Geneseo School District Has a New Superintendent - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Dr. Laura Delgado

   Dr. Laura Delgado has been named Superintendent of the Geneseo Community Unit School District, with the Geneseo School Board expected to formally approve her hiring at the next school board meeting which is at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, in the School District Office meeting room.

   She will assume her role in Geneseo on July 1.

   The April 10 meeting will include recognition of outgoing school board members - Barry Snodgrass, Jackie Mickley and Karen Urick.

   Delgado will succeed Dr. Adam Brumbaugh, who has accepted a position in Germantown Hills School District, after serving as Superintendent of Geneseo Schools since 2018.

   Delgado and her husband, Rafael Delgado, have one son, Xavi Delgado, a freshman student at Loras College, Dubuque.

   Delgado has worked as Director of Elementary Education for the Bloomington School District since 2021.  From 2017-2021, she was principial of Carlock Elementary School, McLean County School District in Normal where she also served as District Library Specialist; from 2019-2021 she was an Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University; from 2015-2017 she was a classroom teacher in the McLean County Unit 5 School District in Normal; from 2013-2015 was an Instructional Literacy Coach, McLean County Unit 5 Schools in Normal; from 1999-2013 she was an elementary school teacher in Ann Arbor, MI; and her career in teaching began in 1996 when she taught elementary grades in the Howell Public Schools in Howell, MI.

   Delgado’s education includes earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Technology from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI.

   She received a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration in the spring of 2017 from Illinois State University in Normal; and a Doctor of Education Degree, PK-12 Educational Administration in 2024 from Illinois State.   

   Her Professional Certifications and Credentials include:
  -Superintendent Endorsement, PK-12, State of Illinois.
  -CSBO Endorsement, State of Illinois.
  -Administrative Endorsement PK-12.
  -Professional Educator License, Elementary Education, Grades K-9 (self-contained, All Subjects).
  -Teacher Evaluator Training.
  -Principal Evaluator Training.

Geneseo School Board Candidates in 2025 Election - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


Voters in the Geneseo School District will have the opportunity to vote for school board candidates at the upcoming April 1 election.  The seats are four-year terms.
   Kane Causemaker is seeking re-election to the board and three newcomers will be elected to the school board.   Current board members Jackie Mickley, Barry Snodgrass and Karen Urick are not seeking re-election to the board. 
   The newcomers are Casey Disterhoft, Tyler Robertson and Kelly Storm. 
   In our quest for information regarding the qualifications of each candidate, we put together a list of questions for them to answer, and asked the candidates to answer each question in 200 words or less.|
  All photos are submitted and the candidates are listed in alphabetical order with their responses:

KANE CAUSEMAKER (SEEKING RE-ELECTION) – Kane Causemaker and his wife Christina have a daughter Kolby (16); and a son Knox (14).
   He graduated from high school in Geneseo in 1995 and earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University.
   Causemaker is employed as Protein Procurement lead for JBS.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOLBOARD? – “There isn’t a profession more vital to a child’s potential than a legitimately great teacher.  Just as important is the creation and maintenance of a suitable learning environment.  After college, I regrettably did not pursue a career in education, and this is just my way of attempting to be an asset to Geneseo’s school district.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM?  - “My greatest concern is for the students in our district to have everything they need that helps them maximize their potential in the future.  We have to manage their needs and also create a work environment conducive to quality teacher retention, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.  We can accomplish this with sound and open communication between the BOE (Board of Education) and administration.”

CASEY DISTERHOFT - and his wife Angelica have one son Noah, and two daughters, Keira and Isla.
   Disterhoft graduated from JD Darnall High School (now Geneseo High School) in 1995; and earned a Bachelor’s Degree after attending Black Hawk College and Western Illinois University.  
   He is the City of Geneseo, Chief of Police. 
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “I’m running for school board to be part of an elected unified team representing the Geneseo School District area voters, ensuring our most valuable resource, the children, have a safe learning environment and a top tier education that gets them prepared for success in the rest of their lives.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? –   - “Sustainability of a growing district population and taking steps by looking at what could be done to make the Geneseo School District even more desirable to other families when they make the decision to relocate.”
“Recruitment and retention of high-quality staff.  We have great staff here in this school district at every building, in every unique section of the educational experience, and working with them to make sure this district exceeds in the future is something I look forward to.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
   “I’ve dedicated my life to serving others, it is part of my soul and faith.  I see serving on the school board as another opportunity where I can give back and make a positive difference in this community that I love.
  I look forward to this opportunity of working with parents, staff and the children, making sure the children that come through this school district get a great education and are set up for success in their future so they can reach their goals and dreams.”

