Chester Community School District 139

Chester High School has five Illinois State Scholars for the 2024-25 school year (3 of 3) Honorees include Nico DeGuzman, Will Welge, Jack Heffernan, Whitney Sulser, and Rylie Conley BY JIM BEERS Contributing Writer The Illinois State Scholar designation is a non-monetary award. Recipients receive a congratulatory letter and Certificate of Achievement from ISAC. They can also download an official Illinois State Scholar Badge to display on their online profiles and social media platforms. Such badges can further be shared with their high school counselors, employers, family members and others. The designation as an Illinois State Scholar begins not on the year that they graduate from high school, but it is based on the year they would begin any post-secondary education. The ISAC strongly recommends that all high school students complete the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (better known as FAFSA) so that they can make the most informed decisions and choices possible about their education after graduating from high School. FAFSA results are used to determine a prospective student’s eligibility for any available federal and most state and institutional financial aid. Such financial aid is available for any type of post-secondary education including certificates, two-or-four year degree programs, and some vocational programs. There is also an Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid that may determine that a student could be eligible for some state financial aid even if they are not eligible for federal student aid. ISAC further supports high schools and students statewide by offering free assistance with college and career exploration. They also help students complete financial aid forms and college applications. Recent college graduates are trained to serve as near-peer mentors to assist students and families in navigating education after high school. State Scholars represent approximately the top ten percent of a high school senior class from about 765 high schools across the State of Illinois. These students possess strong academic potential. Potential recipients must be United States citizens and be residents of the State of Illinois. They must also be attending approved high schools. Finally, they must perform in the top one-half of their class at the end of their third semester prior to graduation. Congratulations to Chester’s Class of 2025 Illinois State Scholars and best of luck in all future endeavors!

Chester High School has five Illinois State Scholars for the 2024-25 school year (2 of 3) Honorees include Nico DeGuzman, Will Welge, Jack Heffernan, Whitney Sulser, and Rylie Conley BY JIM BEERS Contributing Writer Whitney Sulser Whitney Sulser was born May 28, 2007. Her parents are Shane and Lori Sulser. Miss Sulser attended Chester Grade School where she was active in the CGS Junior Beta Club. AS a younger child she was active in Girl Scouts. Whitney now attends Chester High School where she is active in many clubs and extracurricular activities including Student Council, National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Pep Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Spanish Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Miss Sulser has also participated in the CHS Dance Team, Volleyball, and Softball teams. Whitney has maintained a 4.0 GPA since her freshman year. She earned a Student of the Month Award for demonstrating “Responsibility”. She further earned a Scholar-Athlete Award from the Illinois Dance Team Association and was recognized as “Best Showmanship Recipient” her junior year at CHS. Future plans include attending Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) at Cape Girardeau, Missouri to major in Agribusiness with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Following her studies at SEMO, Miss Sulser would like to attend either the University of Missouri or the University of Illinois to earn a Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Medicine. Following her educational endeavors, she hopes to return to the Chester area to practice at a local Veterinary Clinic. Rylie Conley Rylie Conley was born January 14, 2007 to Erica Eggemeyer and Erin Conley. She completed her elementary schooling at Chester Grade School. At CGS she maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and was a member of the honor society, the Junior Beta Club. Throughout grade school Rylie enjoyed competing in the sports of volleyball, basketball, and softball. At Chester High School has continued her academic excellence by maintaining a perfect Grade Point Average of 4.0. At CHS Rylie is active in the Environmental Club, Spanish Club, and she is a member of the CHS Student Council. She is further an active member of the Chester High School Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society. Miss Conley is a key member of the CHS Golf Team, Basketball Team, and she has played on the Lady Jacket Volleyball Team. Track and Field are also in her repertoire of sports interests. Upon graduation from Chester High School in May of 2025, Rylie plans to continue her educational pursuits at either Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) or Southern Illinois University in Carbondale (SIU-C) to study nursing. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the State of Illinois’ college access and financial aid agency. It is pleased to announce this year’s State Scholars. These exceptional individuals are selected based upon standardized test scores combined with sixth semester, or junior class rank. These students represent approximately the top ten percent of graduates from all Illinois High Schools. The achievements of these students are a credit to their resilience, and to the support and encouragement of their families, principals, teachers, mentors, counselors, and others invested in their growth and success.

