GREAT TURNOUT-GREAT FUN-GREAT CAUSE

February 13, 2023 - Gillespie, Illinois - The winners at the “For the Love of Education”

trivia night on Saturday 2 February were: 1st place: Rich Stillwell’s team; 2nd place: Carol Miller’s team; and third place Kimberly Rossini’s team. These three were among the 21 tables which packed the Gillespie Civic Center for The Partnership’s annual and only fund raiser.

All proceeds from the lively, jam-packed evening will be used within Community Unit School District 7's (CUSD7) pre-K through 12th grade classrooms or for their academic scholarships for Gillespie High School (GHS) graduates. Since 1992 The Partnership has given almost $1 million of donors’ funds to the students of CUSD7.

Most recently The Partnership presented the first installment - $30,000 - of a three-year, $90,000 commitment to help CUSD7 keep students’ computers updated. In addition, a record 37 percent of the Gillespie High School Class of 2022 received $1,000 scholarships to support post- secondary career preparation.

Partnership president John Fassero, Jr., notes that during the 2022-23 academic year - which coincides with The Partnership’s 30th anniversary, the education foundation anticipates topping $1 million in contributions to CUSD7 students.

“Each and every dollar of that $1 million has come from local residents, alums, and supporters, including individuals, businesses, professionals, and foundations,” said Fassero. “And many of those donations came as $10 to $20 gifts. We thank all our supporters for 30 years of generosity and trust in letting us invest their hard-earned money our children. They are our future.”

The gratitude and support of CUSD7 was evident in the attendance of dozens of district employees, alumni, and students, from Superintendent Shane Owsley to GHS student volunteers and current and retired teachers and staff.

The evening was also the kickoff for The Partnership’s fifth annual Grand Raffle. The one-and-only grand prize will be $5,000 cash, if all tickets are sold, or a 50/50 payout if not all tickets are sold. The grand prize winner’s name will be drawn on Palm Sunday 2 April 2023.

An early-bird drawing at the trivia night netted $100 each for two attendees: Steve Joyce and Richard Moulton. Their tickets will be also be eligible to win the grand prize.

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: Rosie Emmenderfer, John Fassero, Jr., Nancy Grandone, Mary Griffel, Donna Prevedell, Katie Ronald, Ann-Marie Bauer Ross, Carole Scheller, Susan Stromsland, Ken Tebbe, Rose Marie Tebbe, Don Throne, or Julie Zirkelbach.

FOR THE LOVE OF EDUCATION TRIVIA NIGHT

January 7, 2023 – Gillespie, Illinois – The Partnership for Educational Excellence is gearing up for an exciting trivia night on Saturday 4 February 2023.

The evening will benefit the Partnership’s programs that benefit CUSD7 students through classroom grants and academic tuition scholarships of $1,000 per student!

The “For the Love of Education” Trivia Night will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center, 115 North Macoupin (behind the firehouse). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the competition begins at 7:00 p.m. Mulligans will be for sale; lightning rounds will keep the evening lively; and a variety of door prizes will be awarded.

Trivia contestants are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks. Alcoholic beverages are permitted with a photo I.D.

The fee is only $100 per table, up to 10 people per team.

A highlight of the evening will be the kickoff of The Partnership’s Annual Grand Raffle. Ticket sales will begin that night, and two early bird prizes of $100 each will be awarded. The winners’ tickets will then be returned to the “pot” for a second chance at the grand prize.

The grand prize of $5,000 - or 50/50 if not all tickets are sold - will be awarded on Palm Sunday (2 April 2023). Only 500 tickets will be sold; ticket price is $20.

To register:mailto:partnershiptrivia@gmail.com; or visit www.thepartnership7.org to register online; or contact Mary Griffel via phone at 217-556-5456 or via e-mail at mary.griffel77@gmail.com; or write to The Partnership, P.O. Box 125, Gillespie IL 62033.

Partnership Raffle Delayed Due to Covid-19

The Partnership for Educational Excellence will postpone its Grand Raffle drawing for a $5,000 cash prize in the interest of public health.

“After careful consideration and advice from a medical professional, we have decided to delay our annual drawing,” says John Fassero, Jr., president and founding member. “Even a scaled-back gathering of four or five people in close proximity can magnify the risk of Covid-19 transmission.”

The drawing was scheduled to occur during the Ben-Gil Elementary School annual spaghetti dinner on Palm Sunday 5 April 2020. The dinner has been canceled.

“We very much want the winner to receive the money, but not at the risk of contagion. We hope that our many, many supporters who have bought tickets - including this year’s winner - will understand,” says Fassero.

The drawing will take place when governmental and medical authorities relax the current strict social distancing advisories. The new date will be announced beforehand.

