of the Week. Congratulations Karim Landeros and Hayden Haslett for being the Week 4 award winners!
PHOTO 1
Karim Landeros # 55 is the Week 4 "Special Team's Player of the Week" for the Chester YellowJackets Football Team. Landeros, a 5'9", 165 lb., offensive fullback and defensive linebacker, made some big plays on kickoffs that saved two Pinckneyville touchdowns from being scored and he kicked for two touchbacks for CHS. He helped his team win against the Panthers, 53-7. Jim Beers Report
PHOTO 2
Hayden Haslett, #52, is the Week 4 "Practice Player of the Week" for the Chester High School Yellowjacket Football Team. Haslett, a sophomore, is a tackle for both the offensive and defensive lines. He always gives the team a great look! He makes his teammates better players each week and every day. For his hard work ethic, he has earned the "Practice Player of the Week". Jim Beers Report
Weekly “Special Teams” player of the week sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling, and “Practice Player of the Week” sponsored by Night Hawk Coal.
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School Head Football Coach, Billy Belton, has announced that starting this 2025 CHS Football season his program will start a new award program. This program will be weekly and sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling of Chester, and Night Hawk Coal.
Each week Belton and his staff will select two players to be recognized and honored. The first award will recognize the best “Special Teams” player of the week and the second award will recognize the best “Practice Player” of the week.
Belton is proud to announce award winners for Week 4 of the 2025 YellowJacket Football season.
Korando Heating and Cooling “Special Teams” Player of the Week: # 55 Karim Landeros
Coach Belton said, “Landeros, a junior, made some big plays on kickoffs that saved touchdowns for us against Pinckneyville last week! He also had two kicks for touchbacks which were beautiful. The kicker and linebacker helped us win, 53-7 over a good Panther team!”
“Nighthawk Coal “Practice Player” of the Week: # 52 Hayden Haslett
Coach Belton said, “Hayden Haslett, a sophomore, is a good scout team player. He plays defensive line and offensive line for us. Hayden always gives us a great look. He makes his teammates better each and every day! He is a tackle on both offense and defense.”
Each of the two weekly award winners will receive a special T-shirt provided by the two sponsors. Korando Heating and Cooling and Night Hawk Coal have stepped up to be the 2025 sponsors of the “Special Teams” and “Practice Player” of the Week Awards for Chester Football.
Coach Belton stated, “I would like to give a special THANK YOU to Korando Heating and Cooling and Night Hawk Coal for sponsoring our “Special Teams Player of the Week” program and our “Practice Player of the Week” program.
The awards for Week 4 were announced and presented Thursday September 11 at the weekly team meeting and supper in the CHS Football Offices. This is a weekly event following the Thursday afternoon “Run-Through” practice in preparation for the Friday Night Game of the Week. Congratulations Karim Landeros and Hayden Haslett for being the Week 4 award winners!
PHOTO 1
Karim Landeros # 55 is the Week 4 "Special Team's Player of the Week" for the Chester YellowJackets Football Team. Landeros, a 5'9", 165 lb., offensive fullback and defensive linebacker, made some big plays on kickoffs that saved two Pinckneyville touchdowns from being scored and he kicked for two touchbacks for CHS. He helped his team win against the Panthers, 53-7. Jim Beers Report
PHOTO 2
Hayden Haslett, #52, is the Week 4 "Practice Player of the Week" for the Chester High School Yellowjacket Football Team. Haslett, a sophomore, is a tackle for both the offensive and defensive lines. He always gives the team a great look! He makes his teammates better players each week and every day. For his hard work ethic, he has earned the "Practice Player of the Week". Jim Beers Report
Chester Cross Country runners compete at Marissa Invitational
Hobbs leads YellowJacket boys and Vallet leads Lady Jacket girls
BY JIM BEERS
The CHS Cross Country teams traveled to Marissa Tuesday September 9 for the 2025 Marissa Invitational Cross Country Meet. It was a great day to run and the Chester cross country runners did a great job competing.
Girls Division Results
The Girls’ race included a total of 66 runners and had four teams entered in the event. Teams included Mascoutah, Pinckneyville, Columbia, and Red Bud. To qualify for a team score schools had to have five runners entered to compete for that school.
There were 12 different schools that had runners entered in the 3-mile race including Okawville, New Athens, Mascoutah, Red Bud, Columbia, Marissa, Pinckneyville, Dupo, Steeleville, Waterloo Gibault, Trico, and Valmeyer.
Chester Results
Katelyn Vallet, freshman, Place: 22nd, time: 22:54.9, Race Pace: 7:39 minutes per mile
Caitlyn Hargis, sophomore, Place: 35th, Time: 25:28.0, Race Pace: 8:30 minutes per mile
Note: Chester had just two runners, thus did not qualify for a team score.
Team Scores and finishes
Mascoutah: (1st Place, 27 points)
Pinckneyville: (2nd Place, 89 points)
Columbia: (3rd Place, 92 points)
Red Bud: (4th Place, 93 points)
The Girls’ Race had 66 runners. The winner was senior Caroline Tepe of Okawville. She crossed the finish line with a time of 19:09.6 and a race pace of 6:24 minutes per mile. The last runner crossed the finish line with a time of 32:56.0. She was a freshman. Her race pace was 10:59 minutes per mile. Both first and last runners were from Okawville.
Boys’ Division Results
The Boys’ Division included 108 runners and six teams. To qualify as a team a school had to have five runners. Otherwise runners could run independently. There were 10 Boys’ Teams included Pinckneyville, Mascoutah, Okawville, Sparta, Columbia, New Athens, Dupo, O’Fallon Baptist, Steeleville, and Centralia Christ Our Rock.
Other schools that had independent runners included Waterloo Gibault, Marissa, Chester, Valmeyer, and Trico. A total of 15 schools were represented.
Chester Results
Ivan Hobbs, senior; Place: 65th, Time: 21:32.6, Race Pace: 7:11 minutes per mile
Victor Fuentes, junior, Place: 69th, Time: 21:53.6, Race Pace: 7:18 minutes per mile
Note: Chester only had two runners, therefore they did not qualify for a team score.
Team scores and finishes
Pinckneyville (1st, 34 points)
Mascoutah (2nd, 41 points)
Okawville (3rd, 137 points)
Sparta (4th, 146 points)
Columbia (5th, 153 points)
New Athens (6th, 160 points)
Dupo (7th, 161 points)
O’Fallon Baptist (8th, 171 points)
Steeleville (9th, 227 points)
Centralia Christ Our Rock (10th, 246 points)
The Boys’ Race had a total of 108 runners. The winner was Landen Boman of Pinckneyville. Boman is a senior. He had a time of 15:39.4 and a race pace of 5:14 minutes per mile. The last runner to cross the finish line was a freshman from Mascoutah. His time was 29:34.7 and his race pace was 9:52 minutes per mile.
New up for the YellowJackets will be a trip to Sparta Tuesday September 16 for the Sparta Invitational Meet. The first gun will go off at 4:00 p.m. for the Girls’ Race. The Boys’ Race will follow.
For the second week in a row Chester's Katelyn Vallet, a freshman, has led he Lady Jacket's Cross Country Team. Last week at New Athens she finished 22nd with a time of 23:24.4 and this we at Marissa she placed 22nd with a time of 22:54.9. Jim Beers Photo
Hobbs leads YellowJacket boys and Vallet leads Lady Jacket girls
BY JIM BEERS
The CHS Cross Country teams traveled to Marissa Tuesday September 9 for the 2025 Marissa Invitational Cross Country Meet. It was a great day to run and the Chester cross country runners did a great job competing.
Girls Division Results
The Girls’ race included a total of 66 runners and had four teams entered in the event. Teams included Mascoutah, Pinckneyville, Columbia, and Red Bud. To qualify for a team score schools had to have five runners entered to compete for that school.
There were 12 different schools that had runners entered in the 3-mile race including Okawville, New Athens, Mascoutah, Red Bud, Columbia, Marissa, Pinckneyville, Dupo, Steeleville, Waterloo Gibault, Trico, and Valmeyer.
