2021 Year in Review

Logan County schools and students make strides in education in 2021

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[January 18, 2022]   As 2021 began, coronavirus was still making public education difficult in Logan County.  None the less, teachers, administrators, and students continued to move forward with education.

By the end of the first quarter of 2021, the community was beginning to see fewer restrictions and for students that made attending classes in-person feasible for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.  

In the fall, most schools were back to in-person learning with occasional relapses to on-line education when the virus reared its ugly head again. 

In spite of this, schools from elementary through colleges and universities in the area made some remarkable strides in education for Logan County youth. 

Some of the notable achievements was the completion of the Mount Pulaski High School, a new playground at Washington-Monroe School, and Lincoln College hosted its first hooding ceremony since 1919. 

On the college front, both Heartland Community College and Lincoln College signed a number of agreements that will further education for their students and offer continued education opportunities beyond Lincoln. 

Elementary schools

March 13

Staff at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital received a nice surprise recently. During National Lutheran Schools Week students at Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln prepared and delivered thank you baskets to the hospital and other local front line workers. 

The theme for the week at the school had been "sent to serve." The children wanted to acknowledge and thank the many groups who daily serve our community selflessly.

August 23

On Friday afternoon Harper Williams, assisted by mom Ali, snipped the ribbon on the new Ryan Williams Memorial Playground at Washington-Monroe School in Lincoln. Harper's little brother Barrett watched from the arms of Aunt Amy. 

The new playground is the product of a huge fundraising effort and many people coming together to build it at the school. The playground was a dream of the late Ryan Williams. Before the ribbon cut, it was officially named the Ryan Williams Memorial Playground at a dedication ceremony.

August 23

Ryan Williams Memorial Playground dedicated at Washington-Monroe School

Ryan Williams Memorial Playground in the blink of an eye - slideshow

Ryan Williams Memorial Playground dedication day bittersweet and memorable - slideshow

September 3

Students at Olympia South enjoy a trip to the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus in Atlanta

 

Olympia South students learn about the circus - slideshow

December 18

Illinois American Water recently announced the winners of the 2021 art contest open to school children within communities served by the water company. Among the 22 winners was one from Lincoln.

"Mia C.," a third-grader at Central School, won recognition with her lovely rainbow in a rain shower. She noted in her submission that "Water makes rainbows." The theme for this year's contest was "Water Keeps Life Flowing."

Congratulations to Mia on her beautiful winning entry.

December 22

Congratulations to the Carroll Catholic School Kindergarten Class, who won the People's Choice Award at Logan County Tourism Bureau Gingerbread Contest this year.

The popular vote decided the winner.

The class put together a cute little community with several structures. In addition, they decorated the landscape with many wintery items and put together an "Eye Spy" game for viewers, challenging all to find the many unique components in the display.

High schools

March 27
Mount Pulaski High School Tour

May 1

Land of Lincoln CEO tradeshow puts the icing on the cake of a challenging yet good year
 

Part one: Overview of the tradeshow

Part two: Young entrepreneurs Eli Hewitt and Ruthie Ruhl

Part three: Young entrepreneurs Bree Morrow, Hattie Langley and Gage Codding

Part four: Young entrepreneurs Alena Reed, Ty Qualters and Marilyn McGill

May 13

The Latham Fire Protection District recently donated retired firefighter gear to the Lincolnland Technical Education Center Fire Science Program. Latham is the second department to give gear to the new program introduced this year at LTEC. 

The donation included nine sets of bunk gear, gloves and Nomex hoods.

"This is our first year of offering fire science to our students at LTEC and we appreciate another local department donating gear to us," said LTEC Director Matt Puckett. "As we look to build and improve this program over the next several years, it is great to have local support. Thank you for your support Latham Fire Protection District."

Students in this year's class are Noah Young, Eldon Barger, Christopher Gunter, Braxton Maxey, Kevin Maxheimer, Wiat Miller, Ian Stauffer, Adam Stoltzenburg and Brennan Whitehead.