In the meantime, the education foundation will reserve any of the remaining tickets for those wishing to purchase. Just contact The Partnership at www.thepartnership7.org or at P.O. Box 125, Gillespie, IL 62033. Tickets are $20 apiece; only 500 will be sold.

The Partnership is an all-volunteer, IRS-chartered 501(c)3 not-for-profit education foundation established in 1992. In addition to classroom grants, the foundation has annually awarded academic tuition scholarships to approximately 20% of each Gillespie High School graduating class.

WINNING CORDUM MEMORIAL TRIVIA TEAM DONATES PRIZE MONEY BACK TO PARTNERSHIP

The winners at the “For the Love of Education” trivia night on 1 February were friends and family of long-time Partnership supporters, Ken and Judy Cordum. Cordum’s daughter, Susan Stromsland, her husband Pete; son Terry Cordum and wife Shelly headed the first-place team. They donated back their first-place prize of $150 in memory of their mother Judy, a long-time CUSD7 teacher and immediate past secretary of The Partnership, and their father Ken, long-time grocer in Gillespie and major organizer of the Gillespie area food pantry as well as generous supporter of The Partnership.

The second-place Cavoretto team also donated their winnings of $100 back to the education foundation. The third-place Drew team, perennial winners, and their avian Mascot Bufana the tern, also donated their prize money back.

These three were among the 23 tables which packed the Gillespie Civic Center for The Partnership’s annual and only fund raiser.

All proceeds from the lively, jam-packed evening will be used in classroom mini-grants within Community Unit School District 7's (CUSD7) pre-K through 12th grade classrooms. Since 1992 The Partnership has given approximately $620,000 of donors’ funds to CUSD7 to supplement curriculum.

Partnership president John Fassero, Jr., opened the evening by recognizing the many attendees who had received Partnership scholarships or classroom mini-grants in the past. Current school involvement was also evident in the five GHS student volunteers on hand.

For immediate release Additional information: Donna Prevedell - 217-835-2933

The success of the fund raiser was also enhanced by local businesses and individuals who donated nearly $1,000 through the “Out to Recess” program. It allowed those who could not attend to donate toward the evening. “Out to Recess” donors include: The Village of Mt. Clare; Matt Gazda of Gazda Insurance Agency; Maurice Sullivan of Sullivan Drugs; Roger and Brenda Heltsley of Star Auto Body; Mike Rossetto of DuroDyne; Deb Rossetto of Century 21 Real Estate; Fleming Tawfall & Company, PC; Don and Cookie Dobrino; Dr. Nicholas E. Kravanya DDS; and Neuhaus Heating and Air Conditioning. Please support these generous residents, civic entities, and business owners.

The evening also kicked off The Partnership’s fifth annual Grand Raffle. Enthusiasm was high: more than 20 percent of the available 500 tickets were sold that night! Two early bird drawings awarded $100 each to Dennis Tallman and to Beth Schneider. Beth donated her winnings. Their names went back into the mix for the one-and-only grand prize of $5,000 cash to be awarded on Palm Sunday 5 April 2020 at Ben-Gil Elementary School’s spaghetti dinner.

Fewer than 400 Grand Raffle tickets remain and, as usual, that number is expected to sell out early. Tickets at $20 apiece are available at Hicks Maytag on Macoupin Street in downtown Gillespie. Or they can be purchased from a Partnership director: Rosie Emmenderfer, John Fassero, Jr., Nanci Grandone, Mary Griffel, Donna Prevedell, Katie Ronald, Ann-Marie Bauer Ross, Carole Scheller, Susan Stromsland, Ken Tebbe, 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 more than a quarter million dollars in academic tuition scholarships for post-secondary education to graduates of Gillespie High School.

FOR THE LOVE OF EDUCATION TRIVIA NIGHT & GRAND RAFFLE KICKOFF

The Partnership for Educational Excellence is gearing up for an exciting trivia night on Saturday 1  February 2020.  

The evening will help fund Partnership programs that benefit CUSD7 students through annual school grants and academic tuition scholarships of $1,000 per student!

The “For the Love of Education” Trivia Night will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center, 115 North Macoupin (behind the firehouse).  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the competition begins at 7:00 p.m.  Mulligans will be for sale; lightning rounds will keep the evening lively; and a variety of door prizes will be awarded.

A highlight of the evening will be the kickoff of The Partnership’s Fourth Annual Grand Raffle.  Ticket sales will begin that night, and two early bird prizes of $100 each will be awarded.  The winners’ tickets will then be returned to the “pot” for a second chance at the grand prize.