Chester Results
Katelyn Vallet, freshman, Place: 22nd, time: 22:54.9, Race Pace: 7:39 minutes per mile
Caitlyn Hargis, sophomore, Place: 35th, Time: 25:28.0, Race Pace: 8:30 minutes per mile
Note: Chester had just two runners, thus did not qualify for a team score.
Team Scores and finishes
Mascoutah: (1st Place, 27 points)
Pinckneyville: (2nd Place, 89 points)
Columbia: (3rd Place, 92 points)
Red Bud: (4th Place, 93 points)
The Girls’ Race had 66 runners. The winner was senior Caroline Tepe of Okawville. She crossed the finish line with a time of 19:09.6 and a race pace of 6:24 minutes per mile. The last runner crossed the finish line with a time of 32:56.0. She was a freshman. Her race pace was 10:59 minutes per mile. Both first and last runners were from Okawville.
Boys’ Division Results
The Boys’ Division included 108 runners and six teams. To qualify as a team a school had to have five runners. Otherwise runners could run independently. There were 10 Boys’ Teams included Pinckneyville, Mascoutah, Okawville, Sparta, Columbia, New Athens, Dupo, O’Fallon Baptist, Steeleville, and Centralia Christ Our Rock.
Other schools that had independent runners included Waterloo Gibault, Marissa, Chester, Valmeyer, and Trico. A total of 15 schools were represented.
Chester Results
Ivan Hobbs, senior; Place: 65th, Time: 21:32.6, Race Pace: 7:11 minutes per mile
Victor Fuentes, junior, Place: 69th, Time: 21:53.6, Race Pace: 7:18 minutes per mile
Note: Chester only had two runners, therefore they did not qualify for a team score.
Team scores and finishes
Pinckneyville (1st, 34 points)
Mascoutah (2nd, 41 points)
Okawville (3rd, 137 points)
Sparta (4th, 146 points)
Columbia (5th, 153 points)
New Athens (6th, 160 points)
Dupo (7th, 161 points)
O’Fallon Baptist (8th, 171 points)
Steeleville (9th, 227 points)
Centralia Christ Our Rock (10th, 246 points)
The Boys’ Race had a total of 108 runners. The winner was Landen Boman of Pinckneyville. Boman is a senior. He had a time of 15:39.4 and a race pace of 5:14 minutes per mile. The last runner to cross the finish line was a freshman from Mascoutah. His time was 29:34.7 and his race pace was 9:52 minutes per mile.
New up for the YellowJackets will be a trip to Sparta Tuesday September 16 for the Sparta Invitational Meet. The first gun will go off at 4:00 p.m. for the Girls’ Race. The Boys’ Race will follow.
For the second week in a row Chester's Katelyn Vallet, a freshman, has led he Lady Jacket's Cross Country Team. Last week at New Athens she finished 22nd with a time of 23:24.4 and this we at Marissa she placed 22nd with a time of 22:54.9. Jim Beers Photo
CHS FOOTBALL GAMENIGHT THEME
Come out and SUPPORT our Chester Yellowjackets
Friday, September 12th at 7:00pm
West Frankfort High School, West Frankfort, IL
Theme: 90s Vibes - think neon colors, baggy jeans, and graphic tees!
Go Jackets!!!
Come out and SUPPORT our Chester Yellowjackets
Friday, September 12th at 7:00pm
West Frankfort High School, West Frankfort, IL
Theme: 90s Vibes - think neon colors, baggy jeans, and graphic tees!
Go Jackets!!!
Chester Community: Do your kids walk or ride a bike to school? Please help us, along with the City of Chester, to submit a grant for SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL by completing this short survey. 🚌🚗🚲
Click the link to the survey-- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCNBPNX
Click the link to the survey-- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCNBPNX
CHS Cross Country kicks off 2025 season at New Athens
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester High School Cross Country Team began its 2025 season Monday August 25 at the New Athens “Race by the River” meet. The YellowJacket program is struggling for team members this year with only three girls and four boys on the squad. In recent years numbers have been dwindling at CHS for cross country.
Cross Country is a hard sport. Races are 3 miles and this time of year temperatures run in the 80’s and 90’s with heat indexes that make it seem like temperatures are near the 100’s.
To qualify for a “team score” in cross country, schools must have at least five runners on a team. Chester is under that qualifying mark, so YellowJacket and Lady Jacket runners have to compete individually. Unless numbers increase, the Jackets will not be able to compete as a team this season.
Girl’s Division Results
The girl’s race took place under sunny skies and a NW wind blowing at 8 Miles per hour. Temperature was 72 degrees. The race took place at Okaw Valley Park.
All three Chester girls competed at New Athens. There were a total of 64 girls in the 3-mile event. The overall winner was senior Caroline Tepe of Okawville. She won with a time of 19:04, and pace of 6:28.0. The 64th runner crossed the finish line at the 32:36.6 mark and pace of 11:04.
Lady Jacket results are as follow:
Katelyn Vallett (freshman) (22nd overall; time of 23:24.4; average pace of 7:57 per mile)
Caitlyn Hargis (sophomore) (25th overall; time of 23:54.1; average pace of 8:07 per mile)
Jaimy Duran (sophomore) (45th overall; time of 27:17.2; average pace of 9:15 per mile)
Team Scores include:
Okawville (1st, 54)
Belleville Althoff (2nd, 56)
Edwardsville Metro-East (3rd, 67)
Breese Central (4th, 75)
Red Bud (5th, 81)
Boy’s Division Results
The Boy’s race took place under sunny skies. NW wind was blowing at 7 Miles per hour. Temperature was 71 degrees. The race was held at Oak Valley Park.
Two Chester boys ran the 3-mile race. There were a total of 96 boys compete. The winner was Cole Dachsteiner of New Athens. He turned in a time of 15:48.7 with a race pace of 5:22 per mile. The final runner to cross the finish line finished 96th with a time of 29:53.4 and race pace of 10:08 per mile.
YellowJackets results are as follow:
Ivan Hobbs (senior) (63rd overall; time of 21:19.8; average pace of 7:14 per mile)
Jaden Ramirez (sophomore) (77th; time of 22:24.2; Average pace of 7:36 per mile)
Team Scores include:
Edwardsville Metro-East (1st, 25)
Breese Central (2nd, 94)
Okawville (3rd, 104)
Sparta (4th, 113)
O’Fallon First Baptist (5th, 116)
Dupo (6th, 145)
New Athens (7th, 147)
Trenton-Wesclin (8th, 170)
Steeleville (9th, 210)
Next up for the Chester High School Cross Country Team is the Marissa Meteor Invitational Meet Tuesday September 9th at 5:00 p.m.
Photo 1
Freshman Katelyn Vallett was Chester's top runner in the Girl's Division 3-mile race at the New Athens "Race by the River" 3-mile meet Monday August 25. Vallett had an overall finish of 22nd out of 64 runners. Her time was 23:24.4 and she had a race pace of 7:57 miles per minute. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2
Jaden Ramirez, a CHS sophomore, was the No. 2 YellowJacket finisher at New Athens "Race by the River" meet Monday August 25. He finished 77th with a time of 22:24.2 and a race pace of 7:36 minutes per mile. Jim Beers Photo
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester High School Cross Country Team began its 2025 season Monday August 25 at the New Athens “Race by the River” meet. The YellowJacket program is struggling for team members this year with only three girls and four boys on the squad. In recent years numbers have been dwindling at CHS for cross country.
Cross Country is a hard sport. Races are 3 miles and this time of year temperatures run in the 80’s and 90’s with heat indexes that make it seem like temperatures are near the 100’s.
To qualify for a “team score” in cross country, schools must have at least five runners on a team. Chester is under that qualifying mark, so YellowJacket and Lady Jacket runners have to compete individually. Unless numbers increase, the Jackets will not be able to compete as a team this season.
Girl’s Division Results
The girl’s race took place under sunny skies and a NW wind blowing at 8 Miles per hour. Temperature was 72 degrees. The race took place at Okaw Valley Park.
All three Chester girls competed at New Athens. There were a total of 64 girls in the 3-mile event. The overall winner was senior Caroline Tepe of Okawville. She won with a time of 19:04, and pace of 6:28.0. The 64th runner crossed the finish line at the 32:36.6 mark and pace of 11:04.
