Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 15

Josh Heltsley graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2006, earning a W.E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship. He used the $500 Partnership tuition award at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) at Columbia.

Josh earned a Bachelors of Science in 2010, having majored in biochemistry and minored in biological sciences.

He is currently working as a chemist at the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery at Roxana, Illinois. “My responsibilities include ensuring finished petroleum products – including jet fuel, diesel fuel, gasoline, benzene, and odorless mineral spirits – meet federal, corporate, and customer specifications and standards,” he says.

In addition, he monitors crude oil for feed into distilling units and does “method development and certification of all products that leave the refinery gates.” Josh is also involved in statistical analysis of data and technical support and special testing for all operating units.

Josh and his wife Nicole have a son, Tucker. His favorite leisure activities are spending time with family, hunting, fishing and boating. In addition, Josh volunteers with the Mt. Olive Volunteer Fire Department and coaches boys’ and girls’ track and field (hurdles and sprints) at Mt. Olive High School. He’s proud that the school has produced three state qualifiers in hurdles since 2015.

Reflecting on the importance of higher education, Josh notes: “All of the post-secondary education that I received has positioned me well inside this company to succeed,” he says. “In the 21st century, a high school education just isn’t enough to set you up to live comfortably. You may be able to find a job, but post-secondary education will help you discover a career path for your future where you can enjoy what you do every day.”

He adds, “The education I received at GHS and Mizzou has made me who I am today. The cost of a four-year university education is high, but the experience is one that is unforgettable and worth the investment to anyone who is willing to put in the work to succeed.”

In regard to the value of his Partnership award, Josh says: “Across the U.S. employers continue to increase the minimum requirements to be eligible for positions within their companies.” Meanwhile the price of the necessary post-secondary education continues to rise.

“For a lot of young people just starting out in the world this [cost] can be discouraging,” he says. “It is important to have programs like The Partnership’s to help set up young adults for success. I am forever grateful to have been a scholarship recipient of The Partnership.”

Josh is the son of Roger and Brenda Heltsley of Eagarville. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 14

Allison Goldasich graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2013, earning a Carol Enrico DeLucca Scholarship for a Top Girl Graduate. She used the $500 Partnership award at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC).

Allison attended SIUC from 2013 through 2017, majoring in health care administration and minoring in accounting. She graduated in May 2017 Summa cum Laude.

“Currently I am pursuing a master’s degree in health administration at Saint Louis University (SLU). I started the program in August and plan to graduate in May 2019,” she says. “At some point in my studies, I plan on earning my Green Belt through the Lean Six Sigma certification process that SLU offers. Lean Six Sigma works to improve quality and reduce defects in organizational processes.”

In addition to her course work, Allison is a graduate assistant for student organizations at the Student Involvement Center. “I oversee day-to-day operations of over 180 student organizations. My responsibilities include managing the SLU Groups web site, reviewing event submissions, approving procurement card requests, reallocating funds, mentoring students, and developing leadership events.” In addition, Allison is the faculty advisor for the honor society on campus: Omicron Delta Kappa.

In her spare time, she plays intramural sports and likes trying new foods and restaurants. Her avocation, she says, is emceeing trivia nights for local St. Louis bars.

After graduation, Allison plans to start her career in St. Louis, “in operations, strategic management, or human resources in a physician practice or hospital setting,” she says.
“Speaking long term, becoming a professor of health care management is something I’d consider, once I acquire the experience to do so.”

Allison concludes, “I would like to thank The Partnership for Educational Excellence for its dedication to the success of the young adults in our community. I was able to use the my DeLucca scholarship to purchase books for my studies. The Partnership’s generosity has provided me financial stability and peace of mind during my undergraduate career.”

As to the role of post-secondary education in her life, Allison notes that college provided her with “great opportunities, friends, and memories that will stay with me always. I truly appreciate the foundation’s interest and contribution to my academic journey.”

Allison is the daughter of Mark and Amy Goldasich of Mt. Clare. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 13

Adam Schmidt graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2012, earning a Jim Rosentreter Memorial Scholarship. He used this $500 Partnership award toward tuition at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) in Godfrey, Illinois, to begin his studies in civil engineering.

After Adam completed his associates degree in 2014, he transferred to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE). There he achieved his goal by earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2016.

He was immediately able to find employment in Springfield with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Adam is putting his newly acquired skills to work by inspecting “state-owned bridges for structural adequacy and adherence to national and state design codes,” he says.

While currently helping to keep Illinois’ infrastructure safe, Adam is also committed to enhancing his professional qualifications. “My plans for the future include becoming a licensed professional engineer,” he says. He’s also considering obtaining an MBA (Masters of Business Administration).

When he isn’t on the job checking bridge safety, Adam says he enjoys golf. He is engaged and will soon be married.

Reflecting on the role that post-secondary education played in his life, Adam says: “My college education has helped me gain the knowledge that I have today. In turn, that knowledge led to current employment status.” In addition, he says, “college has led me to some great friendships.”

As to the Partnership scholarship, which was paid directly to the bursar at LCCC, Adam notes that the college allowed the money to be used to pay for textbooks.