Chester High School has five Illinois State Scholars for the 2024-25 school year (1 of 3) Honorees include Nico DeGuzman, Will Welge, Jack Heffernan, Whitney Sulser, and Rylie Conley BY JIM BEERS Contributing Writer Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle and School Counselor, Casey Hawkins, are pleased to announce that five students from the Chester High School graduating Class of 2025 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. Those students include Nico De Guzman, William “Will” Welge, Jack Heffernan, Whitney Sulser, and Rylie Conley. Nico De Guzman Nico was born in Pasig City, Philippines and came to the U.S. when she was five years old. Her parents are Marlen and Robert Todd. She attended Chester Grade School where she maintained a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average and graduate a class Valedictorian. She was involved in band and she was a member of the Beta Club honor society. At Chester High School she is involved in many extracurricular clubs and activities. Nico a member of the Theatre Club, National Honor Society, Writer’s Circle, Scholar Bowl, Spanish Club, and Band. Last year as a junior, Nico won 1 st Place in the Poetry Out Loud Contest which is a spoken word poetry competition. This honor encompassed the entire Southern Illinois region. She then competed against 15 other students in the State of Illinois Competition in Springfield, Illinois. Outside of school, Nico has several interests including drawing, writing, poetry, film, and crocheting. After graduating from CHS she hopes to attend college at either the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, or the University of Washington in Seattle. She plans to have a career as an Archivist or as a Librarian. William “Will” Welge Will Welge is the son of Tom and Tracy Welge of Chester. Will attended Chester Grade School where he was a member of the Beta Club and the CGS Student Council. At Chester High School Will is the President of the Environmental Club. He is also the Captain of the Scholar Bowl Team and President of the Spanish Club. He is a member of the Theatre Club and is Drum Major of the CHS Marching YellowJackets. Mr. Welge is a member of the CHS Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society and carries a perfect 4.0 GPA. He received a CHS Stinger Award last year and earned the College Board National Recognition Award. Future plans include attending a university (undecided) and study to become a music producer. His favorite classes at CHS are music and band. Jack Heffernan Jack Heffernan is the son of Michael and Joanie Heffernan. He attended elementary school at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Chester. Throughout elementary school Jack was on the Honor Roll. He was Class Valedictorian and member of the Junior Beta Club. Jack was a church server and loved competing in track, baseball and basketball at St. Mary’s. At Chester High School Jack has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and is the Treasurer of the CHS Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society. He was an Illinois Boys State Representative and has served on the Youth Advisory Council. Jack was a junior 2024 Graduation Marshall and has served on the CHS Student Council all four years. He is the Treasurer of the Interact Club and has served as Class of 2025 Treasurer all four years. Mr. Heffernan is an active member of the CHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization and has been a key member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams at CHS. He further sings in the CHS Concert Choir. Jack is interested in sports, music, and spending time with family and friends. He is a Lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Jack plans to attend the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and will major in accounting.

CHS: NEW EXTERIOR SIGNAGE Over the weekend, new way finding signage was installed around CHS, better directing traffic and facilities details. CHS takes pride in our school and community. Our promise is to continue improving in hope to make CHS a place where students can learn, thrive and be proud to call themselves a Yellow Jacket. Keep watching as more exterior building identification and school spirit signage is on the way.

Tonight is the night! Come on out to Chester Dairy Queen and get some dinner or enjoy a sweet treat in support of the Chester Grade School PBIS Student Program! We appreciate your support!

Join us for a fantastic basket raffle organized by our Chester Grade School PTS on this Thursday, December 12th! Baskets will be displayed in the CHS Sharp Cafeteria starting at 5:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased both before and after the 1st - 4th Grade Christmas Program! For additional details, please refer to the flier. Thank you for your continued support of the CGS PTS!

CHS: PBIS CELEBRATION  The Chester High School students and staff had a great opportunity to celebrate the positive changes PBIS has fostered in our school.  We look forward to the continued success and growth with the clarity that positive expectations bring. https://youtu.be/3h8YlqxFX2k

CHS: PBIS CELEBRATION CHS is proud to announce that today will be our 2nd PBIS Celebration Day where we celebrate the improvements and gains driven by the PBIS program. There will be a variety of activities including: trivia in the Professor Sharp Cafeteria, video games and tabletop games in the Professor Sharp Media Center supported by our E-Sports team, culminating in our Holiday Themed Games Assembly in Colbert Gym where all students will have chances to participate in our epic Holiday relay with opportunities to win amazing prizes. There are rumored to be expected appearances of surprise Holiday characters.

CGS & CHS 12/06/24 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: Friday 12/6/24 is an 11:30am Dismissal for School Improvement Bus Drop Off & Parent Pick-Up Times Adjust NO Jacket Care on 11:30am dismissal days.