Lady Jacket results are as follow:
Katelyn Vallett (freshman) (22nd overall; time of 23:24.4; average pace of 7:57 per mile)
Caitlyn Hargis (sophomore) (25th overall; time of 23:54.1; average pace of 8:07 per mile)
Jaimy Duran (sophomore) (45th overall; time of 27:17.2; average pace of 9:15 per mile)
Team Scores include:
Okawville (1st, 54)
Belleville Althoff (2nd, 56)
Edwardsville Metro-East (3rd, 67)
Breese Central (4th, 75)
Red Bud (5th, 81)
Boy’s Division Results
The Boy’s race took place under sunny skies. NW wind was blowing at 7 Miles per hour. Temperature was 71 degrees. The race was held at Oak Valley Park.
Two Chester boys ran the 3-mile race. There were a total of 96 boys compete. The winner was Cole Dachsteiner of New Athens. He turned in a time of 15:48.7 with a race pace of 5:22 per mile. The final runner to cross the finish line finished 96th with a time of 29:53.4 and race pace of 10:08 per mile.
YellowJackets results are as follow:
Ivan Hobbs (senior) (63rd overall; time of 21:19.8; average pace of 7:14 per mile)
Jaden Ramirez (sophomore) (77th; time of 22:24.2; Average pace of 7:36 per mile)
Team Scores include:
Edwardsville Metro-East (1st, 25)
Breese Central (2nd, 94)
Okawville (3rd, 104)
Sparta (4th, 113)
O’Fallon First Baptist (5th, 116)
Dupo (6th, 145)
New Athens (7th, 147)
Trenton-Wesclin (8th, 170)
Steeleville (9th, 210)
Next up for the Chester High School Cross Country Team is the Marissa Meteor Invitational Meet Tuesday September 9th at 5:00 p.m.
Photo 1
Freshman Katelyn Vallett was Chester's top runner in the Girl's Division 3-mile race at the New Athens "Race by the River" 3-mile meet Monday August 25. Vallett had an overall finish of 22nd out of 64 runners. Her time was 23:24.4 and she had a race pace of 7:57 miles per minute. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2
Jaden Ramirez, a CHS sophomore, was the No. 2 YellowJacket finisher at New Athens "Race by the River" meet Monday August 25. He finished 77th with a time of 22:24.2 and a race pace of 7:36 minutes per mile. Jim Beers Photo
Lady Jackets host Sparta and Tamms (Egyptian) in 9-hole match
Chester wins by default; Macy Bert is Medalist with score of 42 strokes
BY JIM BEERS
On a nice 72 degree day with partly cloudy skies and a gentle breeze, the Chester High School Lady Jacket Golf Team hosted a triangular match at the Chester Country Club. The course was extremely dry as the area has not had a substantial rain for several weeks, but otherwise, the course was friendly.
In IHSA Golf it takes at least four golfers to qualify for a team score. If a team competes with more than four golfers, the top four scores are used to calculate the team score. On this date, Sparta had only two golfers as did Tamms (Egyptian). Chester fielded eight golfers therefore, the Lady Jackets were the only school to have a team score. The Lady Jackets thusly won the match by default.
School scores were as follow:
Chester Lady Jackets (Class 1A Cahokia Conference) 197 strokes
Tamms (Egyptian) Pharaohs (Class 1A, South Egyptian Conference) +36
Sparta Lady Bulldogs (Class 1A, Cahokia Conference) +59
New Chester Head Coach, Robin Barton, said, “Chester won the match tonight by default, having fielded the only full team. Macy Bert was the Medalist (winner, lowest score) with her score of 42 strokes. This was her second-best match of the season. Our Lady Jackets earned 4-of-the-Top 5 finishes.”
Chester Lady Jacket scores include:
Macy Bert (Sr.) * 42 (Medalist)
Rylie Myers (Sr.) * 49
Riley Lochhead (Sr.) * 51
Addy Gottschammer (Sr.) * 55
Mallorie Homan (so.) 56
Ashlyn Young (Fr.) 63
*Top 4 scores to calculate team score
Top-10 Finishes
Macy Bert, (Sr.) Chester 42 Medalist
Vanessa Greenley, (Fr.) Tamms (Egyptian) 45
Rylie Myers, (Sr.) Chester 49
Riley Lochhead, (Sr.) Chester 51
Addy Gottschammer, (Sr.) Chester 55
Mallorie Homan, (So.) Chester 56
Seraphin Hartman, (Fr.) Sparta 61
Ashlynn Young, (Fr.) Chester 63 Tie
Lyriq Houston, (Fr.) Tamms (Egyptian) 63 Tie
Alyssa Shubert, (So.) Sparta 70
The Lady Jackets will travel to Red Bud Thursday September 11 for their next competition with the Lady Musketeers. This will be a Cahokia Conference match-up. Tee time is 4:00 p.m.
PHOTO 1
Macy Bert, a CHS senior, sizes up her putt Tuesday September 9 when the Lady Jackets hosted Sparta and Tamms (Egyptian) at the Chester Country Club. Bert's putt was good, and she helped the Lady Jackets win the triangular match with a team score of 197. Bert was the Medalist with her low score of 42 strokes, her second-best round of th year to date. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
Rylie Myers, a senior Lady Jacket, was Chester's second-best finisher Tuesday September 9 at the Chester Country Club. Shown here Myers prepares to move to the next tee box early in the 9-hole match. Myers ended with a 3rd place overall score of 49 strokes. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
Riley Lochhead, a Lady Jacket senior, was Chester's 3rd best finisher Tuesday September 9 in the triangular match with Sparta and Tamms (Egyptian). Lochhead finished 4th overall with her score of 51. Shown here Riley just worked hard to get out of a near missed trip into the weeds for her ball. Fortunately, she "Shaked off the scare and finished strong the rest of the match. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 4
Addy Gottschammer, a senior, was Chester's 4th finisher Tuesday September 9 at the Chester Country Club. Gottschammer shot 55 for the 9-hole event and was the 5trh place overall finisher among the entire fields of golfers, Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5
Mallorie Homan, a sophomore Lady Jackets, finished 6th overall Tuesday September 9 at the Chester Country Club. Her score of 56 strokes just missed tying for 5th place overall. She was Chester's 5trh finisher. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6
Ashlyn Young, a freshman, shot 63 for the 9-hole event Tuesday September 9th at the Chester Country Club. She finished 8th overall in the To-10. Jim Beers Photo
Chester wins by default; Macy Bert is Medalist with score of 42 strokes
BY JIM BEERS
On a nice 72 degree day with partly cloudy skies and a gentle breeze, the Chester High School Lady Jacket Golf Team hosted a triangular match at the Chester Country Club. The course was extremely dry as the area has not had a substantial rain for several weeks, but otherwise, the course was friendly.
In IHSA Golf it takes at least four golfers to qualify for a team score. If a team competes with more than four golfers, the top four scores are used to calculate the team score. On this date, Sparta had only two golfers as did Tamms (Egyptian). Chester fielded eight golfers therefore, the Lady Jackets were the only school to have a team score. The Lady Jackets thusly won the match by default.
School scores were as follow:
Chester Lady Jackets (Class 1A Cahokia Conference) 197 strokes
Tamms (Egyptian) Pharaohs (Class 1A, South Egyptian Conference) +36
Sparta Lady Bulldogs (Class 1A, Cahokia Conference) +59
New Chester Head Coach, Robin Barton, said, “Chester won the match tonight by default, having fielded the only full team. Macy Bert was the Medalist (winner, lowest score) with her score of 42 strokes. This was her second-best match of the season. Our Lady Jackets earned 4-of-the-Top 5 finishes.”