Adam is the son of Weye and Nancy Schmidt of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 12

Beth Bauer Capocci graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2002, earning a W.E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship. She used the $500 Partnership award toward tuition at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

Beth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Millikin in 2006 and immediately pursued her Master’s Degree, also in mathematics, at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), graduating in 2008.

“I then worked for nine years teaching high school mathematics in Los Angeles,” she recounts. These years included three years at a charter school in downtown LA and then six years at a private all-girls Catholic school. “I also served as an academic advisor and the math department chair” at the Catholic school, says Beth.

In June 2013 Beth married Matthew Capocci. They welcomed their son Milo in 2016.

Currently “I am taking a pause from teaching to spend time with Milo,” she says. “Aside from work and my family, I enjoy hiking, baking, and playing with my dog, Ash.”

A committed and talented educator herself, Beth very much values her post-GHS college years.

“I absolutely cherish my post-secondary education,” she says. In addition to providing her with an interesting and challenging career, her six years of college shaped her as a person, “letting me enrich myself. I truly feel those years allowed me to take advantage of opportunities to learn about myself and the world around me,” says Beth.

Beth concludes: “My scholarship from The Partnership certainly helped me to be able to attend the college of my choice.”

Beth is the daughter of the late Tom Bauer and Evelyn Bilyeu of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 11

Jason Stromsland graduated from Gillespie High School (GHS) in 2014, earning a Matt and Marge Turcol Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. He used the $500 award toward tuition at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Jason is in his senior year at Eckerd, majoring in marine science with a biology focus. Jason’s primary interest is shark conservation research.

As part of his Eckerd experience, Jason spent his 2016 “winter break” on a three-week class in the Galapagos Islands and the Ecuadoran rainforest. Highlights were swimming with white-tipped sharks, being stung by a man-o-war, and being surrounded by a herd of peccaries in the rainforest. During spring break in 2016 he was accepted as a volunteer researcher at the Bimini Shark Lab where he helped capture, evaluate, and tag various species of sharks. In January 2017, Jason spent three weeks in Cuba at the University of Havana’s Isle of Youth where he worked on coral reef population and health. He also helped with removal and dissection of lion fish, a destructive invasive species in Caribbean waters.

“Being a marine biology student, I have learned the importance of educating those around me with scientifically proven facts rather than misleading people with ‘alternative facts’,” he says. “Honesty was a value I learned to respect at GHS. It’s a value that has been reaffirmed ever since.”

Back on campus Jason has spent the last three summers teaching wakeboarding and basic-to-advanced saltwater fishing skills at Eckerd’s Summer Youth Camp.

In his spare time Jason has earned his deep sea SCUBA rating and enjoys spear fishing, shark conservation outreach, and fossil diving. He has participated in the annual St. Petersburg Triathlon and a number of half-triathlons. Currently he is also enjoying volunteer work at a private sanctuary, caring for retired circus animals.

After graduation Jason is considering grad school or a career with the U.S. Coast Guard.

His Partnership scholarship “was a big help,” says Jason. “I was the second child to graduate from GHS in two years; that meant that my parents were attempting to pay for two college students at one time.”

Jason is the son of Peter and Susan Stromsland of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 10

Brenden Engelke graduated from Gillespie High School in 2013, earning a Henry Marcacci Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. He used the $500 award toward tuition at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE).

Brenden earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from SIUE in December 2016 and immediately began work on a master’s degree in accounting. “While attending SIUE as an undergrad, I worked in the business office,” says Brenden. “Now I am working in the business office as a graduate assistant.”

In the immediate future, Brenden plans to earn his CPA license. And his career has received a jump start as the result of an undergraduate opportunity.

“In the spring of 2017 I worked at RSM Accounting in St. Louis as an auditor during an internship,” he says. “I was offered a full-time position upon completion of my master’s degree. In the fall of 2018 I will begin working at RSM on a full-time basis.”

In addition to an accelerated path through undergraduate studies, Brenden had an opportunity to spend 10 days in Germany in May 2017 as part of an SIUE class. “It was a great experience,” he recalls.

In his free time Brenden enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, and watching Cardinals baseball and Blues hockey.

Brenden thanks The Partnership for helping with first semester college tuition and counsels future Partnership scholars: “Enjoy your time in college – it goes FAST!”

Brenden is the son of Brian and Lisa Engelke of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 9

    Kendra Lubrant Liedtke graduated from Gillespie High School in 1995, earning a scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence.  She used the $500 award toward tuition at the St. Louis University (SLU).

    Kendra graduated from SLU in 1999 with a double major in social work and French and immediately moved to Denver, CO, to pursue a master’s degree in social work.  By 2002 she had obtained her license in clinical social work, and by 2014 she became a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist.

    “I have been working in the field of adult mental health, both community mental health and now the private sector, as a licensed clinical social worker for more than 15 years,” she says.  She worked four years as a clinical case manager with the Mental Health Center of Denver, providing therapeutic services for adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.

    She then transitioned to providing individual and group psychotherapy to adults, first at the Aurora Mental Health Center’s Adult Outpatient Clinic for nine years and then at the Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Center in Castle Rock for two years, Kendra recounts. 