CHS FAFSA NIGHT ADDITION (SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL & CHEER) Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict of an evening basketball game in Du Quoin, Chester High School Student Services has arranged for an ISAC representative from Rend Lake College to assist those Senior parents in filling out the FAFSA prior to leaving for the game. Today, Wednesday 12/4/24, at 3:15 in Mrs. Durbin's Computer Lab room 228, parents of Senior basketball players and cheerleaders will be afforded the opportunity to receive help with their FAFSA. Remember FAFSA is an Illinois State Mandate for graduation. The school FAFSA meeting is not mandated, but this is a services that CHS is providing in helping all senior parents meet this important graduation requirement. Please bring taxes, student taxes, FAFSA ID's, and a cell phone to receive confirmation messages. Any questions, please contact the School Counselor, Casey Hawkins at extension 2209 or caseyhawkins@chester139.com.

CHS ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS Congratulations CHS Illinois State Scholars Rylie Conley Beatriz Deguzman John Heffernan Whitney Sulser William Welge To be eligible for the Illinois State Scholar Program, students must meet the following requirements: Perform in the top one-half of your high school class at the end of the third semester prior to graduation*, and/or score at or above the 95th percentile on the ACT or SAT. Graduate from high school during the academic year in which you were selected as a State Scholar.

CHS POEM OF THE MONTH December poetry winners!

CHS POEM OF THE MONTH November poetry winners!

CHS SENIORS FAFSA NIGHT Wednesday, December 4th 5:00-7:30 pm CHS C228 Computer Lab (off of Colbert Gym next to Professor Sharp Media Center) Enter through Professor Sharp Cafeteria All graduating seniors with a parent should plan on attending, Student and parent should both have a FAFSA ID, prior to attending FAFSA night, last years taxes, and cell phones to receive verification messages. Seniors who plan to sign a FAFSA non-participation form, should also attend with a parent. Completing the FAFSA or a FAFSA non-participation form is an Illinois mandate for high school graduation.

CHS: PBIS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH November: We show PERSEVERANCE Perseverance- Continuing a good course of action despite difficulty. Lily Dowdy ”Lily has shown perseverance by digging deep down within herself to press forward to overcome obstacles and hardships. She is coming out of her shell and interacting more with teachers and students.” Evelyn Hankins Moises Felix Sebastian ”I believe Felix faces one of the biggest challenges here: the language barrier. Despite not speaking English, he is determined to learn, graduate, and become a police officer. His perseverance earns my vote.” Mert Dinç Ryan Junger ”Ryan shows us how to keep going even when faced with a difficult diagnosis. ” Dina Chandler Peyton Dickson ”She works with me through the School program. She has literally saved me a few times. She has grown tremendously as far as getting her work finished and always helping and asking if anyone needs help.” Kay Rubach Olivia Vasquez ”Olivia is such a hard-working student. She works really hard to do her best and achieve good grades. I'm very proud of her and admire her for all the hard work she puts into her education.” Shirley Stegmann Lannin Caron ”Lannin has shown many times the determination and perseverance it takes to be a successful student and person. He has fought his way this year through numerous ailments with grace and determination.” Tim Lochhead Kale Sprengel ”This student is very kind and respectful towards staff and students. He is also a very hard worker.” Bryce Bainter Southern LaChance ”Despite dealing with some tough situations Southern always strives to do her best to reach her goals. She works hard to make sure she completes tasks to the best of her ability!” Ashly Bert

Dear Chester CUSD 139: Please be very cautious and mindful of temperatures when arriving at school this evening and morning. Some areas could be slick. Please dress appropriately for the weather with coats, hats, gloves, etc. for the temperatures outside.

Check out the CGS Christmas Programs coming up over the next couple of weeks!

Voting has now opened for December CGS Faculty Member of the Month! Voting will be open NOW until December 20th at 3 pm. Access the voting form below or on the Chester139 Website! https://forms.gle/4Gg7EEZRnHKT9BtJ9

Congratulations to our FOUR awesome CGS Paraprofessionals who were voted and tied for November Faculty Members of the Month!

CHS SENIORS FAFSA NIGHT CHS C228 Computer Lab Wednesday, December 4th 5:00-7:30 pm All graduating seniors with a parent should plan on attending, Student and parent should both have a FAFSA ID, prior to attending FAFSA night, last years taxes, and cell phones to receive verification messages. Seniors who plan to sign a FAFSA non-participation form, should also attend with a parent. Completing the FAFSA or a FAFSA non-participation form is an Illinois mandate for high school graduation.