The grand prize of $5,000 will be awarded on Palm Sunday (5 April 2020) during the annual spaghetti luncheon at Ben-Gil Elementary School.  Only 500 tickets will be sold; ticket price is $20. 

Trivia contestants are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks.  Alcoholic beverages are permitted with a photo I.D.  

The fee is only $100 per table, up to 10 people per team. 

To register: e-mail us at info@thepartnership7.org; or visit www.thepartnership7.org to register online or to print out a mail-in form; or write to The Partnership, P.O. Box 125, Gillespie IL 62033.

WINNER OF THE PARTNERSHIP’S $5,000 GRAND RAFFLE PRIZE

Lori Wilder Valerio of Gillespie is the winner of The Partnership for Educational Excellence fourth annual Grand Raffle.  Lori’s prize is $5,000.  She has generously donated $500 back to The Partnership in support of its mission.

Lori and her entire family are alums of Gillespie High School.  She graduated in 1976; her husband Harold in 1969; her daughter Adrienne in 2002; and her son Brandon in 2010.

Both Adrienne and Brandon received Partnership scholarships applied toward their tuition at Illinois State University and University of Illinois at Springfield respectively.

“I have always felt that The Partnership has been a wonderful asset to our school district,” says Lori.  “It is lucky to have a group of diverse, hard-working, dedicated people that are willing to give their time and energy to provide our students and teachers with valuable resource they may not have had access to.”

FOURTH ANNUAL GRAND RAFFLE WINNER: LORI VALERIO OF GILLESPIE

And the winner is ... Lori Valerio.  Lori won the $5,000 Grand Raffle prize at the conclusion of the fourth fund raiser for The Partnership for Educational Excellence.  All 500 tickets were sold, thanks to the interest and assistance of the education foundation’s volunteer directors and especially many CUSD7 teachers.

At the conclusion of the Ben-Gil Elementary School’s annual spaghetti dinner, Shelbee Geisler, and 8th grade student at Gillespie Middle School, reached into a bucket and pulled out the winning ticket. 

Pictures are CUSD7 student volunteers who waited tables at the spaghetti dinner and three of The Partnership’s volunteer directors.

Front row from left to right: Emily Schoen, 8th grade; Jenna Clark, 8th grade; Shelbee Geisler, 8th grade; Partnership treasurer Rose Tebbe (holding the bucket); Kamryn Link, 8th grade; Phoeobe Savant, 8th grade; and Lexi Emelander, 7th grade.

In the back row: Mark Cunningham, 12th grade; Lindsey Miller, 12th grade; Carole Scheller, Partnership director; Don Throne, Partnership director; Jack Jarman, 12th grade; and Chance Reineisch, 12th grade.

Shelbee Geisler and Rose Tebbe hold Lori Valerio’s winning ticket. Carole Scheller and Don Throne, both Partnership directors look on.

Team Drew Aces Another Partnership Trivia Night

The winners at the “For the Love of Education” trivia night on 2 February were long-time supporters and perennial participants: the Dick Drew Family Team. Their good luck mascot, Bufana the sea tern, was once again on hand to help them clinch their victory! And once again, the team donated their $150 prize back to the education foundation.

Second place went to the Ken Cordum team, which also donated their $100 prize; third place went to the Therese Polo team. These three were among the record 27 tables which packed the Gillespie Civic Center for The Partnership’s annual and only fund raiser.

All proceeds from the lively, jam-packed evening will be used in classroom mini-grants within Community Unit School District 7's (CUSD7) pre-K through 12th grade classrooms. Since 1992 The Partnership has given more than $600,000 of donors’ funds to CUSD7 to supplement curriculum.

Partnership president John Fassero, Jr., opened the evening by asking participants to stand if they had been touched by the foundation’s programs: academic scholarships and classroom mini-grants. Most of the attendees rose. School involvement was also evident in the team of CUSD7 student volunteers who made logistics flow smoothly.

In addition, Fassero recognized a memorial chair at the graders’ table arranged by director Carole Scheller to honor Judy Cordum, a long-time valued director and the group’s secretary. Judy passed away in October after a long illness.

Fassero also thanked the generous local businesses and individuals who participated in The Partnership’s first ever “Out to Recess” support of the trivia night, allowing those who could not attend to donate tables for the evening. “Out to Recess” donors include: The Village of Mt. Clare, Ann Marie Bauer Ross, Shawna Heddinghaus of Fireside Eye Care, Maurice Sullivan of Sullivan Drugs, the Heltsleys of Star Auto Body, Dr. Roy Northcutt of Smiles Plus Dental Care, John and Linda Fassero, The Village of Wilsonville, J.F. Boente Sons, Mike Rossetto of DuroDyne, Deb Rossetto of Century 21 Real Estate, Terry and Ed Heal of Jewelry Gifts and More, Matt Gazda of Gazda Insurance Agency, and Margie Brill of Hebenstreit Apartments.