    “In 2014 I opened my own private psychotherapy practice in Castle Rock, CO” she says.  “I am the sole owner/therapist for this practice called In the Moment Counseling LLC.  I focus my work on individual adults seeking assistance with a wide variety of mental health needs, specializing in trauma-focused work using EMDR therapy to help adults resolve and heal from a variety of distant and recent past traumas that continue to impact their current-day lives.”

    Kendra has been married since 2005 to Mark Liedtke; they have two children, Sydney, age 9, and Marshall, age 7.  In her free time, Kendra enjoys time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, going to concerts and enjoying nature in the Colorado mountains on hiking, biking, camping, and skiing trips.  

    “My post-secondary education provided me with invaluable opportunities and stepping stones to engage in a career that is both challenging and rewarding,” she says.  “I am often able to make a meaningful difference on a deep personal level to others.  In addition, the ability to become a business owner has provided me with greater work-life balance: I can remain active in my career and also be present for my family.”

    Kendra adds: “ I have much gratitude to The Partnership for assisting me along the course of my academic career and helping me gain opportunities that otherwise would not have been available.  The Partnership has done this for me and many others.”

    Kendra is the daughter of Ed and Brenda Lubrant of Gillespie.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 8

Linsey Manalia Blythe graduated from Gillespie High School in 2008, earning a Michael Valenti Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. She used the $500 award toward tuition at the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS).

Linsey completed a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology in 2012 at UIS and then undertook the study of diagnostic medical sonography at Sanford-Brown College in Fenton, Missouri, graduating in 2014.

Today Linsey is a Maternal and Fetal Medicine (MFM) Sonographer at the perinatal center of Mercy Hospital in St. Louis and at its off-site location in Maryville, Illinois.

“I perform high risk obstetric (OB) ultrasounds,” she says. “The patients I see are usually experiencing high risk pregnancies due to maternal and/or fetal complications. The exams I perform throughout the day range from first trimester ultrasounds to anatomy scans to weekly follow-up ultrasounds on patients in their third trimester.”

Linsey says that one of the reasons she loves her job is “because every patient, every baby, every situation is different. I never know what my day will be like.”

She plans to further her career by becoming “a more specialized OB sonographer.” Specifically, Linsey will become certified in the Fetal Echocardiography Registry.

Linsey is the daughter of Lonnie and Rhonda Manalia of rural Plainview. They are the proprietors of Fema’s Catering in Benld. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 7

Travis Gucciardo graduated from Gillespie High School in 2008. He was awarded the Jim Masterson Memorial Scholarship. (Jim was the chair of The Partnership’s Citizens Advisory Committee and the beloved “spark plug” of the organization.) Travis used the $500 Partnership for Educational Excellence award to attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE).

“During my time at SIUE, I earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting,” he recounts. After he graduated in 2012, Travis began studies to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) while working in his mother’s firm, Gina Gucciardo CPA, at its Gillespie office.

He earned his CPA license in 2015. Subsequently, Travis began working at the company’s second office in Edwardsville.

“My responsibilities include tax return preparation and review for individuals and businesses, bookkeeping, payroll and sales tax services for businesses, and general office upkeep,” he says. Travis will continue to take courses in order to renew his CPA license.

Currently living in Edwardsville, Travis keeps busy spending his free time with family and friends and playing soccer. “In the near future, I plan to keep working in the family business and help the new location in Edwardsville grow into a successful office,” he says.

“I greatly appreciate receiving a scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. If not for my post-secondary education, I would not be where I am today,” he says. “Not only did college prepare me for my career, but I also gained experience in finding a balance between working hard and having fun. I am hopeful that The Partnership will be able to continue helping other GHS graduates for many years to come,” concludes Travis.

Travis is the son of Bob and Gina Gucciardo of rural Plainview.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 6

Brittany (Ranger) Stoecker graduated from Gillespie High School in 2009, earning a W. E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship. She used the $500 award for tuition at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) in Godfrey, Illinois.

Brittany studied nursing at LCCC and later transferred to Benedictine University in Springfield, Illinois, where she earned her BSN, RN degree in 2012.

She is currently a surgery nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield where she "admits surgical patients and cares for recovering patients post-operatively."

Brittany and her husband Jeff Stoecker married in 2009. They have a four-year old daughter named Makenzie. She and Jeff "enjoy spending time with family, watching our little girl grow too fast!" says Brittany.

On the horizon are more studies. She plans to continue her education to earn a master's degree in nursing.

"My career in nursing has given me the opportunity to work in many different areas and to gain more experience and knowledge," she says. These experiences make her want to grow in her career. "I look forward to many more years of patient care and helping those in need."

Brittany says she appreciates the Partnership's W.E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship because it "helped with the cost of buying books for my nursing degree."

Brittany is the daughter of Mike and Laura Ranger of rural Wilsonville. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 5

Nick Kravanya graduated from Gillespie High School in 1998, earning a W. E. Schmidt Family Foundation Scholarship. He used his $500 tuition scholarship at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE).

