Chester Grade School honors local veterans with school-wide assembly (2 of 3)
Approximately 40 veterans and family members enjoy a morning of recognition, music and tribute
BY JIM BEERS
Chester Grade School Principal Tim Blair gave a warm welcome to the crowd and the entire audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”.
Mrs. Colonel then directed the Kindergarteners, 1st Graders, 2nd Graders, 3rd Graders, and 4th Graders in singing, “God Bless America”, by Irving Berlin. CGS student, Kolin Martinez had the honor of introducing the first song. The 6th Grade Band then performed, “American Pride”, by Andrew Balent. Mabrie Cushman introduced the band number. Both performances were executed with talent, class and perfection.
It was now time for the guest speaker of the day. Chester High School Principal, Jeremy Blechle, took center stage to introduce the speaker, who was a much respected teacher at CHS. Wyatt Rueling, a history teacher and well-liked Quarterback Coach for the undefeated, Conference Champion JV YellowJackets, was the 2025 Veteran’s Day Guest Speaker.
Blechle asked to introduce Rueling due to the fact that Blechle had taught Rueling when he was in high school. Blechle then followed his career after college, into the United States Air Force, then back to CHS as a teacher. Blechle was quite honored to have the opportunity to introduce Rueling as a veteran and former student at CHS.
Wyatt welcomed all of the veterans in attendance and stated that he was honored to have been asked to speak at the assembly. Rueling noted that he was a teacher at CHS and a veteran, currently serving in the Air National Guard as a Captain in the United States Air Force.
Rueling then proceeded to tell everyone about his journey as a veteran and the reason he had chosen his career. Rueling graduated from Chester High School in 2015. Upon graduation he was conflicted between his desire to serve his country and to go to college and earn a college degree. He resolved that conflict by going to college and joining the ROTC Program.
Rueling said, “I saw that this was a perfect way to knock out two birds with one stone. It allowed me to go to college to get my Bachelor’s Degree as well as getting military training at the same time during my four years at college.”
Part of the deal was that he had to go into the Air Force in “active duty” for four years after graduating college. He was signed into the service as a Second Lieutenant the day after graduation. This began his journey in the US Military.
Rueling’s first job in the Air Force was to be a Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer. He moved to Vandenberg AFB in California for eight months to do his training, after which he sent 3 years and 4 months in Minot North Dakota. His job was to command Nuclear Missiles if necessary.
Rueling said, “There are three ways to launch a nuclear weapon, from a submarine, from a bomber air plane or from the land. I was assigned to a land bunker. If the President ever decided to launch a strike and do it from the land, I and several of my Missileers would have had to launch them.”

PHOTO 8
Sue Colonel, CGS General Music Tacher and Band Director leads the kindergarten through 4th Grade chorus in singing, "God Bless America", by Irving Berlin, at the annual Veterans Day Assembly at CGS. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 9
The Chester Grade School 6th Grade Band poses for a picture prior to the start of the Veteran's Day Assembly at CGS. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 10
The CGS Junior High Band plays, "Invincible" by Robert W. Smith, to usher the Color Guard and Veterans into the CGS Gym for the start of the 2025 CGS Veterans Day Assembly. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 11
Local Accompanist Vicky Beers provided piano accompaniment for both of the Kindergarten through 4th Grade Chorus songs at the 2025 Chester Grade School Veterans Day Assembly. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 12
Local Veteran Ken Dillman is impressed with te Veterans Breakfast served prior to the 2025 Veteran's Day Assembly at CGS Monday November 10. Jim Beers Photo