The evening was also the kickoff for The Partnership’s fourth annual Grand Raffle. The one-and-only grand prize will be $5,000 cash, awarded on Palm Sunday 14 April 2019 at the Ben-Gil Elementary School’s spaghetti dinner.

An early-bird drawing on kickoff night netted $100 each for two attendees: Whitney Wilson Page and Tom Bauer, both of Gillespie. Their tickets will be also be eligible to win the grand prize.

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: Rosie Emmenderfer, John Fassero, Jr., Nanci Grandone, Mary Griffel, Donna Prevedell, Katie Ronald, Ann-Marie Bauer Ross, Carole Scheller, Susan Stromsland, Ken Tebbe, Rose Marie Tebbe, Don Throne, or Julie Zirkelbach.

FOR THE LOVE OF EDUCATION TRIVIA NIGHT & GRAND RAFFLE KICKOFF

The Partnership for Educational Excellence is gearing up for an exciting trivia night on Saturday 2  February 2019.  

The evening will help fund Partnership programs that benefit CUSD7 students through annual school grants and academic tuition scholarships of $1,000 per student!

The “For the Love of Education” Trivia Night will be held at the Gillespie Civic Center, 115 North Macoupin (behind the firehouse).  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the competition begins at 7:00 p.m.  Mulligans will be for sale; lightning rounds will keep the evening lively; and a variety of door prizes will be awarded.

A highlight of the evening will be the kickoff of The Partnership’s Fourth Annual Grand Raffle.  Ticket sales will begin that night, and two early bird prizes of $100 each will be awarded.  The winners’ tickets will then be returned to the “pot” for a second chance at the grand prize.

The grand prize of $5,000 will be awarded on Palm Sunday (14 April 2019) during the annual spaghetti luncheon at Ben-Gil Elementary School.  Only 500 tickets will be sold; ticket price is $20.  Previous winners include Elaine and Kevin Gray, Julie and Tim Wargo, and Sally and Peter Seraphin, all families of alumni and/or local residents.  The Gray’s and Wargo’s children have also been awarded Partnership scholarships.

Trivia contestants are invited to bring their own beverages and snacks.  Alcoholic beverages are permitted with a photo I.D.  

The fee is only $100 per table, up to 10 people per team. 

To register: e-mail us at info@thepartnership7.org; or visit www.thepartnership7.org to register online or to print out a mail-in form; or write to The Partnership, P.O. Box 125, Gillespie IL 62033.

CLASSROOM GRANT TO GILLESPIE HIGH SCHOOL BY PARTNERSHIP

The students of Gillespie High School (GHS) received a $16,077.15 gift from The Partnership for Educational Excellence under the education foundation’s new block grant program.

Previously The Partnership has annually offered individual classroom mini-grants of up to $500 each to teachers in every Community Unit School District 7 (CUSD7) school.

“This year, however, we felt a different approach would maximize the use of our limited resources,” says John Fassero, Jr., president and a founding member of The Partnership. “In collaboration with the three CUSD7 principals, The Partnership decided to try a three-year experiment. Each year, only one of the schools in the district will receive all the funds budgeted for mini-grants. The principals selected GHS to be the first to receive this block grant.”

After consulting with GHS teachers and gathering their “wish lists”, Principal Shane Owsley presented a list of possible projects. The Partnership’s all-volunteer board of 12 directors reviewed the list and selected projects/items that matched the foundation’s criteria for putting academic resources directly into the hands of students. The price tag for the approved and selected items came to $16,077.15.

“It never ceases to amaze me what The Partnership and their many donors come up with to assist our students,” says Owsley. “The money donated to the high school this year will allow our teachers to provide learning activities that they would otherwise not have been able to provide. The funds will be spread throughout the curriculum so that each and every student will benefit in some way. CUSD7 strives to provide a top-notch education for all students; The Partnership helps make this happen.

“Gillespie High School could not be happier with our continued relationship with The Partnership,” he adds. “We hope to continue to work with their organization for years to come.”

GHS subject areas receiving funding include the library/media center; art, English, tech, and science departments; physical education; and the newly formed drama club. Among the items funded are novel sets, compound microscopes, a Promethean board, paint brushes, soccer equipment, and a camera for the yearbook staff.

The Partnership is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit education foundation. Since its founding in 1992, The Partnership has awarded more than $580,000 in classroom grants and nearly $240,000 in academic tuition scholarships to GHS graduates pursuing post-secondary education in a wide range of accredited colleges and technical schools.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 48

Now that the 2018-2019 school year has begun, The Partnership for Educational Excellence is wrapping up its mini-biographies of some (12 percent) of its past scholars who have volunteered their information and reflections on the role of post-secondary education in their lives.