Nick earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology before completing his DMD at SIU School of Dental Medicine.

He then returned to Macoupin County to form a private practice partnership with Steve Boente at Boente & Kravanya Family Dentistry in Carlinville.

“I enjoy improving the lives and health of my patients by providing excellent oral health care,” he says. In the future Nick plans to “continue to expand the practice to help provide optimal health care to families in surrounding communities. Being a dentist is a lifelong commitment to learning,” he adds.

Nick is actively involved in the Carlinville Lions Club and the Madison District Dental Society. He and his wife of 11 years, Stacy, also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

“Without post-secondary education, my career would not be possible,” reflects Nick. “Scholarships, such as the one from The Partnership allow students to receive education that might not be possible otherwise.”

Nick is the son of Tony and Marilyn Kravanya of Gillespie. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 4

Kimberly Rossini graduated from Gillespie High School in 2001 with a Michael Bertolino Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence. She used the $500 award toward tuition at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana (UIUC).

Kimberly majored in sociology and pre-law, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 2005. In 2006 she entered law school at Valparaiso University School of Law where she earned a J.D. in 2009.

Kimberly is currently Central District Supervisor/Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois in the Child Support Enforcement Bureau. “I supervise ten attorneys,” she says. “We handle child support enforcement in several counties in the central district.”

Kimberly and her husband Jarrod Herron have three children and live in Benld.

When free time allows, she enjoys reading, doing crossword puzzles, and “watching politics.”

Reflecting on the role of post-secondary education in her life, Kimberly says, “I love learning and meeting new people. All the great experiences I’ve had along the way have shaped who I am today.”

As to the usefulness of The Partnership’s tuition scholarship: “It helped with school expenses.”

Kimberly is the daughter of Charlie Rossini of Wilsonville and Joan and Brent Cain of Carlinville. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 3

Scott Ronald graduated from Gillespie High School in 2005, earning The Partnership’s Bud McCormack Memorial Scholarship. He used this $500 tuition award to study criminal justice at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois.

In 2007 Scott transferred to Western Illinois University at Macomb where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 2009, majoring in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and minoring in scuba diving. Then in 2016-2017 he earned a masters degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Lindenwood University in St. Louis.

He has worked with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) since July 2010. He is currently a Trooper 1st Class, working in the gaming division. “I am assigned to the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, investigating a multitude of financial crimes, theft, and drug-related crime. I am also a division instructor, providing annual training in firearms and first responder skills,” he says. Scott hopes to one day train new recruits for the MSHP at its Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City.

Scott and his fiancee Stefanie Klaus will be married in November 2017. They stay busy working on the house they recently built. Scott is also a marine reef tank keeper of saltwater fish and enjoys scuba diving “anytime I can.”

Reflecting on his post-secondary education, Scott says: “It has allowed me to shape a professional career rather than relying solely on my training as a recruit. I have used the working knowledge gained through each and every course I took in college and grad school. It would have been a major struggle to make it to where I am today without that education.”

In regard to The Partnership award, he notes that “the scholarship I was honored to receive allowed me to go to community college where I was able to take the time to figure out and understand the path I wanted to choose. The $500 took some of the burden off of my and my parents’ shoulders; it and others I received helped pave my way to my present career.”

Scott is the son of Gary and Dianne Ronald of Gillespie.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 2

Stephanie Hartke graduated from Gillespie High School in 2014, earning a $500 Joe and Eileen Libbra Memorial Scholarship. She now attends Illinois State University (ISU) in Bloomington- Normal, pursuing a double major in agribusiness and ag communications. She will graduate in May of 2018.

“Eventually I would like to become an operations manager at a grain elevator,” says Stephanie, specifically working on barges and as the weighmaster/grain grader, hopefully in the central- southern Illinois area.

To that end she has sought and won jobs and internships in grain merchandising, starting in the summer of 2015 at Litchfield Farmers Grain. The next summer she interned at Winona, MN, in grain merchandising for ADM. “Another incredible opportunity”, working with Tate & Lyle in Heyworth and Wappella, IL, during 2016 harvest allowed Stephanie to run the weigh scale, take grain samples from semi trucks, and grade the samples.

To date the highlight of her work experience was an Operations Management internship at Consolidated Barge and Grain in Naples, IL, learning firsthand grain elevator maintenance and management in the summer of 2017.

“One of my favorite parts was to be a deckhand on a barge where I got to tie the barge off, read drafts to reload it, and help with finishing processes. I also got to drive the train locomotive; that has been the highlight to the internship!” she says. She has now returned to ISU where she uses her spare time to read and play the clarinet and trumpet, including one semester in the ISU marching band and two semesters in the pep band. This fall she’ll once again work for Tate & Lyle during harvest.

“Post-secondary education has helped me in ways I never imagined,” says Stephanie. “I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities, from job offers and internships to awards and new friends. I’ve been able to go places I never thought I would go and to experience new things. Moving away from home and into college helped get me out of my comfort zone and become more for myself. The Partnership scholarship definitely helped. Tuition is expensive, and the scholarship helped me save a little.”

Stephanie is the daughter of David and Virginia Hartke of rural Litchfield. 