TYLER ROBERTSON – and his wife Renee have four children, Shaw (12 years); Harper, (10 years); Ryder (eight years); and Reed (six years). 
Robertson is self-employed as business owner at Geneseo Child Care LLC, a DCFS licensed child care and preschool with two locations in Geneseo; also, owner at Charming Geneseo Farmhouse Airbnb Rental of Geneseo.  He is president of Life’s Little Miracles, Inc., a DCFS licensed child care and preschool in Port Byron.
   He graduated from JD Darnall High School in 2007 (the last year the school was known as JD Darnall High School before being renamed Geneseo High School) and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. 
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “My interest in running for the school board is vested in seeing our school district provide the children of our amazing community just as many great educators, role models, and opportunities as it has provided to myself growing up in Geneseo.  I’m proud to be from Geneseo and am proud that we already have a great district by many standards. 
After attending board meetings for the past year, my interest to be involved was sparked at the many critical choices our district faces, which affect and shape our community.  I consider myself very connected to our area through my own children’s activities, through church, and through my business, all of which gives me a strong understanding of the wants and needs of our community.  All facets of our community thrive when we have a great school district to build around.
   Geneseo is home to a wonderful array of early learning programs that feed into the district, and I know many of these young learners personally. I’d love to see these children continue to succeed in our primary and secondary educational programs and beyond.  The current school board has expressed the goal to not only be good at what we do, but to be great at it, and I am aligned with that vision.”
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? – Efficient and effective use of district funding always remains a critical balancing act.  Striving for improvement while maintaining balanced funding is difficult, especially with the rate of inflation we’ve seen in recent years.  To go along with challenges in funding, our district is also experiencing an ongoing, steady decline in enrollment with the overall number of students served.  Yet, our population with IEPs has been increasing and is forecasted to continually increase, which presents challenges regarding resource allocation and how to best serve this population in the future.  I believe my diverse business management experience will enable me to bring data-driven, as well as ‘outside-the-box’ solutions to the board.
   Another issue that will require further attention and evaluation is our grading scales.  Our current pilot of the standards-based program has raised concerns about clarity for parents and students and the need for a singular direction across the district is important for the progress of making successive decisions, like curriculum, to support the chosen scale. 
My goal will be to facilitate open dialogue on all issues like this one, exploring options, and to develop solutions that maximize the potential of every student.  I think it is also important to note that all issues that face the district come with many complexities, and so it will be crucial to collaborate with the board team members on solutions that benefit all students.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “Geneseo CUSD #228 will be transitioning to a new Superintendent to lead the next chapter in the history of Geneseo academic performance.  The success of anyone in this position hinges on the support they receive from the community and that success ultimately is tied to the success of our district.  Therefore, I would encourage the community to welcome whomever the Superintendent may be, and foster positive support when the time comes to ensure a smooth transition and a successful future for all.”

KELLY STORM – and her husband, Tyler, have two sons, Chambers, (seven years old); and Chesney (four years old).   Storm is employed as a commercial insurance producer.
   She graduated from Annawan High School and pursued General Studies at Quincy University.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD? – “I’m running for the school board because I’m committed to strengthening our schools and supporting Geneseo’s tradition of excellence. 
With a background in community involvement and a clear understanding of the challenges we face, I want to work closely with teachers and administrators to create a supportive, high-achieving environment for students and staff.  Serving on the board will allow me to help preserve and build on Geneseo’s strong community values, district support, and outstanding leadership.
WHAT ARE THE CHIEF ISSUES FACING YOUR SCHOOL DISTGRICT AND WHAT WILL YOU DO TO HELP SOLVE THEM? – “Joining any board, I believe it is essential to fully understand all topics and issues before proposing any recommendations or changes, particularly at a time when we’re welcoming a new superintendent.  This transition presents a unique opportunity to reassess and refine our strategies to better serve the entire district. 
As a new member at this critical juncture, I am committed to collaborating closely with the new superintendent and other board members to implement the necessary adjustments and enhancements.  My goal is to ensure that our policies and practices are effectively aligned with the needs of all stakeholders in the district, thereby optimizing our educational environment and outcomes.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS – “I am eager to serve our community and help maintain Geneseo Community School District #228 longstanding reputation for educational and athletic excellence. I am committed to supporting our educators, administrators and coaches in fostering an environment where learning and achievement are prioritized.  I look forward to contributing to a district that not only values excellence, but also nurtures the potential of every student and staff member.”