The final three bios are a celebration of its three very first scholars. Matt Herman, John Heyen, and Tracy Mathis (in alphabetical order) graduated in 1993. They each received $250 – all that The Partnership could afford – as they set off for college.

Today The Partnership offers $1,000 scholarships, and in 2018 awarded them to 21 Gillespie High School graduates, nearly 30 percent of the graduating class. This education 501(c)3 foundation in Macoupin County CUSD7 has invested nearly $800,000 in district children to date.

Traci Mathis Kennebeck

Traci Mathis Kennebeck graduated from Gillespie High School in 1993, winning a $250 Partnership for Educational Excellence scholarship.

Traci earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from St. Louis University in 1997. The next two years she worked to obtain a Master’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

“I worked in the social work field for years with positions in women’s health research, foster care and adoption, and supporting adults with disabilities to live independently in their communities,” she says.

“I then became a certified birth doula and worked as an on-staff doula at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville from 2009 to 2011,” Traci recounts. In addition, in 2010 she started a private doula collective called Purple Lotus Doulas with several business partners. Purple Lotus continues to provide birth and postpartum doula services, including lactation support and placenta encapsulation, in St. Louis and surrounding areas.

Traci has also trained in the field of aromatherapy, gaining several certifications. “I have built a thriving holistic health business (Purple Lotus Oils), focusing mainly on providing education and support in the use of essential oils. I enjoy traveling all over the country to teach, and I love the opportunities I get to not only support others in their quest for better health and comfort, but also to provide mentorship for others in the field who are building their businesses,” she says.

An active volunteer throughout her life, Traci now holds a goal of establishing a charitable arm of my current business. “My heart’s vision would be to found a not-for-profit that would help provide birth support and education to pregnant teenage girls in the foster care system,” she says. Traci lives in St. Louis with her husband Jack and two sons, Trent and Dominic. She enjoys

volunteering at their schools and being involved in their soccer and hockey activities. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, camping, hiking, fishing, and playing hockey with her family. “I also enjoy learning new things and adding items to my skill set” from crafting to home improvement, she says. Currently she is studying the Scottish Gaelic Language independently and with distance learning courses through an organization in Scotland.

“As for the role The Partnership played in my life, I remember the sense of relief that was provided by knowing the money I received would help move me toward my envisioned life goals,” Traci recalls. “My career goal has always only been to help people, which is why I was drawn to the field of social service. I would never have envisioned myself as a future business entrepreneur. In my current career path, however, I feel that I am in a position to h help empower people and serve them more than when I worked in direct contact in the social service field. It has allowed me to develop and grow more on a personal level as well, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities which have come my way.”

Traci is the daughter of Mike and Janice Mathis of Gillespie.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 47

Jon Heyen graduated from Gillespie High School in 1993, winning a $250 Partnership for Educational Excellence scholarship.

Jon attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science in 1997.  He stayed on to complete a Master of Science degree in immunology in 1999.

“In 2013 I also completed the course work and testing necessary to become a board certified as a toxicologist by the American Board of Toxicology, and am now a Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology,” he says.

Currently Jon works for Pfizer in La Jolla, California, as a Senior Principal Scientist.

Jon’s career began in St. Louis with the Searle Company.  There he worked for the Cardiovascular Discovery Group, investigating the role of the immune system in various cardiovascular diseases and the potential for new therapies.

“At the completion of the Pharmacia-Pfizer merger in 2003 [which subsumed Searle], I relocated to La Jolla and joined Global Safety Pharmacology as an in vivo cardiovascular lead,” he says.  Jon’s roles have included investigating the potential effects of novel therapies on the cardiovascular system; acting as drug safety team leader for multiple projects; and leading the cardiovascular imaging group within Safety Pharmacology.

Today Jon works in the Global Portfolio Group of Pfizer as a drug safety team leader for multiple projects focusing on immune-oncology.

Away from work, Jon spends time surfing San Diego-area beaches and playing basketball.  He also plays the guitar, reads, hikes, and travels nationally and internationally.  His immediate plans include trips to Alaska and several national parks.

Regarding the importance of post-secondary education in his life, Jon says: “I think like most people who are fortunate enough to attend college, I am extremely grateful and appreciative of the experience.  It was my first exposure to several cultures and a great source of diversity that I would not have experienced otherwise.  I loved my time in Champaign so much that I stayed almost two extra years for my master’s degree!  It is a cliche, but college truly is a wonderfully unique experience for everyone and a time to discover and challenge yourself.  It is a time to find yourself and experience the richness of the world.  It is also a time to make lifelong friends.  In fact, I was just visited by one of my roommates!”