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 1

Pete Visintin

Pete Visintin graduated from Gillespie High School in 2003.  He used his Partnership $500 “Art Olson: Commemorate Your Favorite Teacher Scholarship” toward freshman tuition.

Pete earned a BA in Business Administrationin 2007 and a Masters in Business Administration in 2008, both from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  

“When I was going through high school and college I envisioned myself working my way up the ladder for a big corporation,” says Pete.  But in the summer of 2012 he started a not-for-profitclothing line called “Fight the Fight” to raise money to help people pay large medical-related expenses.  “Since then we’ve sold thousands of shirts and donated more than $78,000 to people in need.  We’ve also hosted many large, live event fund raisers in the area to benefit Fight the Fight.

“It wasn’t until I took the plunge and started Fight the Fight in 2012 that I developed a passion for entrepreneurship,” he says.  Now, in addition to being the President & Founder of Fight the Fight, he is the Facilitator for the Macoupin County CEO Program.  This role gives him a platform to help Macoupin County high school students start their own businesses, gain real-world business experience before they graduate, and prepare them for whatever path they choose beyond high school. 

“These positions compliment each other well, as I am able to use the knowledge and experience I gain from one to benefit the students in the other,” Pete says.  His dual career and young family leave him scant time for hobbies.   “I spend all my free time with my wife Liz and our energetic two-year old daughter Zephy.  When they go to sleep I stay up and work on my business because I’m passionate about it, and it’s just what I love to do!  As an entrepreneur, now, I never stop studying, reading, experimenting, and learning to improve my business.”

Reflecting on the importance of his post-secondary education, Pete says: “I will be forever grateful to scholarship organizations like The Partnership for Educational Excellence for giving me the opportunity to attend a four-year university.  When I was younger, I was very quiet, shy, and nervous.  Going through the crucible of collegiate business school got me out of my shell - quickly - and prepared me for life after graduation.”

Pete is the son of Pete and Cathy Visintin of Gillespie.

The Partnership's 25th Anniversary Kickoff

In 1992 The Partnership for Educational Excellence was founded by Gillespie resident Nanci Grandone. She invited a group of friends and acquaintances to discuss the possibility of supporting Pre-K through 12 education in Macoupin County’s Community Unit School District 7 (CUSD 7).

Twenty-five years later, this 501(c)3 non-profit education foundation is celebrating this landmark anniversary. Its all-volunteer board of directors is proud to report that it has invested $570,000 in the school children of CUSD7 as more than 1,000 classroom mini-grants and $215,500 in 393 academic tuition scholarships for post-secondary education. And Nanci as well as two other founders, John Fassero, Jr. and Donna Prevedell, are still on the board!

All of these funds were entrusted to The Partnership by friends and neighbors, alums and local businesses, foundations and corporations large and small.

The Partnership is humbled by the faith and confidence that our “partners” have shown in the foundation. And it is determined to keep its mission alive by increasing its scholarships from $500 to $1,000 per student per year. Because up to 30 percent of each Gillespie High School graduating class receives a scholarship, this increase has prompted a fund raising campaign. The goal is raise $25,000, all to be used to match our many established $500 memorial scholarships, so that in future each new scholar can have $1,000 toward tuition.

All year we will be celebrating the accomplishments of our past scholars. We hope that you are heartened to read of their life choices and the value they place on post-secondary education. We also hope that old friends and new “partners” will consider helping future grads with a gift of any size. To mark this 25th year and our goal, we are encouraging gifts of $25 or group gifts from friends or colleagues to fund – and name! – an entire match ($500). But all gifts are received with gratitude.

Donations are tax deductible and are acknowledged with a letter/receipt when addresses are provided. For more information and to donate, you can contact The Partnership at P.O. Box 125, Gillespie IL 62033 or at www.thepartnership7.org 

The Partnership 2017 Scholars

FRONT ROW (L TO R) Rosie Emmenderfer, Partnership director, Samantha Alepra, Hannah Doty, Kendra Cherry, Emily Barylske, Seth Korunka, Rayanne Thompson, Mari Katich, Emily Elizondo

SECOND ROW (L TO R) Mya Sudmeier, Aubree Borror, Amanda Schmidt, Teran Schlechte, MacKenzie Ikerman, Ethan Blevins, Liberty Hartley, Don Throne, Partnership director

THIRD ROW (L TO R) Chase Vermillion, Allison Bires, Zachary Carr, Trevor Fredericks, Tate Wargo, Daniel Dobrino, Nicholas Wyatt, Chandler McDaniel, Jace Timmermeier

May 21, 2017 - Gillespie, Illinois - A full 26 percent of Gillespie High School graduating seniors were awarded $1,000 tuition scholarships by The Partnership for Educational Excellence on its 25th anniversary. Every dollar of these awards came from local individuals, businesses, alums, and foundations. And thanks to its partners’ ongoing generosity, for the second year The Partnership was able to raise the amounts to $1,000 each.

The 23 Gillespie High School (GHS) scholars received $500 each from named memorial scholarships and a matching $500 from The Partnership’s general funds. The awards were presented by Partnership directors Don Throne and Rosie Emmenderfer during commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 21, 2017.