Leslie Goddard to Portray Lady Bird Johnson April 9 at Geneseo Library

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Leslie Goddard will present two different programs within a week at the Geneseo Public Library.

   At 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, historian and author Leslie Goddard will portray the American entrepreneur, fashion designer and socialite Lilly Pulitzer.

   Goddard returns to the Geneseo Library at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, where she will characterize Lady Bird Johnson.

   ABOUT LADY BIRD JOHNSON:

   It’s 1969 and Lady Bird Johnson has returned to Texas at the end of her husband’s presidency.  As she welcomes visitors to her home, she reminisces about her years in Washington, the experiences that brought her to the White House, and how she forged her own path as an advocate for the environment, civil rights and her husband.

   Lady Bird Johnson was born Claudia Alta Taylor on Dec. 22, 1912, in Karnack, Texas, in an antebellum plantation house.  Opinions differ about whether the name Lady Bird refers to a bird or a ladybug.  The nickname virtually replaces her first name for the rest of her life.  Her father and siblings called Her Lady and her husband called her Bird, the name she used on her marriage license.  As a teenager, some classmates called her Bird to provoke her since she reportedly was not fond of the name.

   As First Lady, she broke new ground by interacting directly with Congress, employing her prese secretary and making a solo electioneering tour.  She advocated beautifying the nation’s cities and highways, saying “Where flowers bloom, so does hope,” and “The environment is where we all meet, where we all have a mutual interest.”

   The Highway Beautification Act was informally known as “Lady Bird’s Bill.” 

   Information from the Geneseo Library states that Lady Bird Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional God Medal in 1984, the highest honors bestowed upon a U.S. civilian.  She has been consistently ranked in Siena College Research Institute surveys as one of the most highly regarded American First Ladies per historians’ assessments.

Leslie Goddard Portrays Lilly Pulitzer April 5 at Geneseo Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


   Historian and author Leslie Goddard will portray the American entrepreneur, fashion designer and socialite Lilly Pulitzer at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the Geneseo Public Library.

   Goddard is known in the area for her character portrayals as Lucille Ball, First Ladies Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy and Lady Bird Johnson, in addition to Amelia Earhart and Audrey Hepburn. 

   She writes and lectures on American cultural history, with particular expertise in women’s history.  She has a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s in Museum Studies.  In addition to her own stint as a Marshall Field’s sales associate, her grandfather worked at the State Street store for 26 years, serving as merchandise manager for linens and manager of the Far Eastern buying office.

ABOUT LILLY PULITZER:

   Lily Pulitzer eloped with Herbert Pulitzer Jr., (the grandson of Joseph Pulitzer, the publisher after whom the Pulitzer Prize is named) in 1950.  The couple settled in Palm Beach, FL, shortly after their marriage.  They owned several orange groves, where Pulitzer eventually opened a fruit juice stand.  While working at the stand, she found that squeezing juice made a mess of her clothes, so she asked her dressmaker to design a dress that would camouflage the stains.  Customers loved her dresses, so she began to see them at the fruit juice stand.  Soon, she was selling more dresses than juice.  This led to her focusing on dress design and her dresses became known as her “Lillys.”

   Pulitzer became president of her own company, Lilly Pulitzer, Inc. in 1959.  The main factory was in Miami, and the fabrics were purchased by the Key West Hand Print Fabrics Company.  Here dresses were very popular from the 1960’s to the early 1980’s, and were worn by Jacqueline Kennedy and members of the Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families.  After Jackie Kennedy was featured in Life magazine, wearing one of Pulitzer’s shifts, many preppy ladies followed her lead.  Goddard later stated that the first shift dress that Jackie Kennedy was photographed in, was made of kitchen curtains. 

   By 1984, the entire clothing operation closed. 

   That was not the end of Lilly Pulitzer designs.