July 19

Land of Lincoln CEO program kicks off 2021-22 year with meet and greet for new facilitator Lisa Kuhlman

June 21

Mount Pulaski CUSD 23 Board of Education
Board approves SRO Officer and tentative back to school plan

September 17

Mount Pulaski Board of Education earns special recognition

October 2

Friday afternoon was perfect for the Lincoln Community High School Homecoming Parade. The parade was well attended with people lining both sides of the street coming up Kickapoo from Wyatt Avenue and around the Logan County Courthouse Square.

There were class floats, local clubs, bands from local schools, homecoming class attendants and their escorts, and of course homecoming King and Queen. The 2021Queen is Brooklyn Summers and King is Evan Maynard.

The theme for the parade this year was "Space: Out of this world." The high school classes, in particular, did an excellent job of interpreting that theme into large floats.


Denise Alexander chosen as LCHS Homecoming Grand Marshal Class royalty and county fair royalty big part of parade - Album

Town fills with excitement as parade begins - slideshow

Parade participants enjoy the route - slideshow

Bands and floats a big part of parade - slideshow
 


Athletes and Seniors offer grand finale' - slideshow

October 21

Mount Pulaski Board of Education
District shines in the Annual Financial Report
Maintains financial recognition

November 11

Logan County native Molly Schempp and Bailey Rogers from nearby Armington have been selected for the American FFA Degree, a very high honor within the FFA organization. To earn the degree, candidates must "have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they own their own business or hold a professional position as an employee. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities." Less than one percent of FFA members earn the American FFA Degree.

Both women are members of the Olympia High School FFA. After the award, the women were congratulated by the Olympia FFA Advisor Bryce Hoffman.
 

Olympia FFA Members Awarded American FFA Degree

November 16

At the end of October, 14 Olympia High School FFA members were able to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to attending workshops and break-out sessions over the three days, the group had a chance to explore some of the city's sites.

One of their favorite stops was at the NCAA Hall of Fame, where the group posed for a photo with the well-known "Flying Wedge." Other places they visited included the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hannah Haunted Acres.

Colleges

March 29

Lincoln College has welcomed students back to campus for the spring semester. The school has acted with an abundance of caution throughout the pandemic and says the coronavirus positivity rate on campus has remained very low. With students back, the college reports that all are returning with "not a single case of the novel coronavirus contact-traced to any classroom environment."

The college is also anticipating 'in-person' classes for the fall semester.

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April 19

National Science Foundation awards Heartland Community College with $296K grant

April 30

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), joined by Heartland Community College and Rivian, have announced an investment to build two advanced manufacturing training academies to expand training for high-demand manufacturing jobs in Illinois. A $15 million capital investment through the Governor’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan will establish two downstate manufacturing training academies that will provide hundreds of Illinois residents the opportunity to develop specialized skills for a career in advanced manufacturing.

(L-R) Governor J.B. Pritzker, Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille, Rivian VP of Public Policy James Chen.
 

Pritzker Joins Heartland Community College and Rivian to Announce First-of-its-Kind Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Training Program in Illinois

May 18

It's time to chalk up another significant accomplishment for well-known Lincolnite Bill Gossett. On Saturday, May 8th, at age 97, Gossett crossed the stage at Lincoln College and officially became an LC graduate with an Associate of Arts Degree.

Gossett had begun his college education at LC in 1941. He then transferred to the University of Illinois to finish his degree. However, Pearl Harbor and a tour with the United States Army Air Corps halted Gossett's education endeavors.

In 2019, Gossett approached LC president David Gerlach and said he wanted to get his Associate at his original alma mater and thereby became the college's most seasoned student.


William “Bill” Gossett Earns Associate of Arts Degree

June 17

Lincoln College and Heartland Community College Announce New Articulation Agreement
New Agreement Helps Working Adults at State Farm Insurance Finish Their Degree

June 24

Heartland Community College (HCC) has recognized fourteen individuals for their integral role in expanding the college, serving its students, and paving educational pathways for the larger community.

The inaugural recipients of the HCC President’s Medallion Award were honored on June 11, 2021, with eight of the fourteen being Heartland’s Founding Board members.

