The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner
Around 300 or more gathered over the evening to take part in the WEST CENTRAL HEAT Kick-off celebration last Friday, July 1st, 2005. The evening had fun and games provided by the PTC - delicious barbecue sandwiches and hot dogs, baked beans, potato chips, and ice tea and orange drink provided free to all who attended.
Rodney Brent and officers of The West Central HEAT Athletic Boosters were signing up members and handing out a West Central HEAT sign for members yards, and taking orders for T-shirts and Sweatshirts.
Head Football Coach Will Bavery was announcing games and giving a bit of trivia asking for names of teams from G&O, Stronghurst, Media, Biggsville teams. They were "Blackhawk", "Trojans", "Bulldogs", "Red Devils" before becoming "Rebels" and "Yankees"... and of course they are all together to combine some "HEAT".
From Preschool - housed in Media, to West Central Junior High housed in Stronghurst, and the rest of the Elementary and High School at West Central's north campus (Biggsville) there were what seemed a multitude of teachers making West Central the largest work force in the county.
Several teachers commented about their excitement about the new part time curriculum director Jeanne Serven of Canton.
She is not only making sure there are no gaps in the educational process at West Central, but she is also stirring up a lot of enthusiasm in the teachers . as she "raises the bar" in teaching all students.
Elementary teacher Rose Wetterling, said she knew there was a way to coordinate the teaching and programs within a school but she had never seen it done before. She finds what Mrs. Serven is doing very exciting and sees how everyone will benefit with her expertise.
Ms. Terri Copeland, who will be teaching in the Junior High, agreed. "She should be listed as a motivational speaker. I could have started working the next day after attending the workshop, I was so excited after hearing her."
Mrs. Serven has 24 years of classroom experience. She had taught two years in Joliet after college before teaching at Avon in the classroom, first through eighth grade.
She then was one of three educators in the state to be trained as the first new "Educators In Residence" under the Illinois State Board and went through training to help high schools meet acceptable standards.
Her first job was at Union High school where she was sent to help them meet requirements after they were put on a "Watch List".
The "OFFICIAL CEREMONIES" began at 8:00 a.m. with Lonnie Brent Board
President welcoming all. The National Anthem was sung by W.C. students under the direction of Mrs, Joanne Hilligoss with Jimmy Jacob playing the saxophone.
"We are here to celebrate West Central, but we certainly don't want to forget our past," Lonnie Brent said.
School board members were introduced: Lonnie Brent-Pres.; Bill
Allaman-Vice Pres.; Kathy Bavery- Secretary, Mark
Torrance, Brad Arnold, Paul Anderson, and absent was Richard Clifton who had to leave to conduct a meeting.
Recognition was given to the Committee of Ten, to Union Superintendent Mr. Dean Irlbeck and Southern's Superintendent Mr. Tom Avery, to school board members of Unit #115 and #120 and to the Henderson County Board for their support.
A certificate of appreciation was prepared for each and given to those in attendance.
The Biggsville and Raritan Fire Departments were thanked for the fireworks display at the close of the evening.
Assistant to the Regional Supt. of Schools - Jody Scott congratulated the West Central School District. Jody, a Union graduate, and her husband Tony, a Southern graduate have been married several years and have two girls. In asking what to say tonight, her husband said just point at our kids - and say it's a good fit.
Board President Lonnie Brent said his job has certainly been challenging but he is very appreciative of the advice and support he has received .
In introducing the Superintendent for West Central, Supt. Ralph Grimm, he said the question he asked each candidate was "Can you lead this school to be the best school in West Central Illinois?"
"After reading his resume, and having the interview, he was confident that Mr. Grimm had the reputation that backed this up. "We can make West Central the lighthouse district in the state."
He said there is only one way to do it and that is with academic excellence from kindergarten through high school.
Mr. Grimm had lead the Canton School District to receive two national blue ribbon awards.
Mr. Grimm said, "If it takes a village to raise a child, we can do this. Tonight represents truly a new beginning. We don't often get to start something from scratch. That's what drew me to this position."
"Thank you for what you've done for our kids. Not only have you brought about opportunity with consolidation but you also passed a tax rate.
Thanks for your confidence and we promise to be good stewards of your tax dollars.
Grimm said they are taking a journey to excellence, always striving to be better, taking advantages of opportunities, trying new things. Add that to a very diverse and talented group of teachers, "your kids are pretty lucky," he said.
The number one goal of any district should be, "To be the absolute best we can be!"
"There's a lot of talk about it. We're going to do it," Grimm said.
How do I do it? "I hire people, smarter and better than me and I let them do their job."
Grimm said an educator must have a great deal of passion, a steady focus of vision, requires stamina. It is not an 8-4 hour job or a 9 month position. It takes resourcefulness, constant learning, courage, communication skills.
"One of my firm beliefs is that strong schools develops strong communities,"
Grimm vowed, "There will be no district that will out work us, or that cares more. We will do what's best for the students on a daily basis.
They are our future."
"Hang on, it's going to be a heck of a ride! :Go HEAT!"
Other recognitions were given to High School Principal Karen Rima, Junior High Principal Jeff Nichols, Elementary Principal Dale Buss and Mr. Jay Blender Athletic Director.
Mr. Brent gave appreciation for Mr. Bryan Hubbard roasting the hog, the Booster Club, Barb Blakley, Lari Jo Smith, and Ann Davies and Susie Hill and to those who collected and donated funds.
The evening ended with lights out and a display of wonderful fireworks.
Superintendent Ralph Grimm talks of his vision for West Central
President of West Central Board, Lonnie Brent, heads for the podium to celebrate the district's first official day.
Fun and games for all ages were enjoyed.
Shana Heap & Brandie Lindo, co-chair WC Student Council, speak to the crowd of their coming together.