Chester Lady Jacket scores include:
Macy Bert (Sr.) * 42 (Medalist)
Rylie Myers (Sr.) * 49
Riley Lochhead (Sr.) * 51
Addy Gottschammer (Sr.) * 55
Mallorie Homan (so.) 56
Ashlyn Young (Fr.) 63
*Top 4 scores to calculate team score
Top-10 Finishes
Macy Bert, (Sr.) Chester 42 Medalist
Vanessa Greenley, (Fr.) Tamms (Egyptian) 45
Rylie Myers, (Sr.) Chester 49
Riley Lochhead, (Sr.) Chester 51
Addy Gottschammer, (Sr.) Chester 55
Mallorie Homan, (So.) Chester 56
Seraphin Hartman, (Fr.) Sparta 61
Ashlynn Young, (Fr.) Chester 63 Tie
Lyriq Houston, (Fr.) Tamms (Egyptian) 63 Tie
Alyssa Shubert, (So.) Sparta 70
The Lady Jackets will travel to Red Bud Thursday September 11 for their next competition with the Lady Musketeers. This will be a Cahokia Conference match-up. Tee time is 4:00 p.m.
PHOTO 1
Macy Bert, a CHS senior, sizes up her putt Tuesday September 9 when the Lady Jackets hosted Sparta and Tamms (Egyptian) at the Chester Country Club. Bert's putt was good, and she helped the Lady Jackets win the triangular match with a team score of 197. Bert was the Medalist with her low score of 42 strokes, her second-best round of th year to date. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
Rylie Myers, a senior Lady Jacket, was Chester's second-best finisher Tuesday September 9 at the Chester Country Club. Shown here Myers prepares to move to the next tee box early in the 9-hole match. Myers ended with a 3rd place overall score of 49 strokes. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
Riley Lochhead, a Lady Jacket senior, was Chester's 3rd best finisher Tuesday September 9 in the triangular match with Sparta and Tamms (Egyptian). Lochhead finished 4th overall with her score of 51. Shown here Riley just worked hard to get out of a near missed trip into the weeds for her ball. Fortunately, she "Shaked off the scare and finished strong the rest of the match. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 4
Addy Gottschammer, a senior, was Chester's 4th finisher Tuesday September 9 at the Chester Country Club. Gottschammer shot 55 for the 9-hole event and was the 5trh place overall finisher among the entire fields of golfers, Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5
Mallorie Homan, a sophomore Lady Jackets, finished 6th overall Tuesday September 9 at the Chester Country Club. Her score of 56 strokes just missed tying for 5th place overall. She was Chester's 5trh finisher. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6
Ashlyn Young, a freshman, shot 63 for the 9-hole event Tuesday September 9th at the Chester Country Club. She finished 8th overall in the To-10. Jim Beers Photo
CECC, CGS & CHS 9/11 OBSERVANCE
Tomorrow, our school will observe September 11th by wearing red, white, and blue to respectfully remember and honor the lives affected by the events of that day.
Thank you for your support.
Tomorrow, our school will observe September 11th by wearing red, white, and blue to respectfully remember and honor the lives affected by the events of that day.
Thank you for your support.
CHS TRAPSHOOTING
PARENT INFORMATIONAL MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPT 11th 7PM
PROFESSOR SHARP CAFETERIA
PRIOR SIGNUP NOT REQUIRED
NOT REQUIRED IF YOU ATTENDED 9/4/25 MEETING
PARENT INFORMATIONAL MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPT 11th 7PM
PROFESSOR SHARP CAFETERIA
PRIOR SIGNUP NOT REQUIRED
NOT REQUIRED IF YOU ATTENDED 9/4/25 MEETING
Chester Football announces special award winners for Week 3
“Special Teams” player of the week is sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling, and “Practice Player of the Week” is sponsored by Night Hawk Coal.
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School Head Football Coach, Billy Belton, has announced that starting this 2025 CHS Football season his program will start a new award program. This program is weekly and sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling of Chester, and Night Hawk Coal.
Each week Belton and his staff will select two players to be recognized and honored. The first award will recognize the best “Special Teams” player of the week and the second award will recognize the best “Practice Player” of the week.
Belton is proud to announce the award winners for Week 3 of the 2025 YellowJacket Football season.
Korando Heating and Cooling “Special Teams” Player of the Week: Landen Conder
Coach Belton said, “Landen Conder led “Special Teams” in tackles (solos and 2 assists), and hustle plays! He was flying around on kickoffs and really made a difference with some great tackles!”
Knight Hawk Coal “Practice Player” of the Week: Donnie Sabo
Coach Belton said, “The Night Hawk Coal “Practice Player” of the Week, Donnie Sabo, did a great job on the scout team! He was giving the defense great looks. He made great plays and really helped make our team better this week!”
Each of the two weekly award winners received a special T-shirt provided by the two sponsors. Korando Heating and Cooling and Nighthawk Coal have stepped up to be the 2025 sponsors of the “Special Teams” and “Practice Player” of the Week Awards for Chester Football.
Coach Belton stated, “I would like to give a special THANK YOU to Korando Heating and Cooling and Night Hawk Coal for sponsoring our “Special Teams Player of the Week” program and our “Practice Player of the Week” program.
Photo 1 Landen Conder SPECIAL TEAMS
CHS junior, Landen Conder (14) has been presented the Korando Heating and Cooling "Special Teams" player of Week 3. This is his second week in-a-row to earn this title. Conder is a 5'8", 160 lb. YellowJacket offensive and defensive lineman and led Special Teams in Week 3.
Photo 2 Donnie Sabo Practice Player of Week 3
CHS sophomore Donnie Sabo (20), a 5'10", 130 lb. wide receiver and defensive back, is the YellowJacket Week 3 "Practice Player" of the week. His good work ethic made his teammates get better each day this week!
“Special Teams” player of the week is sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling, and “Practice Player of the Week” is sponsored by Night Hawk Coal.
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School Head Football Coach, Billy Belton, has announced that starting this 2025 CHS Football season his program will start a new award program. This program is weekly and sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling of Chester, and Night Hawk Coal.
Each week Belton and his staff will select two players to be recognized and honored. The first award will recognize the best “Special Teams” player of the week and the second award will recognize the best “Practice Player” of the week.
Belton is proud to announce the award winners for Week 3 of the 2025 YellowJacket Football season.
Korando Heating and Cooling “Special Teams” Player of the Week: Landen Conder
Coach Belton said, “Landen Conder led “Special Teams” in tackles (solos and 2 assists), and hustle plays! He was flying around on kickoffs and really made a difference with some great tackles!”
Knight Hawk Coal “Practice Player” of the Week: Donnie Sabo
Coach Belton said, “The Night Hawk Coal “Practice Player” of the Week, Donnie Sabo, did a great job on the scout team! He was giving the defense great looks. He made great plays and really helped make our team better this week!”
Each of the two weekly award winners received a special T-shirt provided by the two sponsors. Korando Heating and Cooling and Nighthawk Coal have stepped up to be the 2025 sponsors of the “Special Teams” and “Practice Player” of the Week Awards for Chester Football.
Coach Belton stated, “I would like to give a special THANK YOU to Korando Heating and Cooling and Night Hawk Coal for sponsoring our “Special Teams Player of the Week” program and our “Practice Player of the Week” program.
Photo 1 Landen Conder SPECIAL TEAMS
CHS junior, Landen Conder (14) has been presented the Korando Heating and Cooling "Special Teams" player of Week 3. This is his second week in-a-row to earn this title. Conder is a 5'8", 160 lb. YellowJacket offensive and defensive lineman and led Special Teams in Week 3.
Photo 2 Donnie Sabo Practice Player of Week 3
CHS sophomore Donnie Sabo (20), a 5'10", 130 lb. wide receiver and defensive back, is the YellowJacket Week 3 "Practice Player" of the week. His good work ethic made his teammates get better each day this week!
Boys Varsity Football took down Pinckneyville Friday night, making their record 2-0 to start the season!
Big Congratulations!
Big Congratulations!
Congratulations to the Girls Varsity Volleyball team for winning the Carbondale Triple Crown Preview Tournament on Saturday!
Maggie Caby and Camryn Wolff earned spots on the All-Tournament Team as well!
During the tournament, Maggie Caby surpassed 500 career varsity kills!!
Congratulations Ladies!
Maggie Caby and Camryn Wolff earned spots on the All-Tournament Team as well!
During the tournament, Maggie Caby surpassed 500 career varsity kills!!
Congratulations Ladies!