Photo 13
Jeremy Blechle, Chester High School Principal. introduced Wyatt Rueling, the Guest Speaker at the 2025 Chester Grade School Veteran's Day Assembly. Blechle taught Rueling when he was a student at CHS. and now, Rueling teaches Histrory at CHS and Blechle is his principal. Blechle took, pride in introducing Rueling who is now a Captain in the Illinois Air National Guard. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 14
Dr. Kristen Petrowske, Assistant Principal at Chester Grade School, provides Closing Remarks to end the 2025 Veterans Day Assembly. Jim Beers Photo
about 1 month ago, Chester High School
PHOTO 8 CGS Vets Sue Colonel
PHOTO 9 CGS Vets 6th Grade Band poses
PHOTO 10 CGS Vets Junior High Band plays Invicncable
PHOTO 11 CGS Vets Vicky Beers Accompanist
PHOTO 12 CGS Vets Breakfast table
PHOTO 13 CGS Vets CHS Principal Jeremy Blechle
PHOTO 14 CGS Vets Assistant Principal Closing Remarks
Chester Grade School honors local veterans with school-wide assembly (1 of 3)
Approximately 40 veterans and family members enjoy a morning of recognition, music and tribute
BY JIM BEERS
Monday morning November 10, Chester Grade School faculty, students, and staff honored local veterans at their annual Veteran’s Day breakfast and school-wide assembly. The event began at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast in the CGS cafeteria. Students who invited a guest veteran were allowed to go to the breakfast and join their guest for a delicious meal of fresh fruit, doughnuts, coffee, and orange juice.
Approximately 40 local veterans and their guests attended the event and enjoyed the royal treatment. The community was also invited to attend the celebration and several community members joined in on the fun and recognition.
A Veteran’s Day Assembly Committee worked hard to organize and implement the event including Katie Kelley, Sue Colonel, CGS Principal Tim Blair, Meg Smith, Casey Peters, Danielle Conway, and Assistant Principal Dr. Kristen Petrowske.
Sue Colonel, CGS Band Director and General Music Teacher did an amazing job organizing and directing a wide variety of music for the hour-long event. Mrs. Colonel taught the Kindergarten through 4th Grade students in learning two featured songs and directed the students in performing those songs to perfection. Local pianist, Vicky Beers, was the accompanist for the vocal performances.
Mrs. Colonel further worked with her 6th Grade Band and 7th & 8th Grade Junior High Band to learn instrumental music for the event. The 6th Grade Band was featured on one selection while the Junior High Band performed three songs. Both bands did a wonderful job of providing instrumental music for the assembly.
The assembly began with the entrance of a three-person Color Guard consisting of Suhaily Torres, Ethan Werner and Cameron McClaine. All three are Boy Scouts of America. The Color Guard led the group of Veteran Honorees into the gym as the Chester Grade School Junior High Band played, “Invincible”, by Robert W. Smith. Veterans and their family members were seated in reserved seats to the left of center stage on the floor.

PHOTO 1
This sin greeted local veterans at the 2025 Chester Grade School Veteran's Day Assembly and breakfast. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 2
Approximately 40 local veterans and their guests attended the 2025 Veterans Day Assembly Monday November 10, Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 3
Students, local veterans, teachers, staff, and guests stand to take part in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and to sing the National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner", at the 2025 CGS Veteran's Day Assembly. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 4
CGS Principal, Tim Blair, led the assembly in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 5
Veterans and guests enjoy a delicious breakfast prior to the start6 of the Chester Grade School Veteran's Day celebration Monday November 10 at CGS. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 6
A Boy Scout Color Guard led the veterans into the Chester Grade School Gym Monday November 10 at the 2025 CGS veteran's Day Assembly. The scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance and saluted the flag during the National Anthem. Color Guard members include Suhaily Torres, Ethan Werner and Cameron McClaine. Jim Beers Photo

PHOTO 7
Guest Speaker at the 2025 Chester Grade School Veteran's Day Assembly was former Chester High School graduate Wyatt Rueling. He is now a Captain in the Illinois Air National Giard and he teaches full time at Chester High School in the Histrory Department. He also is a quarterback coach for the 2025 undefeated, Conference Champion YellowJacket Football JV Football Team. Jim Beers
about 1 month ago, Chester High School
PHOTO 1 CGS Vets WELCOME SIGN
PHOTO 2 CGS Vets Veteran Guests 1
PHOTO 3 CGS Vets National Anthem
PHOTO 4 GS Vets Principal Tim Blair
PHOTO 5 CGS Vets family brteakfast
PHOTO 6 CGS Vets Color Guard
PHOTO 7 CGS Vets Guest Speaker Capt Wyatt Rueling
CECC, CGS & CHS KINDNESS WEEK, FOOD & HYGIENE DRIVE, AND COIN DRIVE
Next week November 10th-14th will be a district-wide Kindness Week in honor of World Kindness Day on November 13th. Join us in Coloring the World in Kindness by participating in different colorful dress up days throughout the week.

To spread kindness a little further, there will be a week-long coin drive and on Thursday a food/hygiene product drive to support the Just for Jackets program in the school district. Donations will earn students kindness points for their grade and the chance to win a party.

SEMANA DE LA AMABILIDAD, RECOGIDA DE ALIMENTOS E HIGIENE Y MONEDAS EN CECC, CGS Y CHS
La próxima semana, del 10 al 14 de noviembre, se celebrará la Semana de la Amabilidad en todo el distrito en honor al Día Mundial de la Amabilidad, el 13 de noviembre. Únete a nosotros para llenar el mundo de amabilidad participando en los diferentes días de disfraces coloridos durante la semana.