"Thanks to 25 years of loyal support from hundreds of donors, we can recognize these 23 excellent students and give them a little extra help furthering their educations," says John Fassero, Jr., president of The Partnership. "This year’s life essays once again show clear setting of realistic goals. The letters of recommendation reveal young people who have earned the respect of the adults in their lives for their hard work, community involvement, and proven ability to accomplish goals. We are proud of the small role we may play in their future successes" says Fassero, a founding director.

"Our scholarships are not large, because we want to recognize the greatest number of students," says Fassero. "And parents over the years have told us that the tuition payment does help their students during first semester." The funds are paid directly to the colleges.

This year a total of $23,000 was awarded. To date the Partnership has awarded $215,500 in tuition scholarships to 393 graduates of Gillespie High School. 

In addition, The Partnership again administered two $100 cash awards from the estate of Evaline Boehmke for musicianship in band and chorus.

This year’s scholars and their awards are:

THE DR. D. ROSS AND MRS. ROSEMARY BILLITER SCHOLARSHIP.  This scholarship was instituted by the Billiters to thank the many area residents who supported Dr. Billiter’s practice as general surgeon at St. Francis Hospital for many years. 

Jace Timmermeier, son of Jeff and Tracy Timmermeier of rural Litchfield. He will attend Lakeland Community College in Mattoon, Illinois, to study civil engineering technology.

CARROLL-KEUPPER SCHOLARSHIP established by the late Rosemary Keupper Valle and her sister Lillian Keupper in honor of their families who have been involved in medicine, world health, and banking/finance. Their grandfather Anthony Carroll, a member of the Gillespie school board, initiated strong family support for the local school system and its students. 

Emily Elizondo, daughter of Christopher and Lori Elizondo of Gillespie, who will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to study chemical engineering.

ELINOR DAVIES NURSING SCHOLARSHIP by friends and family in honor of Elinor who served many decades as school nurse in CUSD#7. Elinor was active in the United Methodist Church.

Liberty Hartley, daughter of Melissa and Donald Hartley of Gillespie, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study nursing.

ANDREW EASTON, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. A teacher and coach for more than 20 years, his passion was to motivate his students and athletes to achieve to their highest level. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the group that funded this scholarship.

Amanda Schmidt, daughter of Weye and Nancy Schmidt of Gillespie, who will attend Illinois State University in Normal to study business administration.

DANNY GRIFFEL MEMORIAL AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP by family and friends. Danny, a Korean Conflict veteran, was honored in 2009 for continuous ownership and operation of the family farm since 1856. He was active in a number of civic, benevolent, and recreational organizations. His son David serves on the CUSD7 school board; his daughter Donna Easton is a school nurse in CUSD7.

Kendra Cherry, daughter of Jon and Christie Cherry of Benld, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to prepare to study aerospace engineering.

JOHN AND MARY HICKS SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE TRADES. John, mayor of Gillespie and a local businessman and mayor of Gillespie, and Mary, an active civic volunteer, offer this award in memory of Floyd and Betty Hicks. "My dad’s dad saw the honor of working with your own two hands," says John. 

Chase Vermillion, son of Joe Vermillion and Brian and Brenda Doty of Gillespie, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study sports broadcasting.

JULIA KRAVANYA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP by family and friends. Born in Scotland, she married Anton J. Kravanya in1942 in Gillespie. They raised two children, Fran now Mrs. Mike Slapak of South Carolina, and Tony, who operates Kravanya Funeral Homes with his wife Marilyn, Julia’s grandson Anthony and granddaughter Lyn in Gillespie, Benld, and Bunker Hill. Another grandson Nicholas is a dentist in Carlinville. 

Rayanne Thompson, daughter of Suzy Foret and Brian Thompson of Gillespie, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study dental hygiene.

JOSEPH and EILEEN LIBBRA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. Married for 48 years, they were hard working grain and livestock farmers and dedicated to their four children, Mary, Joe, Trish, and Carol, and their ten grandchildren. 

MacKenzie Ikerman, daughter of Jeff and Wendy Ikerman of Gillespie, who will attend Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau to study nursing.

HENRY MARCACCI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP by friends and family. Hank taught business in CUSD#7 for 33 years and served as county superintendent of schools for 8 years. He and his wife Lucille raised seven children. Hank died at age 101 on January 25, 2011. A granddaughter was a past Partnership scholar.

Hannah Doty, daughter of Christy Blank and Brian Doty of Gillespie, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study science and pre-K education.

DENIS McGRADY SR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP established in loving memory by family. Denis graduated from the University of Illinois Commerce and Law program, returned to Gillespie to raise nine children, and to practice law for almost 50 years. In addition to valuing education, Denis loved roses and trees, his garden becoming a destination for GHS botany field trips.

Chandler McDaniel, son of Staci and David McDaniel of Gillespie, who will attend McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, to study to become an actuary.