Eight recipients or their representatives were present for the awards. Front row from the left: Allan Saaf, Cindy Brand (standing), Betty Pilchard and Julie Dobski. Back row from the left Willie Brown, Jim White, Hallie Chadwick (accepting for father, Gregg Chadwick), Robin Walter (accepting for spouse, Gregg Chadwick) and Alan Chapman.

August 20

Heartland Community College (HCC) has signed an agreement with Nussbaum Transportation Services, Inc. to create a new academy for Truck Driver Training.

The agreement between HCC and Nussbaum Transportation forms the Nussbaum Trucking Academy at Heartland Community College. In this unique public-private model, HCC’s Continuing Education will provide advising, orientation, maintain student records, ensure curriculum and instructional efficacy, and offer Essential Workplace Skills. Nussbaum will hire all instructors, create class schedules, oversee training, and provide trucks, lots and fuel.

Pictured left to right are District 540 Board of Trustees Chair Jeffrey Flessner, CEO Nussbaum Transportation Brent Nussbaum, & President of Heartland Community College Keith Cornille sign the Nussbaum Trucking Academy Agreement.

August 27

Lincoln College Partners with U.S. Steel
Top Steel Producer in United States Offering Internship Opportunities to Students

October 2

On Friday, September 24th, 2021, a ceremony was held at Lincoln College to award Byron S. Bagby an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Congratulating the awardee outside the Johnston Center for Performing Arts was the 2020 Honorary Doctorate Bill Gossett.


Lincoln College presents Retired Army Major General Byron S. Bagby Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

October 8

ISU stadium to be re-named for Hartem Alumnus Rudy Klokkenga

October 23

Lincoln College and Northern Illinois University College of Law Announce New Partnership
NIU Law Lincoln Scholar and Diversity Pipeline Programs Available to Students

October 28

On Saturday, Wibben Lookout at Creekside Outdoor Center for Environmental Education offered a serene and restful view for those who took the long walk on the boardwalk from the center's parking lot to deep into the heart of the property.

Guests were invited to Creekside to enjoy nature and participate in special activities in celebration of fall.


Guests enjoy a day with nature at Creekside

Art and nature come together - slideshow

Food, fun and games surround the pavilion - slideshow

Head to the wood on the boardwalk - slideshow

Nature and history on the boardwalk - slideshow

To Sugar Creek and back on the boardwalk - slideshow

November 4

Lincoln College and Palmer College of Chiropractic Announce New Articulation Agreement
Chiropractic Education Pathway Available for Lincoln College Students

November 5

Lincoln College has named Alicia Sparks to the Lincoln College Board of Trustees. Sparks will help lead the College as the institution continues to integrate post-graduate degree options, new four-year bachelor’s degrees, and the recently approved online programs.

November 18

Lincoln College students participate in Music Industry Conference and Career Fair
Diversify the Stage grants two students invitation to attend Rock-Lititz

December 7

The Illinois Community College Trustees Association recently established a new scholarship program in honor of the late Greg Chadwick. He was a member of the Heartland Community College Board of Trustees.

The scholarship will be available to students statewide beginning in 2022.

More details about the new scholarship are in today's edition of Lincoln Daily News.

December 10

Lincoln College Offers Scholarship to Land of Lincoln CEO Students

December 27

Lincoln College Hooding Ceremony for Master Degree recipients held on Friday, December 10th was the first in 102 years. It was in 1919 when Lincoln University last held a graduates ceremony for master's degrees. LC President Dr. David Gerlach was brought to the college to develop the higher degree programs that have been highly successful. Vice President of Academic Affairs Donna Bradley, PhD., J.D. oversees the programs.

Sixteen students were hooded for their completion of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership or Master of Business Administration programs.

Lincoln College Hosts first Hooding Ceremony since 1919

Lincoln College hosts December Hooding Ceremony - slideshow

REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION 17

December 15

Regional Office of Education #17 Awarded $4M Grant from the US Department of Education
Award will impact DeWitt, Livingston, Logan, and McLean counties

[Nila Smith]

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