YellowJacket golf finishes 4th at Chester Invite (1 of 2)
James and Eggemeyer earn Top-5 awards; nine teams and 54 golfers battle for the win
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester High School Boy’s Golf Team hosted its Chester Annual Golf Invitational Match Monday September 8. The event was held at the Chester Country Club Golf Course. This year’s match featured nine teams of six players each for a total of 54 golfers.
The match was an 18-hole event that started at 1:00 p.m. and finished at approximately 5:45 p.m. Immediately following the match, all golfers and coaches were treated to an evening meal as the results were calculated and posted on the standings board.
Chester Boy’s Head Coach, Clayton Andrews, was the match manager and did a great job with organization and management of the event. Country Club staff greeted and served guests throughout the afternoon.
The Top-5 golfers received plaques for their top-5 performances. The overall winner of the 18-hole event was Red Bud’s Jack Muench who shot 73 for the day. In second place was Kruz Koester of Red Bud who turned in a score of 74, just missing the title by one stroke.
Chester’s Tallen James finished 3rd with his score of 77 strokes. Draedan Duncan of Red Bud and Trevin Eggemeyer of Chester tied for 4th place with 78 strokes. Duncan won the tie-breaker for 4trh place and and Trevin Eggemeyer placed 5th. Red Bud won three of the Top-5 awards while Chester won two Top-5 finishes.
In team standings, Red Bud won the Championship with a score of 304 strokes. Red Bud won the team trophy for 1st Place. Red Bud’s Team consisted of Jack Muench who won the tournament champion title with his score of 73 strokes. Kruz Koester shot 74 for 2nd place. Both Muench and Koester are seniors. Freshman Draedan Duncan shot 78. Zane Diewald, a sophomore shot 79. Both Porter Donjon and Blake Marcheski had scores of 80. They are both freshmen.
PHOTO 1
The Chester High School Boy's Golf Team finished 4th in the 2025 Chester Invitational Golf Match. Pictured are the Varsity Golfers who competed Monday September 8 at the 18-hole Invite. (left to right) are Head Coach Clayton Andrews, Logan Springston, Alden Davitz, Tallen James, Jack Luthy, Trevin Eggemeyer, and Kross Jany. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
Red Bud's Jack Muench, a senior, was the winner of the 2025 Chester Golf Invitational. The event was hosted by Chester at the Chester Country Club. Muench shot 73 to win the 18-hole match. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
The Top 5 golfers at the 2025 Chester Invitational Golf Tournament earned plaques for their outstanding golf scores. Left to right are the Top 5 Golfers including Jack Muench of Red Bud (1st, 73); Kruz Koester of Red Bud (2nd, 74), Tallen James of Chester (3rd, 77); Draedan Duncan of Red Bud (4th, 78); and Trevin Eggemeyer of Chester (5th, 78). Jim Beers Photo
James and Eggemeyer earn Top-5 awards; nine teams and 54 golfers battle for the win
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester High School Boy’s Golf Team hosted its Chester Annual Golf Invitational Match Monday September 8. The event was held at the Chester Country Club Golf Course. This year’s match featured nine teams of six players each for a total of 54 golfers.
The match was an 18-hole event that started at 1:00 p.m. and finished at approximately 5:45 p.m. Immediately following the match, all golfers and coaches were treated to an evening meal as the results were calculated and posted on the standings board.
Chester Boy’s Head Coach, Clayton Andrews, was the match manager and did a great job with organization and management of the event. Country Club staff greeted and served guests throughout the afternoon.
The Top-5 golfers received plaques for their top-5 performances. The overall winner of the 18-hole event was Red Bud’s Jack Muench who shot 73 for the day. In second place was Kruz Koester of Red Bud who turned in a score of 74, just missing the title by one stroke.
Chester’s Tallen James finished 3rd with his score of 77 strokes. Draedan Duncan of Red Bud and Trevin Eggemeyer of Chester tied for 4th place with 78 strokes. Duncan won the tie-breaker for 4trh place and and Trevin Eggemeyer placed 5th. Red Bud won three of the Top-5 awards while Chester won two Top-5 finishes.
In team standings, Red Bud won the Championship with a score of 304 strokes. Red Bud won the team trophy for 1st Place. Red Bud’s Team consisted of Jack Muench who won the tournament champion title with his score of 73 strokes. Kruz Koester shot 74 for 2nd place. Both Muench and Koester are seniors. Freshman Draedan Duncan shot 78. Zane Diewald, a sophomore shot 79. Both Porter Donjon and Blake Marcheski had scores of 80. They are both freshmen.
PHOTO 1
The Chester High School Boy's Golf Team finished 4th in the 2025 Chester Invitational Golf Match. Pictured are the Varsity Golfers who competed Monday September 8 at the 18-hole Invite. (left to right) are Head Coach Clayton Andrews, Logan Springston, Alden Davitz, Tallen James, Jack Luthy, Trevin Eggemeyer, and Kross Jany. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
Red Bud's Jack Muench, a senior, was the winner of the 2025 Chester Golf Invitational. The event was hosted by Chester at the Chester Country Club. Muench shot 73 to win the 18-hole match. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
The Top 5 golfers at the 2025 Chester Invitational Golf Tournament earned plaques for their outstanding golf scores. Left to right are the Top 5 Golfers including Jack Muench of Red Bud (1st, 73); Kruz Koester of Red Bud (2nd, 74), Tallen James of Chester (3rd, 77); Draedan Duncan of Red Bud (4th, 78); and Trevin Eggemeyer of Chester (5th, 78). Jim Beers Photo
YellowJacket golf finishes 4th at Chester Invite (2 of 2)
James and Eggemeyer earn Top-5 awards; nine teams and 54 golfers battle for the win
BY JIM BEERS
Runner-up in 2nd place was Zeigler-Royalton-Christopher (ZRC) with a score of 328. Team members included Pasquino (81), Skropka (81), Sveda (82), Moyers (84), Goins (87), and Garver (96).
The next three finishes were just two strokes and three strokes apart. The Sparta Bulldogs placed 3rd with a score of 341. CHESTER was just three strokes behind Sparta with a team score of 344 strokes to finish 4th. Two strokes behind Chester was Murphysboro with a score of 346 strokes to place 5th.
Sparta teammates included Geralds (82), Miles (83), Allard (88), Allard (88), Steely (89), and Heinen (99). Chester teammates included James (77), Eggemeyer (78), Jany (91), Luthy (98), Springston (99), and Davitz (99). Murphysboro teammates included Diehl (81), Todd (85), Burke (90), Baril (90), English (94), and Guthman (95).
The next three finishes were also extremely close. The Steeleville Warriors finished 6th with a score of 352 strokes. Just two strokes behind Steeleville were the Trico Pioneers in 7th with a score of 355 strokes. Just one stroke behind Trico was Marissa with a score of 355 for 8th. New Athens rounded out the team scoring with 381 strokes to finish 9th.
Steeleville teammates included Kraus (84), Kraus (86), Rednour (91), Lively (91), Gladson (94), and Welty (95). Trico teammates included Heins (78), Deming (89), Langston (93), Schaber (94), Rees (96), and Koehn (98). Marissa teammates included Prest (79), Demsar (89), Fritsche (93), Kendall (94), McGee (105), and Baker (120). New Athens teammates included Mulholland (90), Sieber (96), Burkett (97), Middendorf (98), Schatte (99), and Hepp (106).
Next up for the YellowJackets will be a trip to Sparta Tuesday afternoon September 9 for a match with the Bulldogs. Thursday September 11 CHS will travel to Nashville for the 2025 Nashville Invitational.