LANA ODORIZZI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP by Anonymous, friends, and family. Mrs. O, as most of her students called her, was a beloved elementary school P.E. teacher and middle- and high school volleyball coach for 13 years in CUSD7. She also coached softball, track, soccer, little league, gymnastics and taught fitness and swimming to hundreds of local children. 

Zachary Carr, son of Dana and Todd Skinner and Bob Carr of Gillespie, who will attend Illinois State University in Normal to study business management.

BETTY OLIVE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP because of the high value she placed on education. Known for her "green thumb" and prolific flower and vegetable gardens, this native of Alhambra cherished a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She focused instead on raising her children – Judy, Kay, Pam, Patti, and Randy, all graduates of CUSD7 – on the farm. 

Aubree Borror, daughter of Keith and Marti Borror of Benld, who will attend Columbia College in Chicago to study interior architecture.

ROBERT M. PREVEDELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Robert lived 94 years as a farmer near Eagarville. Beloved by all for his dignity, good nature, integrity, and generosity, he was a prolific woodworker; veteran house mover; self-taught musician; talented gardener. He was proud of and devoted to his late wife Catherine, his four children (Bob, Toni, Pat, and Pam), seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. 

Teran Schlechte, daughter of Tiffani Pirok and Todd Schlechte of Staunton, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study occupational therapy.

TAMMY ROSENTRETER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP by family and friends. A U.S. Air Force veteran, she was active in her church and a dedicated teacher. She did it all through her valiant battle against cancer, inspiring Team Tammy fund raisers while maintaining her top priority: her family - husband Jerry and children Josh, Tateum and Tess. 

Samantha Alepra, daughter of Bill and Jenni Alepra of Gillespie, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study art.

TRAVIS SEMPLOWSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP established in loving memory by family and friends. Travis, a graduate of GHS, was a member of Future Farmers of America. He was working as an automotive specialist at WalMart in Litchfield when he died tragically in 2009 at the age of 21. 

Trevor Fredericks, son of Russell and Gina Fredericks of Gillespie, who will attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to study industrial engineering.

JEANETTE DOBRINO SMALL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. Her family honors her memory with this scholarship to support the students of CUSD7 where her grandchildren attend school.

Mari Lyn Katich, daughter of Cris and Sheila Katich of Gillespie, will attend Lewis and Clark Community College. She is undecided about her major.

SAM STEWART MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. Sam was a talented athlete and teacher whose lifelong dedication to sports and education shaped his career in CUSD7 as baseball coach for 30 years as well as basketball and football. "Sam would be pleased. This scholarship is a way of ‘paying it forward,’ in his memory," says his wife, Suzanne. 

Tate Wargo, son of Tim and Julie Wargo of Benld, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study nursing.

TEBBE FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP for students of computer science and engineering plus many classroom mini-grants have been funded by GHS graduate Mark Tebbe, Class of 1979, founder of Lante Corporation, and his parents Ralph and Rose Marie Tebbe through their family foundation. 

Daniel Dobrino, son of Robert and Diane Dobrino of Benld, who will attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to study computer science.

UMWA Local 1613 SCHOLARSHIP represents coal miners, health care workers, truck drivers, manufacturing employees and public employees in our communities. The union fights for safe workplaces, good wages and benefits, and fair representation in workplaces. 

Allison Bires, daughter of John and Ann Bires of Gillespie, who will attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to study mechanical engineering.

MICHAEL VALENTI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP by friends and family is awarded in loving memory of this 1994 GHS graduate who lost his life in 1999 in a tragic accident. Michael had completed an associate’s degree at Lewis and Clark Community College and was continuing his education at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. 

Emily Barylske, daughter of Cathy and Stanley Barylske of Benld, who will attend McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, to study psychology.

MIKE AND PERINA VERTICCHIO SCHOLARSHIP by family. This award was established to recognize the dedication and years of service to the Gillespie school district by Mike and the late Perina Verticchio. Perina was an elementary teacher for many years and Mike was a teacher, coach, and administrator whose education career began as a literacy specialist during World War II.

Nicholas Wyatt, son of James and Kasey Wyatt of Gillespie, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study chemistry.

VFW AUXILIARY 4547 SCHOLARSHIP. by members. The women of the Auxiliary make this gift in recognition of the importance of education.

Ethan Blevins, son of Greg and Staci Blevins of Gillespie, who will attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study occupational therapy.

LOIS ZANTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP by friends and family. Lois was an elementary school teacher and librarian in CUSD7 for 29 years. Devoted to education herself, she was proud that her daughter Gail Niehaus, grandchildren Casey Niehaus and Kara Strode are also dedicated teachers. 

Mya Sudmeier, daughter of John and Joellen Nickel of Gillespie, who will attend the St. Louis Culinary Institute of Hickey College to study culinary arts.

EVALINE BOEHMKE MUSICIANSHIP AWARDS: Evaline (Mrs. Robert) Boehmke, was an ardent supporter of music in CUSD7. She left a bequest for $100 cash awards for students to be selected by the music faculty of Gillespie High School for outstanding musicianship in GHS band and chorus. This year the Band and Chorus winners are the same person: Seth Korunka.