As to the role of his modest Partnership scholarship, Jon concludes: “It was very helpful.  It supported me and my family by helping to reduce the financial burden associated with college.  My parents had two children in college when I started.  Every dollar counts, and it was a blessing.”

Jon is the son of Larry and Sharon Heyen of Dorchester, Illinois.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 46

Matt Herman graduated from Gillespie High School in 1993, winning a $250 Partnership for Educational Excellence scholarship.

Matt attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana (UIUC) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He then earned an MSE (master’s degree) from Purdue University in electrical/biomedical engineering. After acquiring his professional engineering license, Matt obtained an MBA in 2003 and then a master’s degree in finance in 2009, both from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

Today Matt works as director of manufacturing engineering for Smith & Nephew, a global medical technology business. He explains: “I lead a wide range of technical and business functions to support the company’s product development and production processes in the manufacture of medical devices for soft tissue repair and ablation.”

In addition, “I drive the new product transfer process to facilitate faster and more robust product introductions; implement higher quality, faster and lower cost production techniques for a facility with 1,300 staff members in a 24-hour operation; serve as senior member of the plant leadership team with personnel and organizational development responsibilities,” he says.

During his free hours, “I spend the majority of my time with my wife and two daughters,” says Matt.

As to the role of post-secondary education in his life, he says: “It’s the game changer with respect to quality of life and building wealth opportunities.”

And although his $250 scholarship from The Partnership was quite modest, even in the 1993 economy, Matt says the award “absolutely” helped his family. “Given the cost of education, I did not know how I was going to end up paying for college costs. This money, ROTC, a student government tuition waiver, part-time employment during school and full-time jobs during summers” combined to make his education possible, he says, “though I still left school with a fair amount of debt.”

Matt is the son of Jerry and Vy Herman of Charleston, Illinois.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 45

Moriah Heyen Tarpey, M.D., graduated from Gillespie High School in 1996, winning a $500 Partnership for Educational Excellence scholarship.

Moriah earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Louis University (SLU) where she had a double major in biology and theology. She went on to complete a medical degree at SLU School of Medicine in 2005. A residency through 2008 followed at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center Department of Pediatrics in Memphis. She now practices as a pediatrician.

“Though formal training time has passed, I still spend several hours a week reading and maintaining all the things I need to do my job on a daily basis,” she says. “I also continue to learn a lot from my patients, as well as from my own children. I’m thankful that this is an education that doesn’t come with a repayment schedule!”

Her first job after medical school was at LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center’s Emergency Department in Memphis. “There I was able to gain great experience in taking care of lots of sick little ladies and gents with sweet southern accents,” Moriah recalls.

Next she and her family moved to Grand Junction in western Colorado. “This part of my life brought experience in owning my own business as well as working with a larger private practice group. My most recent work in Grand Junction was with a non-profit organization called Marillac Clinic. I was their first pediatrician,” she says. “It was a great joy to be able to define children’s care in a loving and welcoming way for all comers, especially after having seen my patients in the past having to come and go due to reasons of finance.”

Recently Moriah and her family recently relocated to Yakima, Washington, where she is working in another non-profit organization: Yakima Pediatrics. “I am getting settled here and looking forward to becoming part of this community of need, just as in Colorado,” she says.

Moriah and her husband Jeffrey met as undergraduates at SLU, but they didn’t marry until they were halfway through their residencies in Memphis. “We had our first child when I was finishing my pediatric training, and we somehow survived without a grandma at arm’s reach!” Jeffrey, now a pediatric surgeon, had the childhood dream of living in Ouray, Colorado, which is what led them to western Colorado. When Jeffrey was 8 years old, the mayor of Ouray told him that if he became a doctor and practiced there, he could have a local building for $1. “This one interaction ... changed the rest of his childhood” and their early married life, says Moriah. “His story just speaks to how one encouraging interaction with a child can change his or her future.”

The Tarpeys are now the parents of “three healthy boys. We spend most of our free time keeping them out of trouble and keeping each other sane,” she says. “Our move to Washington came with plans for farming [chickens, sheep, bees, and hay] and learning to live off the land with the goal of showing our children that hard work and faith in God bring all the joy and satisfaction anyone could need.”

As to the long years of her medical education, Moriah says that when young people tell her they hesitate to undertake 7 to 10 years of post-graduate study, she replies: “It’s not like you’re holding your breath the whole time. You’ll get to meet amazing people, make wonderful friends, go anywhere you want to go, and ultimately have the opportunity to touch people’s lives deeply.”

For her scholarship, Moriah says: “Thank you to all those at The Partnership and congratulations on 25 years of encouraging the future of our youth.”