Para difundir aún más la amabilidad, habrá una recogida de monedas durante toda la semana y, el jueves, una recogida de alimentos y productos de higiene para apoyar el programa Just for Jackets del distrito escolar. Las donaciones otorgarán a los estudiantes puntos de amabilidad para su curso y la oportunidad de ganar una fiesta.
about 1 month ago, Chester High School
01 Kindness week Flyer 2025
02 Food and Hygiene Drive
03 Coin Drive
04 Spanish Kindness Week Flyer
05 Spanish Food and Hygeine Drive
06 Spanish Coin Drive
CHS: PBIS JACKET SHOUT-OUTS WEEKS 8-9
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our weeks 8-9 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, and Go Jackets!

CHS: RECONOCIMIENTOS A LOS ESTUDIANTES DESTACADOS DE PBIS (SEMANAS 8-9)
La Escuela Secundaria Chester se complace en reconocer a los estudiantes que recibieron el Reconocimiento a los Estudiantes Destacados de las semanas 8 y 9 por su contribución positiva a nuestra comunidad educativa. Este reconocimiento permite a los docentes felicitar a los estudiantes que han realizado valiosas aportaciones a nuestra comunidad de aprendizaje. Agradecemos a estos estudiantes su ejemplar dedicación y por ser un ejemplo para sus compañeros. ¡Gracias y vamos, estudiantes destacados!
about 1 month ago, Chester High School
CHS PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs 01
CHS PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs 02
CHS PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs 03
The Chester Grade School October Students of the Month for 2025 were announced Tuesday October 28. Each grade level, Kindergarten through 8th Grade, nominated one student who has demonstrated all four of the "HIVE" good character traits. Those traits include Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and Empathy. Each recipient received a certificate and his or her name was announced over the school public address system. All recipients for the year will also be invited to a "Jacket of the Month" party later in the year. October honorees included Reyna Martin, Kindergarten; Paisley Davis, 1st Grade; Jeremiah Ferrell, 2nd Grade; Ellanore Forsting, 3rd Grade; Breanna Schatte, 4th Grade; Miguel Hernandez, 5th Grade; Riley Rains, 6th Grade; Ella Bert, 7th Grade; and Miles Bert, 8th Grade. At CGS, students thrive as a HIVE every day! Jim Beers Report. Photo by Kasey Crook, School Social Worker

El martes 28 de octubre se anunciaron los Estudiantes del Mes de octubre de 2025 de la Escuela Primaria Chester. Cada grado, desde kínder hasta octavo, nominó a un estudiante que demostró las cuatro cualidades de buen carácter de la "HIVE": Respeto, Responsabilidad, Seguridad y Empatía. Cada estudiante recibió un certificado y su nombre se anunció por el sistema de megafonía de la escuela. Todos los estudiantes premiados del año también serán invitados a una fiesta de "Chaqueta del Mes" más adelante en el año. Los estudiantes homenajeados de octubre fueron Reyna Martin, de kínder; Paisley Davis, de primero; Jeremiah Ferrell, de segundo; Ellanore Forsting, de tercero; Breanna Schatte, de cuarto; Miguel Hernández, de quinto; Riley Rains, de sexto; Ella Bert, de séptimo; y Miles Bert, de octavo. ¡En la Escuela Primaria Chester, los estudiantes prosperan como una HIVE todos los días! Informe de Jim Beers. Fotografía de Kasey Crook, trabajadora social escolar.
about 1 month ago, Chester High School
 Chester Grade School October Students of the Month
CHS: CCSI STUDENTS Chester High School CCSI students may drive to CCSI at the discretion of their parents on Friday, November 7th, 2025.
about 1 month ago, Chester High School

CUSD 139 Families: Due to no an electrical outage at the grade school Chester CUSD 139 will have an E-Learning on Friday, November 7 . Sorry for any inconvenience.

about 1 month ago, Kimberly Briggs
school

CGS: EMERGENCY CGS SCHOOL CLOSURE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There is no imminent danger to students in the building. Please do not rush, travel safe as you come to pick up students. As noted previously, the buses will run starting at 12:30pm.
Additionally there will be no Jacket Care this evening.
Again, apologies for the inconvenience.

about 1 month ago, Chester High School

CGS: EMERGENCY CGS SCHOOL CLOSURE
There is a power line down in the community and as a result CGS will be closing for the rest of the day. Parents that normally pick up children will need to make their way to CGS and do so now. Busses will start running at 12:30pm. Apologies for the inconvenience.