PHOTO 4
Two Chester High School golfers earned Top 5 finishes in the 2025 Chester Invitational Match. Tallen James (left) a junior, finished 3rd overall with an 18-hole score of 77 strokes. Trevin Eggemeyer (right) a junior, shot 78 to tie for 4th place, but lost the tiebreaker and accepted the 5th place finish. Both boys were presented with a Top 5 plaque for their efforts. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5
The Red Bud Musketeers won the 2025 Chester Invitational Golf Tournament Monday September 8 hosted at the Chester Country Club Course. For their efforts the Musketeers won the Championship plaque. (Left to right) are Kruz Koester, Jack Muench, Zane Diewald, Porter Donjon, Draedan Duncan, and Blake Marcheski. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6
Chester's Tallen James, a senior, sizes his final putt of the day on Hole N0. 9. His patience paid off as he sank his shot to secure the 3rd place finish with a score of 77 strokes. Jim Beers Photo
James and Eggemeyer earn Top-5 awards; nine teams and 54 golfers battle for the win
BY JIM BEERS
Runner-up in 2nd place was Zeigler-Royalton-Christopher (ZRC) with a score of 328. Team members included Pasquino (81), Skropka (81), Sveda (82), Moyers (84), Goins (87), and Garver (96).
The next three finishes were just two strokes and three strokes apart. The Sparta Bulldogs placed 3rd with a score of 341. CHESTER was just three strokes behind Sparta with a team score of 344 strokes to finish 4th. Two strokes behind Chester was Murphysboro with a score of 346 strokes to place 5th.
Sparta teammates included Geralds (82), Miles (83), Allard (88), Allard (88), Steely (89), and Heinen (99). Chester teammates included James (77), Eggemeyer (78), Jany (91), Luthy (98), Springston (99), and Davitz (99). Murphysboro teammates included Diehl (81), Todd (85), Burke (90), Baril (90), English (94), and Guthman (95).
The next three finishes were also extremely close. The Steeleville Warriors finished 6th with a score of 352 strokes. Just two strokes behind Steeleville were the Trico Pioneers in 7th with a score of 355 strokes. Just one stroke behind Trico was Marissa with a score of 355 for 8th. New Athens rounded out the team scoring with 381 strokes to finish 9th.
Steeleville teammates included Kraus (84), Kraus (86), Rednour (91), Lively (91), Gladson (94), and Welty (95). Trico teammates included Heins (78), Deming (89), Langston (93), Schaber (94), Rees (96), and Koehn (98). Marissa teammates included Prest (79), Demsar (89), Fritsche (93), Kendall (94), McGee (105), and Baker (120). New Athens teammates included Mulholland (90), Sieber (96), Burkett (97), Middendorf (98), Schatte (99), and Hepp (106).
Next up for the YellowJackets will be a trip to Sparta Tuesday afternoon September 9 for a match with the Bulldogs. Thursday September 11 CHS will travel to Nashville for the 2025 Nashville Invitational.
PHOTO 4
Two Chester High School golfers earned Top 5 finishes in the 2025 Chester Invitational Match. Tallen James (left) a junior, finished 3rd overall with an 18-hole score of 77 strokes. Trevin Eggemeyer (right) a junior, shot 78 to tie for 4th place, but lost the tiebreaker and accepted the 5th place finish. Both boys were presented with a Top 5 plaque for their efforts. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5
The Red Bud Musketeers won the 2025 Chester Invitational Golf Tournament Monday September 8 hosted at the Chester Country Club Course. For their efforts the Musketeers won the Championship plaque. (Left to right) are Kruz Koester, Jack Muench, Zane Diewald, Porter Donjon, Draedan Duncan, and Blake Marcheski. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6
Chester's Tallen James, a senior, sizes his final putt of the day on Hole N0. 9. His patience paid off as he sank his shot to secure the 3rd place finish with a score of 77 strokes. Jim Beers Photo
CHS was represented by six Class of 2025 seniors at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet (3 of 3)
Conley, Krieg, Lutman, Sulser, Welge, and Williamson were honored at the awards banquet
BY JIM BEERS
Elaina Lutman
Elaina Lutman is the daughter of David and Carrie Lutman. She now attends John A. Logan College on a Softball Scholarship and plans to study Accounting & Finance. Lutman graduated from Chester Grade School where she was in the Beta Club and served as a Student Helper. She enjoyed playing Softball and Volleyball and was on the CGS Cheerleading squad.
Elaina attended Chester High School for her secondary education. At CHS Elaina carried a 3.79 GPA. At CHS she played Softball and Volleyball and was on the Cheerleading squad. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the “HIVE” Pep Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the Interact Club. Her hobbies include Sports and Fashion. Favorite classes include Accounting and Athletic Physical Education.
High School honors and awards include SISHSA Selection, Academic Achievement Award, High Honor Roll, December Student of the Month, Homecoming Court, Prom Court, and 2024 Prom Princess.
Whitney Sulser
Whitney Sulser is the daughter of Shane and Lori Sulser. She attended Chester Grade School where she was in Beta Club, Band, and Choir. She was a Girl Scout as a child. After graduating from CGS, Whitney began her high school career at Chester High School.
At CHS Whitney was on Student Council, National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Art Club, Interact Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also participated in Dance, Volleyball, and Softball.
Miss Sulser maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA at CHS. She was further a Student of the Month for demonstrating “Responsibility”. Sulser was recognized by the Illinois Drill Team Association as a Scholar Athlete and was presented the “Best Showman” award for dance her junior year.
After graduating from CHS, Whitney began her post-secondary education SEMO to major in Agribusiness with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She then hopes to attend Missouri or U of I to become a Veterinarian.
Will Welge
Will Welge is the son of Tom and Tracy Welge. Will went to grade school at Chester Grade School. At CGS he was a member of the Beta Club and the Student Council. Upon graduating from CGS Will went to Chester High School.
At CHS Mr. Welge was President of the Environmental Club. He was Captain of the Scholar Bowl Team. Will was also the President of the Spanish Club. He was a member of the CHS Theatre Club and a favorite performer of the CHS Theatre productions. Welge was a key member of the CHS Marching YellowJackets where he was Drum Major his senior year.
Will maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and received both a Star Stinger Award as well as a College Board National Recognition Award. His future plans are to become a music producer. His favorite class at CHS was band and any other music classes. He is currently attending the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana.
Alex Williamson
Alex Williamson is the son of Jeremy and Heather Williamson. He attended high school at Chester High School. At CHS Alex was a member of the National Honor Society, Summit Chapter. He was involved in the Interact Club and was a writer for the school newspaper, “The Sting”.
Mr. Williamson played football for the Chester YellowJackets for which he was a team Captain last season. He was also a member of the CHS Pep Club, “The HIVE”. Finally Alex was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Student Leader.
Mr. Williamson now attends Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) to earn a Certification in Industrial Electricity. He will then join a union as an Apprentice Electrician.
PHOTO 4
Following the presentation of Chester High School honorees at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society of High School Achievement Banquet, the Chester students take time to pose for a photo in front of the balloon decoration arch. Pictured (left to right) are Robin Barton, CHS Assistant Principal, Mirra Krieg, Rylie Conley, Will Welge, Alex Williamson, and Whitney Sulser. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5
Chester High School Class of 2025 seniors (Left to right) Mirra Krieg, Will Welge, Rylie Conley, Whitney Sulser, and Alex Williamson, relay and enjoy some pre-program snacks at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet hosted at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Ballrooms. The event recognizes and honors the top senior students in Southern Illinois. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6
Chester High School Class of 2025 seniors await their cue to take the stage as CHS Assistant Principal, Robin Barton, introduces them at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement Awards Banquet. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
Conley, Krieg, Lutman, Sulser, Welge, and Williamson were honored at the awards banquet
BY JIM BEERS
Elaina Lutman
Elaina Lutman is the daughter of David and Carrie Lutman. She now attends John A. Logan College on a Softball Scholarship and plans to study Accounting & Finance. Lutman graduated from Chester Grade School where she was in the Beta Club and served as a Student Helper. She enjoyed playing Softball and Volleyball and was on the CGS Cheerleading squad.
Elaina attended Chester High School for her secondary education. At CHS Elaina carried a 3.79 GPA. At CHS she played Softball and Volleyball and was on the Cheerleading squad. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the “HIVE” Pep Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the Interact Club. Her hobbies include Sports and Fashion. Favorite classes include Accounting and Athletic Physical Education.
High School honors and awards include SISHSA Selection, Academic Achievement Award, High Honor Roll, December Student of the Month, Homecoming Court, Prom Court, and 2024 Prom Princess.
Whitney Sulser
Whitney Sulser is the daughter of Shane and Lori Sulser. She attended Chester Grade School where she was in Beta Club, Band, and Choir. She was a Girl Scout as a child. After graduating from CGS, Whitney began her high school career at Chester High School.