Moriah is the daughter of Marsha Heyen Bauer of Gillespie and the late James W. Heyen.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 44

Stephanie Haddad Royer graduated from Gillespie High School in 1999, earning a $500 Partnership for Educational Excellence scholarship.

Stephanie attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a minor in criminal justice.

She is a recruiter in the Talent Selection (Human Resources Department) of Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. “Currently I recruit RN and clinical supervisors for women’s health, pediatrics, behavioral health, and our Mercy float pool,” she says. “My major responsibilities include: full-cycle recruitment, attending job fairs, reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, extending job offers, hosting and planning career fairs and events at the hospital, and developing relationship with hiring leaders and the healthcare community.”

Stephanie says she previously worked at Keystone Staffing Resources in Fairview Heights, Illinois. “Keystone molded me into the experienced recruiter that I am today,” she says. “I enjoy networking and am a member of the St. Louis Area Health Care Recruiters.”

Her husband Eric Royer and Stephanie welcomed their baby Elliott in December of 2017. In her free time she enjoys vegetarian cooking, reading, physical fitness (yoga and barre), traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Although she has enjoyed living in south St. Louis since 2005, she and Eric recently relocated to Glen Carbon, Illinois, to be closer to family and “some really great childhood friends. I love city life, but am happy to start our family back in Illinois with Elliott,” she says.

Reflecting on her education, Stephanie says: “I feel that expanding your knowledge in your area of interest is vital for a career. Education and training are important in order to give 100% to you position. It also makes you feel more confident in your role. I enjoy training and developing new co- workers as well.”

As to her Partnership scholarship she appreciates that it “assisted my family with tuition at SIUE.” And she gives a special thank you to the GHS secretary at the time, Kathy McDaniel for encouraging her to apply.

Stephanie is the daughter of Steve and Linda Haddad of Gillespie.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 43

Kelcie Matesa Reinhardt graduated from Gillespie High School in 2008, earning a $500 Marge Turcol Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence.

Kelcie entered St. Louis University in the fall of 2008 on a softball scholarship. She majored in special education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012. She is certified to teach Kindergarten through 12th grade special education and to teach grades 1 through 9 in elementary education.

She plans to return to school in the near future to earn a master’s degree “in an area related to special education or education in general.”

Kelcie is currently employed by SMASE (South Macoupin Association for Special Education) in Gillespie. She teaches life skills to high school students on the campus of Gillespie High School. SMASE is a special education co-operative that serves students from Gillespie, Mt. Olive, Bunker Hill, and Staunton.

“My classroom is a self-contained special education classroom where the students are not only taught academics, but important life skills that they need to become independent individuals upon graduating from the program,” she says.

In her spare time, Kelcie “loves to spend time with friends and family,” she says. “I also give softball pitching lessons to young girls from around the area.” This fall she will begin coaching alongside Michelle Smith for the Gillespie Middle School softball team.

She and her husband Mike have been married for four years. They have a daughter, Delanie, who will be 2 years old in the fall. “My husband and I plan to expand our family,” she says, “and we are planning on building a new home as well in the near future.”

Regarding the role of post-secondary education in her life, Kelcie says: “It has allowed me to attain the level of education that I needed in order to help the children in my classroom become self- sufficient in the real world and to be successful individuals.”

Her Turcol memorial scholarship from The Partnership was used to purchase “necessary supplies needed for my schooling.” (All Partnership scholarships are deposited with the bursars in the recipients’ college; funds may be used only for tuition and other fees, books, and equipment required by the college.)

Kelcie is the daughter of Kim and Jim Matesa of Benld.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 42

Gary Ross graduated from Gillespie High School in 2015, earning a $500 Carroll-Keupper Family Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence.

“I began my education at St. Louis University (SLU) to pursue pre-medicine,” Gary recalls. Not convinced that he was at the right institution and on the right path, he left SLU after one year and enrolled at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) to explore a different major. By the fall of 2017 he had found his calling and entered Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) to pursue a career in nursing.

“I am currently studying to receive my BSN (Bachelor of Science-Nursing),” he says. “I will then go on to purse a Nurse Practitioner degree.”

Gary’s work history includes working at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, as a life guard and desk attendant. His responsibilities involve “managing and assisting guests at the resort’s beach and pool facilities, as well as their time at Lake Williamson’s activity center and conference rooms.”

As he moves ahead with his nursing degree, Gary plans to “jump into my field by being a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) or nurse tech in hospitals”.

In his free time, Gary enjoys golf, reading, fishing and intramural sports.

As to the importance of post-secondary education in his life, he notes: “It has given me the opportunity to pursue my life goal of working in the medical field.”