about 1 month ago, Chester High School
🎃👻 Hey everyone! It’s time for the CGS Staff Halloween Costume Contest! Vote for ONE individual and ONE group! (Multiple same email entries will not count!) Voting will end Thursday, November 6th at 3pm! Click the link to place your votes! >>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-BqIDaqpGbK0xfsGQTlItuCYdsqVw5x2gpvlJqY6HHS77yg/viewform?usp=header
about 2 months ago, Chester Grade School
Costume Contest
CHS: FRIDAY 11/07/25 EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE INFORMATION
Friday 11/07/25 will be an 11:30 dismissal following the schedule noted in the attached graphic. Additionally, CCSI students will attend CCSI instead of CHS. CCSI students will return at their regular Friday scheduled time and be provided lunch. As usual, Opt-out, Start-up, and Work Force students should do their best to follow the adapted schedule. If staying on campus, they should be in the media center due to the unusual rescheduling of the 6th period to the end of the day. Thank you

CHS: INFORMACIÓN SOBRE EL HORARIO DE SALIDA ANTICIPADA DEL VIERNES 11/07/25
El viernes 11/07/25 la salida será a las 11:30, según el horario indicado en la imagen adjunta. Además, los estudiantes de CCSI asistirán a CCSI en lugar de CHS. Los estudiantes de CCSI regresarán a su hora habitual de los viernes y se les proporcionará el almuerzo. Como siempre, los estudiantes de los programas Opt-out, Start-up y Work Force deben hacer todo lo posible por seguir el horario adaptado. Si permanecen en el campus, deben estar en el centro de medios debido al cambio de horario de la sexta hora al final del día. Gracias.
about 2 months ago, Chester High School
2025-11-07 CHS Early Release Schedule
CHS: ICONIK SENIOR TUX/DRAPE PICTURE DAY & PICTURE RETAKE
Chester High School Senior Tux/Drape Picture Day & Picture Retakes, Friday, October 7th, 2025

CHS: FOTOS DE GRADUACIÓN CON ESMOQUIN Y TOGA Y REPETICIÓN DE FOTOS
Día de fotos de graduación con esmoquin y toga y repetición de fotos de la Escuela Secundaria Chester, viernes 7 de octubre de 2025
about 2 months ago, Chester High School
CHS Iconik Senior Tux/Drape Pictures
CHS Iconik Picture Retakes
🏀 5th and 6th grade Boys Head Basketball Coach Vacancy 🏀
about 2 months ago, Chester Community School District 139
5th and 6th grade Boys Head Basketball Coach needed
The Chester High School SADD chapter presented a Red Ribbon presentation to all 7th- and 8th-graders at the three grade schools on the importance of making wise decisions and saying NO to Vaping, Drinking, and Drugs. SADD presenters were: Erin Liefer, President, Macy VanZandt, VP, Addie Gottschammer, Secretary, Isabella Smith, Rylie Myers, and Jackie Bess, SADD members.

La sección de SADD de la escuela secundaria Chester ofreció una presentación sobre el lazo rojo a todos los alumnos de séptimo y octavo grado de las tres escuelas primarias, con el fin de resaltar la importancia de tomar decisiones responsables y decir NO al vapeo, el alcohol y las drogas. Las personas que presentaron la ponencia fueron: Erin Liefer, presidenta; Macy VanZandt, vicepresidenta; Addie Gottschammer, secretaria; Isabella Smith, Rylie Myers y Jackie Bess, miembros de SADD.
about 2 months ago, Chester High School
CHS SADD Red Ribbon Week 01
CHS SADD Red Ribbon Week 02
CHS SADD Red Ribbon Week 03
CHS SADD Red Ribbon Week 04
CHS SADD Red Ribbon Week 05
📣 Parents — We Need Your Input!

We’re applying for a grant to help expand student supports like homework help, tutoring, and transportation for after-school programs. Your feedback will help us identify what families need most and strengthen our application.

Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey — your voice makes a difference! 💬
👉 https://forms.gle/drsjWREqT2oQsqzu5

Thank you for partnering with us to support our students’ success! 💙
about 2 months ago, Kimberly Briggs
srvey
It's time to nominate CGS Faculty Member of the Month for November! Use the link provided to submit your vote for who you feel deserves this honor! Nominations close at 3:00 pm on November 20. https://forms.gle/hTzfZ12US7mYhw8R8
about 2 months ago, Chester Grade School
1
Chester Football announces Week 11 “Special Teams Player of the Week” and “Practice Players of the Week”
Weekly “Special Teams” player of the week is sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling, and “Practice Player of the Week” is sponsored by Knight Hawk Coal.
BY JIM BEERS
Chester High School Head Football Coach, Billy Belton, has announced his Week 11 “Special Teams” player of the week and his “Practice Players” of the week. This new program has been active weekly and sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling of Chester, and Knight Hawk Coal, LLC.
Each week Belton and his staff select two players to be recognized and honored. The first award recognizes the best “Special Teams” player of the week and the second award recognizes the best “Practice Players” or “Scout Team” Players of the Week.
Belton is proud to announce award winners for Week 11 of the 2025 YellowJacket Football season.
Korando Heating and Cooling “Special Teams” Player of the Week: #3 Alex Blechle
Coach Belton said, “Alex led the Special Teams with a major tackle He also has a couple of good punt returns in the great win over Nashville. This is the 3rd time that Blechle has earned a Special Teams Player of the Week award. ”




“Knight Hawk Coal, LLC “Practice Players” of the Week: # 5 Gage Lynn, # 20 Donnie Sabo, #14 Landen Conder, # 10 Rhett Creason, & # 34 Ryker Hoffman
Coach Belton said, “These five boys did a fantastic job of recreating the offense on the Scout Team. There efforts helped the varsity plan for their defense in our latest win!”
Each of the weekly award winners received a special T-shirt provided by the two sponsors. Korando Heating and Cooling and Knight Hawk Coal, LLC 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 Knight Hawk Coal, LLC for sponsoring our “Special Teams Player of the Week” program and our “Practice Player of the Week” program.
The awards for Week 11 were announced and presented Friday October 31 at the weekly team meeting and supper in the CHS Football Offices. This presentation is a weekly event following the Friday afternoon “Run-Through” practice in preparation for the Saturday November 1st Round Playoff game against Maroa-Forsyth. Congratulations Alex Blechle, Gage Lynn, Donnie Sabo, Lannin Conder, Rhett Creason, and Ryker Hoffman for being the Week 11 award winners!

PHOTO 1 Alex Blechle SPECIAL TEAMS
Alex Blechle earned the Week 11 Special Teams Player of the Week. This was his 3rd Special Teams recognition this season. Blechle made a major tackle in the great win over Nashville last week. He also had a couple of good punt returns to help his team beat Nashville, 29-19.

PHOTO 2 Practice Players of the Week 11
This week there were five YellowJacket players recognized as Practice Players of the Week including (left to right) Gage Lynn, Donnie Sabo, Lannin Conder, Ryker Hoffman, Rhett Creason. These five players did a great job re-creating the offense of the YellowJacket's opponent. Their efforts helped the varsity squad prepare for their game.
about 2 months ago, Chester High School
11 Special Teams Player of the Week (Alex Blechle)
PHOTO 1 WEEK 11 SPECIAL TEAMS Alex Blechle
11 Practice Player of the Week (Group)
PHOTO 2 WEEK 11 PRACTICE PLAYERS
CHS: PBIS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
The Chester High School October Students of the Month are (left to right) Lucas Buskirk, Kingston Turner, Devin Neal, Addison Gottschammer, Peyton Dickson, and Annah Helvey Ahring. The Student of the Month Program is coordinated by teachers, Jackie Clendenin, Social Studies and Brittany Mueller, Science. Jim Beers Photo
about 2 months ago, Chester High School
CHS OCTOBER Students of the Month 10-29-25
CHS FOOTBALL STREAM The Chester High School Varsity Football vs. Maroa-Forsyth (1st Round Playoffs) stream on YouTube is experiencing technical difficulties. Both the stream on Facebook and Hudl are working great as another option. Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
about 2 months ago, Chester High School

CHS FREE FOOTBALL BROADCAST
Today, Chester High School will host our multiplatform football game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook. For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!
Go Jackets!

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

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

TRANSMISIÓN GRATUITA DEL PARTIDO DE FÚTBOL AMERICANO DE CHS
Hoy, la Preparatoria Chester transmitirá su partido de fútbol americano en múltiples plataformas, simultáneamente en Hudl, YouTube y Facebook. Para su comodidad, encontrará códigos QR en las imágenes adjuntas y los enlaces a continuación. ¡Los invitamos a unirse a este emocionante evento!
¡Vamos, Jackets!

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

En caso de tener algún problema con la transmisión en vivo de Facebook, les recomendamos utilizar alguna de las plataformas alternativas disponibles. Gracias por su comprensión.

about 2 months ago, Chester High School
CHS Football Streams
CHS YouTube QR Code
CHS Facebook QR Code
CHS Hudl QR Code