$5000 Raffle Winner

Julie Wargo of Benld is the winner of The Partnership's second annual raffle for a cash prize of $5,000.  Jillian Smith, a first grade student at Ben-Gil Elementary School (BGES) drew Julie's name during the BGES annual spaghetti dinner.  Jillian drew while John Fassero, Jr., president of The Parntership, looked on and Rose Marie Tebbe, treasurer, held a bowl filled with entrants' names.  The winning ticket was sold by Julie Zirkelbach of Eagarville, one of The Partnership's newest board members.  Thanks to all who purchased raffle tickets!  Their generosity makes it possible for The Partnership to increase its tuition scholarships this year from $500 to $1,000 for graduates of Gillespie High School who will continue their post-secondary education.

"For the Love of Education" Trivia Night

February 13, 2017 - Gillespie IL

    The winners at the "For the Love of Education" trivia night of 4 February were perennial participants led by Dennis Weiss of Mulberry Grove. The team, one of 24 participating in The Partnership for Educational Excellence’s annual fund raiser.

    All proceeds from the jam-packed evening will be used in classroom mini-grants within Community Unit School District 7's (CUSD7) pre-K through 12th grade classrooms. 

    In a welcome synergy, the majority of the players that night were CUSD7 teachers and their families. In addition, five Gillespie Middle School eighth grade boys were volunteer runners. Since 1992 The Partnership has given almost $570,000 of donors’ contributions to CUSD7 schools to supplement curriculum

    The second place team was led by Phil Cavaretto of rural Staunton. Third place went to the local Cordum-Tebbe team. All three winning teams donated back generously to The Partnership.

    The evening was also the kickoff for The Partnership’s second annual Grand Raffle. The one-and-only grand prize will be $5,000 cash. The winner’s name will be drawn on Palm Sunday 9 April 2017. 

    An early-bird drawing on kickoff night netted $100 each for two attendees: Patty Shafer of Staunton and Brooke Buhs of Benld, who accepted for her mother Connie Wenzel.

Only 500 tickets will be sold. Tickets are $20 apiece and are available at Hicks Maytag on Macoupin Street in downtown Gillespie. Or they can be purchased from any Partnership director: Gail Cavallo, Judy Cordum, Rosie Emmenderfer, John Fassero, Jr., Nanci Grandone, Donna Prevedell, Katie Ronald, Carole Scheller, Rose Marie Tebbe, Don Throne, or Julie Zirkelbach.

    The Partnership is an IRS-chartered 501(c)3, all volunteer, not-for-profit educational foundation which has also awarded nearly $200,000 in academic tuition scholarships for post-secondary education to graduates of Gillespie High School.

FIRST PLACE TEAM (L to R): Dennis Weiss, Rudy Elam, Rod Bergman, Glenn Burris, Chris Marten, Stacy Marten, Kathy Jones, Louise Weiss, Eric Schlauf, and Linda Wheelan

SECOND PLACE TEAM (L to R back row): Deanne Schultz, Rich Stillwell, Helen Stillwell, Nancy Campbell, Connie Cavaretto, Phil Cavaretto, Mark Meyer (In front) Tiffany Meyer

THIRD PLACE TEAM (L to R): Ralph Tebbe, Bruce Renison, Ken Cordum, Pete Stromsland, Tracy Renison, Susan Stromsland, Christy Blank, John Blank, Shelly Cordum, Terry Cordum

FIVE VOLUNTEER RUNNERS FROM GILLESPIE MIDDLE SCHOOL (L to R): Trenton Gill, Preston Kaylor, Anthony Ribes, Cameron Hailstone, and C.J. Frensko

$5,000 CASH PRIZE IN THE PARTNERSHIP’S SECOND ANNUAL GRAND RAFFLE

February 6, 2017 - Gillespie, Illinois

A $5,000 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of the second annual The Partnership for Educational Excellence Grand Drawing. 

Ticket sales – limited to 500 – were kicked off at The Partnership’s “For the Love of Education” trivia night on Saturday 4 February. An early bird drawing for two smaller cash prizes of $100 each were awarded at the trivia night to Patty Shrader of Staunton and Connie Wenzel of Benld. Connie’s daughter Brooke Buhs accepted the money on her behalf.

Interest has been brisk since the kickoff with more than 20% already sold. Ticket sales will continue until all 500 are sold or until Palm Sunday, 9 April 2017. Last year, Elaine Gray of Gillespie won the $5,000 prize and donated $2,000 back to The Partnership

All proceeds of the raffle will go to post-secondary academic tuition scholarships. Since its founding in 1992, The Partnership (a 501(c)3, IRS-chartered education foundation) has awarded scholarships worth $192,500 to 370 graduates of Gillespie High School.

Ticket prices are $20. Tickets are for sale at Hicks Maytag at 118 South Macoupin in Gillespie. Or contact one of the following Partnership directors: John Fassero, Jr.; Donna Prevedell; Rose Marie Tebbe; Judy Cordum; Gail Cavallo; Rosie Emmenderfer; Nanci Grandone; Katie Ronald; Carole Scheller; Don Throne; Julie Zirkelbach. 

Brooke Buhs accepting for Connie Wenzel

Patty Shrader