At CHS Whitney was on Student Council, National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Art Club, Interact Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also participated in Dance, Volleyball, and Softball.
Miss Sulser maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA at CHS. She was further a Student of the Month for demonstrating “Responsibility”. Sulser was recognized by the Illinois Drill Team Association as a Scholar Athlete and was presented the “Best Showman” award for dance her junior year.
After graduating from CHS, Whitney began her post-secondary education SEMO to major in Agribusiness with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She then hopes to attend Missouri or U of I to become a Veterinarian.
Will Welge
Will Welge is the son of Tom and Tracy Welge. Will went to grade school at Chester Grade School. At CGS he was a member of the Beta Club and the Student Council. Upon graduating from CGS Will went to Chester High School.
At CHS Mr. Welge was President of the Environmental Club. He was Captain of the Scholar Bowl Team. Will was also the President of the Spanish Club. He was a member of the CHS Theatre Club and a favorite performer of the CHS Theatre productions. Welge was a key member of the CHS Marching YellowJackets where he was Drum Major his senior year.
Will maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and received both a Star Stinger Award as well as a College Board National Recognition Award. His future plans are to become a music producer. His favorite class at CHS was band and any other music classes. He is currently attending the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana.
Alex Williamson
Alex Williamson is the son of Jeremy and Heather Williamson. He attended high school at Chester High School. At CHS Alex was a member of the National Honor Society, Summit Chapter. He was involved in the Interact Club and was a writer for the school newspaper, “The Sting”.
Mr. Williamson played football for the Chester YellowJackets for which he was a team Captain last season. He was also a member of the CHS Pep Club, “The HIVE”. Finally Alex was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Student Leader.
Mr. Williamson now attends Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) to earn a Certification in Industrial Electricity. He will then join a union as an Apprentice Electrician.
PHOTO 4
Following the presentation of Chester High School honorees at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society of High School Achievement Banquet, the Chester students take time to pose for a photo in front of the balloon decoration arch. Pictured (left to right) are Robin Barton, CHS Assistant Principal, Mirra Krieg, Rylie Conley, Will Welge, Alex Williamson, and Whitney Sulser. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5
Chester High School Class of 2025 seniors (Left to right) Mirra Krieg, Will Welge, Rylie Conley, Whitney Sulser, and Alex Williamson, relay and enjoy some pre-program snacks at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet hosted at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Ballrooms. The event recognizes and honors the top senior students in Southern Illinois. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6
Chester High School Class of 2025 seniors await their cue to take the stage as CHS Assistant Principal, Robin Barton, introduces them at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement Awards Banquet. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
CHS was represented by six Class of 2025 seniors at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet (2 of 3)
Conley, Krieg, Lutman, Sulser, Welge, and Williamson were honored at the awards banquet
BY JIM BEERS
Following the guest speaker, each school and its honorees went to the stage in alphabetical order to be recognized. Representatives from each school introduced each student and described what he or she was being recognized for. Most students were being nominated for the honor for demonstrating Excellence in Academics, Community Service, Leadership, and/or Music.
Jeremy Blechle, Chester High School Principal, was Chester’s speaker. He introduced Chester High School’s honorees in alphabetical order including Rylie Conley, Mirra Krieg, Whitney Sulser, William Welge, and Alex Williamson. Elaina Lutman was recognized in her absence. Each student was presented with a nice certificate as he or she was introduced.
Following all 185 presentations, there was an opportunity for photographs and fellowship. Stephanie Allen from Herrin High School offered closing remarks and the event was adjourned. The Chester honoree’s resumes are listed below.
Rylie Conley
Rylie Conley is the daughter of Erin Conley and Erica Eggemeyer. Rylie had a perfect 4.0 GPA in grade school at CGS and was a member of the Beta Club and Student Council. She was also active on the Lady Jr. Jacket Volleyball Team, Basketball Team and Softball Team.
At Chester High School Conley maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was a member of the Environmental Club, Spanish Club, Sting Newspaper Staff, and Student Council. Rylie also maintained her interest in sports having played Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, and Track and Field at CHS. She was furthermore an Illinois State Scholar.
Conley currently attends college at either SWIC to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Mirra Krieg
Mirra Krieg is the daughter of Jeff and Krista Krieg. Mirra attended Chester Grade School and is now attending Chester High School. She was a member of choir and band since grade school. At CHS she was also a member of the Swing Choir “Sound Affect” and Jazz Band. At CHS Mirra is also participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), National Honor Society and Theatre.
Mirra is currently attending McKendree University where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education. She is also a member of the McKendree Dance Team.
Mirra notes that she has always enjoyed her music classes at CHS. Her two favorite teachers have been Mr. Steve Colonel, Music Director, and English Teacher Paula Ray. Miss Krieg has been on the High Honors List every year in high school and she was voted Dance Team Captain. Furthermore, Mirra has been an FCA Student Leader both her junior and senior years at CHS.
Awards include being an All-State Dancer 2023 and 2024 and Most Valuable Dancer at CHS in both 2023 and 2024. She earned the “Kindness Award” at CHS in 2023 and was “Student of the Month” in December of 2024 as a senior. Finally, she is a member of the CHS Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society.
PHOTO 1
The Chester High School honorees at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement pose on stage for a photo with their certificates after being introduced at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet. Pictured (left to right) are Alex Williamson, Will Welge, Whitney Sulser, Mirra Krieg, and Rylie Conley. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
The venue for the 2025 SISHSA Banquet was the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Ball Rooms. The rooms were beautifully decorated and served well as a location for the classy event. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
The Honorable Jeffrey A. Goffinet,1st Circuit Court Judge, was the Guest Speaker at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet. He gave the 185 honorees lots of good advice as they move on to the next phase of their educational careers. Jim Beers Photo
Conley, Krieg, Lutman, Sulser, Welge, and Williamson were honored at the awards banquet
BY JIM BEERS
Following the guest speaker, each school and its honorees went to the stage in alphabetical order to be recognized. Representatives from each school introduced each student and described what he or she was being recognized for. Most students were being nominated for the honor for demonstrating Excellence in Academics, Community Service, Leadership, and/or Music.
Jeremy Blechle, Chester High School Principal, was Chester’s speaker. He introduced Chester High School’s honorees in alphabetical order including Rylie Conley, Mirra Krieg, Whitney Sulser, William Welge, and Alex Williamson. Elaina Lutman was recognized in her absence. Each student was presented with a nice certificate as he or she was introduced.
Following all 185 presentations, there was an opportunity for photographs and fellowship. Stephanie Allen from Herrin High School offered closing remarks and the event was adjourned. The Chester honoree’s resumes are listed below.
Rylie Conley
Rylie Conley is the daughter of Erin Conley and Erica Eggemeyer. Rylie had a perfect 4.0 GPA in grade school at CGS and was a member of the Beta Club and Student Council. She was also active on the Lady Jr. Jacket Volleyball Team, Basketball Team and Softball Team.
At Chester High School Conley maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was a member of the Environmental Club, Spanish Club, Sting Newspaper Staff, and Student Council. Rylie also maintained her interest in sports having played Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, and Track and Field at CHS. She was furthermore an Illinois State Scholar.
Conley currently attends college at either SWIC to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Mirra Krieg
Mirra Krieg is the daughter of Jeff and Krista Krieg. Mirra attended Chester Grade School and is now attending Chester High School. She was a member of choir and band since grade school. At CHS she was also a member of the Swing Choir “Sound Affect” and Jazz Band. At CHS Mirra is also participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), National Honor Society and Theatre.
Mirra is currently attending McKendree University where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education. She is also a member of the McKendree Dance Team.
Mirra notes that she has always enjoyed her music classes at CHS. Her two favorite teachers have been Mr. Steve Colonel, Music Director, and English Teacher Paula Ray. Miss Krieg has been on the High Honors List every year in high school and she was voted Dance Team Captain. Furthermore, Mirra has been an FCA Student Leader both her junior and senior years at CHS.