The Partnership’s scholarship “has relieved a lot of worries when it comes to the price of college education,” Gary says. “Thanks again for the scholarship and the help it has given me.”

Gary is the son of Jay and Ann Marie Bauer Ross of Gillespie.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 41

Jana Rossetto Kennedy graduated from Gillespie High School in 1998, earning a $500 Partnership for Educational Excellence scholarship. 

“After graduating, I attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) where I received bot a B.S. and a M.S. in education,” she says.  “Upon completing my master’s degree, I took a wild ride as a military spouse and bounced around the U.S. for about 10 years, holding jobs in education, ranging from being an academic adviser for a university to being a classroom teacher.”

About five years ago, Jana and her family found themselves in Annapolis, Maryland, where she accepted a position with the Maryland State Education Association.  “I now spend my days advocating for public education!” she enthuses.

Jana says she has gained a new appreciation for scholarships such as The Partnership’s.  “I recently realized how important my scholarship was to me and my parents as I was assisting my own sons apply to college,” she says.  “I realized that every dollar granted to me was a tremendous help.  While in 1998 I did not truly appreciate the value of the scholarship, I do now!  It helped give me something that has been invaluable as I bounced around the country: two degrees!”

Jana’s oldest son will be a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis; her second son will be a sophomore at Auburn University in Alabama; her daughter is in fourth grade.

“When I’m not at one of the children’s events, I enjoy all the East Coast has to offer, from the amazing restaurants to the endless number of museums and attractions in the area.”    

Jana is the daughter of Deb and Mike Rossetto of rural Plainview.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 39 & 40

Ellen Gray and her twin sister Molly Gray graduated from Gillespie High School in 2014. Ellen earned a $500 Michael and Perina Verticchio Memorial Scholarship and Molly earned a Mark and John Madden Memorial Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence.

Both girls enrolled at Maryville University in Chesterfield, Missouri, Ellen majoring in physical therapy and Molly majoring in occupational therapy.

Ellen has just completed her fourth year in physical therapy, earning a Bachelor’s of Health Sciences. She will immediately begin studies, also at Maryville, to earn a doctorate; she plans to graduate in December 2020. Her long-term goal is to also achieve certification in geriatric physical therapy.

Molly also completed her bachelor’s degree in May 2018. She plans to continue one more year at Maryville to earn her master’s degree in occupational therapy. Her long term goal is to earn a specialty certification and to find employment in Missouri.

When not studying in St. Louis, Ellen has held part-time jobs at Randy’s Market in Benld and at Alton Physical Therapy in Litchfield.

Both girls say they enjoy reading, working out, and spending time with family and friends. In addition, over the past three years both have played club softball at Maryville and recently made the regional team for the National Club Softball Organization.

Molly reflects, “My post-secondary education has been so important in my life. I have learned a lot about myself and what I want. I’m excited to see what the next year has in store for me.”

Ellen adds: “It has been so important for me, and is important in today’s society” to obtain a post-secondary education. “I have learned so much these past four years that will help me in my future career,” she says, “and I am excited to see what I will learn in the next 2 1⁄2 years!”

The Partnership scholarships, Ellen and Molly recount, went toward freshman year tuition. “We are very appreciative of it,” says Molly. “My family was very grateful for the help,” adds Ellen.

Ellen and Molly are the daughters of Kevin and Elaine Gray of Gillespie.

Former Partnership Grant Recipient Bio 38

Christopher Saracco graduated from Gillespie High School in 2005, earning a $500 Tebbe Family Foundation Scholarship from The Partnership for Educational Excellence.

He enrolled at Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, where he majored in Information Technology Management, earning a Bachelor of Administration in 2010.

Christopher currently works at Grant Thornton LLP in Chicago where he is an information technology (IT) senior manager in advisory services.  

“I manage IT advisory and audit projects, such as IT assurance engagements, special attestation reports, and IT internal audits,” he says.  “My main responsibilities include budgeting, planning, execution, oversight of staff, quality review, and client services and delivery.  I’m also responsible for mentoring younger staff and working with peers on sales opportunities.”

When not working, Christopher says he spends time with family and friends, travels, and volunteers with Chicago Cares, Tutoring Chicago, and United Way.

As to the role of post-secondary education in his life, he says it helped him build a skill set that prepared him for his career “but also allowed me to grow as an individual in ways that I didn’t quite think were possible.  My time at Notre Dame brought me some of my closest friends and built upon values that were instilled in me by my parents and others back home in Benld.”

He adds, “The scholarship from The Partnership helped make it possible to attend Notre Dame. For that I will always be grateful, as I greatly value my college education and experience.”

Christopher is the son of Ed and Cindy Saracco of Benld.