Awards include being an All-State Dancer 2023 and 2024 and Most Valuable Dancer at CHS in both 2023 and 2024. She earned the “Kindness Award” at CHS in 2023 and was “Student of the Month” in December of 2024 as a senior. Finally, she is a member of the CHS Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society.
PHOTO 1
The Chester High School honorees at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement pose on stage for a photo with their certificates after being introduced at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet. Pictured (left to right) are Alex Williamson, Will Welge, Whitney Sulser, Mirra Krieg, and Rylie Conley. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
The venue for the 2025 SISHSA Banquet was the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Ball Rooms. The rooms were beautifully decorated and served well as a location for the classy event. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
The Honorable Jeffrey A. Goffinet,1st Circuit Court Judge, was the Guest Speaker at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet. He gave the 185 honorees lots of good advice as they move on to the next phase of their educational careers. Jim Beers Photo
CHS was represented by six Class of 2025 seniors at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet (1 of 3)
Conley, Krieg, Lutman, Sulser, Welge, and Williamson were honored at the awards banquet
BY JIM BEERS
Each year the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement, better known as SISHSA, hosts a banquet and award ceremony to recognize the top students in the Southern Illinois area. This year (2025) marks the 53rd year for this event.
Students are nominated by School Counselors, Guidance Directors, and Administrators of their respective schools based upon criteria such as demonstrating excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and music. Academic Excellence is the key factor that appears in almost every nominee’s resume.
The annual SISHSA Banquet took place at Southern Illinois University in the Student Center Ballrooms. It is a formal affair that includes music or some other pre-banquet entertainment, a delicious “sit-down” meal, usually a buffet, followed by guest speaker, typically of a motivational nature, and concludes with formal recognition during which each school’s nominees are introduced, honored and presented with a special certificate.
Chester students are usually accompanied to the event by Jeremy Blechle, CHS Principal, but he was unavailable that evening, so Robin Barton, Assistant Principal, escorted the CHS nominees to the event. The Chester contingent travels together and sits together at an assigned, beautifully decorated table. Photos are taken during and after the event.
Chester High School Class of 2025 attendees included Rylie Conley, Mirra Krieg, Elaina Lutman, Whitney Sulser, Will Welge, and Alex Williamson. All but Lutman attended the ceremony at SIU-C. She had a Lady YellowJacket Softball game. The 2025 SISHSA Banquet and Awards event took place at SIU-C late in the Spring Semester.
2025 marked the 53rd year for the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement Banquet. Herrin High School was the host of the event. Nathaniel Wilson, Superintendent of the Herrin School District welcomed everyone to the banquet.
Caden Green, a Herrin High School senior said Grace and event staff explained how the buffet meal would be served. This year’s menu included Parmesan Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Crystal’s Salad, Yeast Rolls, and for Dessert, Salted Caramel Cupcakes. The delicious meal was provided by Crystal’s Catering in Herrin, Illinois.
The event featured the top 185 students from 32 Southern Illinois schools including Anna-Jonesboro (6), Benton (6), Carbondale (6), Carrier Mills (6) Carterville (6), Century (5), CHESTER (6), Christopher (6), Cobden (6), Crab Orchard (6), Dongola (6), DuQuoin (6), Egyptian (3), Elverado (6), Frankfort (6), Galatia (5), Goreville (6), Hardin County (6), Harrisburg (6), Herrin (6), Johnston City (6), Marion (6), Meridian (6), Murphysboro (6), Pinckneyville (6), Sesser-Valier (6), Shawnee (4), Steeleville (6), Thompsonville (6), Trico (6), Vienna (6), and Zeigler-Royalton (6).
After dinner, Cathy Shelton, Herrin High School Counselor, introduced the Guest Speaker for the event. The Guest Speaker was the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goffinet, 1st Circuit Judge.
Judge Goffinet said, “Tonight is not an end, it’s a beginning.” You all have been the top in yours class at high school. You’ll be leaving your K-12 school years and friends. Now you don’t have to be famous. Give back to your community and circumstance. Be humble!”
“Life will be a series of zag-zags. It is a curvy road. FAIL! It’s alright. Failure is actually good for you. You will learn from it!”
Don’t be afraid! Say what needs to be said. Be sure to call your people often. Stay in touch with all of your people, not just your parents! Be a leader. Never be afraid to be or look foolish. Experiment with life. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone.”
“Remember, the tallest trees have the deepest roots, and roots are connected with other people. Always pay attention to what is going on! Show up! Those who show up get the job done!”
In ending, Judge Goffinet said, “You are here tonight to be honored. We expect you to produce under pressure. Just show up and get the job done!”
Conley, Krieg, Lutman, Sulser, Welge, and Williamson were honored at the awards banquet
BY JIM BEERS
Each year the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement, better known as SISHSA, hosts a banquet and award ceremony to recognize the top students in the Southern Illinois area. This year (2025) marks the 53rd year for this event.
Students are nominated by School Counselors, Guidance Directors, and Administrators of their respective schools based upon criteria such as demonstrating excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and music. Academic Excellence is the key factor that appears in almost every nominee’s resume.
The annual SISHSA Banquet took place at Southern Illinois University in the Student Center Ballrooms. It is a formal affair that includes music or some other pre-banquet entertainment, a delicious “sit-down” meal, usually a buffet, followed by guest speaker, typically of a motivational nature, and concludes with formal recognition during which each school’s nominees are introduced, honored and presented with a special certificate.
Chester students are usually accompanied to the event by Jeremy Blechle, CHS Principal, but he was unavailable that evening, so Robin Barton, Assistant Principal, escorted the CHS nominees to the event. The Chester contingent travels together and sits together at an assigned, beautifully decorated table. Photos are taken during and after the event.
Chester High School Class of 2025 attendees included Rylie Conley, Mirra Krieg, Elaina Lutman, Whitney Sulser, Will Welge, and Alex Williamson. All but Lutman attended the ceremony at SIU-C. She had a Lady YellowJacket Softball game. The 2025 SISHSA Banquet and Awards event took place at SIU-C late in the Spring Semester.
2025 marked the 53rd year for the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement Banquet. Herrin High School was the host of the event. Nathaniel Wilson, Superintendent of the Herrin School District welcomed everyone to the banquet.
Caden Green, a Herrin High School senior said Grace and event staff explained how the buffet meal would be served. This year’s menu included Parmesan Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Crystal’s Salad, Yeast Rolls, and for Dessert, Salted Caramel Cupcakes. The delicious meal was provided by Crystal’s Catering in Herrin, Illinois.
The event featured the top 185 students from 32 Southern Illinois schools including Anna-Jonesboro (6), Benton (6), Carbondale (6), Carrier Mills (6) Carterville (6), Century (5), CHESTER (6), Christopher (6), Cobden (6), Crab Orchard (6), Dongola (6), DuQuoin (6), Egyptian (3), Elverado (6), Frankfort (6), Galatia (5), Goreville (6), Hardin County (6), Harrisburg (6), Herrin (6), Johnston City (6), Marion (6), Meridian (6), Murphysboro (6), Pinckneyville (6), Sesser-Valier (6), Shawnee (4), Steeleville (6), Thompsonville (6), Trico (6), Vienna (6), and Zeigler-Royalton (6).
After dinner, Cathy Shelton, Herrin High School Counselor, introduced the Guest Speaker for the event. The Guest Speaker was the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goffinet, 1st Circuit Judge.
Judge Goffinet said, “Tonight is not an end, it’s a beginning.” You all have been the top in yours class at high school. You’ll be leaving your K-12 school years and friends. Now you don’t have to be famous. Give back to your community and circumstance. Be humble!”
“Life will be a series of zag-zags. It is a curvy road. FAIL! It’s alright. Failure is actually good for you. You will learn from it!”
Don’t be afraid! Say what needs to be said. Be sure to call your people often. Stay in touch with all of your people, not just your parents! Be a leader. Never be afraid to be or look foolish. Experiment with life. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone.”
“Remember, the tallest trees have the deepest roots, and roots are connected with other people. Always pay attention to what is going on! Show up! Those who show up get the job done!”
In ending, Judge Goffinet said, “You are here tonight to be honored. We expect you to produce under pressure. Just show up and get the job done!”