   In 1993, the rights to the brand were purchase by Sugartown Worldwide inc., who contacted Pulitzer in the hopes of reviving the operation.  Today, the company maintains Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores.  The brand also is sold in major department stores such as Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. The company is now owned by Oxford Industries Inc.

   Lilly and Herbert Pulitzer had three children.  The couple divorced in 1969, and shortly after, she married Enrique Rousseau Enrique, who died in 1993.  She passed away in 2013 at the age of 81.

Geneseo High School Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony Is March 10

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current



Area residents are invited to meet the Distinguished Alumni from Geneseo High School at an Induction Ceremony planned for 7 p.m. p.m. on Monday, March 10, in the Joseph and Marilyn DePauw Theater at GHS, 700 North State St.      

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni Inductees:


Molly Hamer

Molly Hamer, a third-generation Geneseoan, has dedicated her career to community recreation and play spaces. She earned her Bachelor's in Leisure Studies from the University of Illinois in 1981 and started her career at the Schaumburg Park District, where she became Superintendent of Recreation. After returning to Geneseo in 1992, she served on the Geneseo Park District Board and became Executive Director in 2007, leading notable projects, including the redevelopment of the town's outdoor pool.

Molly later became Executive Director of the Northbrook Park District in 2016, where she spearheaded the "New Places to Play" initiative, including the Techny Prairie Activity Center and the transformation of Northbrook's golf course into Heritage Oaks Golf Club. Her leadership has earned her several awards, including the 2023 Illinois Parks and Recreation Association's Professional of the Year Award. Through her strategic vision and commitment to community development, she has had a lasting impact on recreation in Schaumburg, Northbrook, and Geneseo.

Cephas B. Hunt

Cephas B. Hunt, born on May 20, 1844, led a diverse and adventurous life across the Midwest and Western U.S. He served as a Union soldier in the Civil War, a U.S. Marshal in Oklahoma, a county sheriff and postmaster in Iowa, an early settler in Kansas, a farmer, and an Iowa State Senator.

Hunt's family traces back to Mayflower passengers, and he grew up in Geneseo, Illinois, before moving to Kansas and later returning to Geneseo. At 18, he enlisted in the Civil War, serving in battles such as the Battle of Atlanta. He documented his experiences in a diary, later published as Bluecoats: The Civil War Diary of Cephas B. Hunt.

After the war, he worked in various roles, including sheriff, state senator, and postmaster, before moving to Oklahoma and later California. After the death of his wife, Sue, in 1918, he returned to Oklahoma, where he lived with his daughter until his death on September 30, 1922.

John Cady Lough

John Cady Lough, born on November 22, 1915, in Geneseo, was an accomplished student and leader, serving as class president at Geneseo Township High School and excelling at Illinois Wesleyan University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1940 and joined the U.S. Naval Reserves in December of the same year, becoming a Navy pilot.

Lough served aboard the U.S.S. Wasp and later with Squadron VT-6 on the U.S.S. Enterprise during World War II. He participated in the Battle of Midway, where he flew a final mission on June 4, 1942, to bomb Japanese carriers. His fate remains unknown, as he was reported missing in action after the mission.

For his bravery, Lough was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, and other medals. His memorabilia are displayed at the Geneseo Historical Museum. In 1944, a U.S. Navy destroyer escort, the U.S.S. Lough, was christened in his honor by his sister, Rose Anne Lough. The ship saw action in the South Pacific and was decommissioned in 1946.

Ted McAvoy

Ted McAvoy is a dedicated educator and community leader with a six-decade career in vocational education, school administration, and civic engagement. Born and raised in Geneseo, Illinois, he graduated from Geneseo High School in 1960 and earned a degree in Industrial Arts from Illinois State University. He taught at Geneseo High School for 26 years, instructing students in various trades, and helped develop vocational programs like the COOP (Cooperative Occupational Education Program) in 1970.

Ted also served as Vocational Director from 1971 to 1990, introducing innovative programs and earning an Educational Administration Certificate in 1973. He was active on several state and national boards, including the Illinois Vocational Directors Board, where he was president from 1989-1990.

In 1990, Ted transitioned to administration, becoming Dean and later Principal of Geneseo High School until his retirement in 1999. He continued to serve his community by leading the Geneseo Foundation Activity Center, Geneseo School Facilities Enhancement Foundation, and founding the Geneseo Education Foundation. His contributions to education and the community have left a lasting legacy in Geneseo and beyond.

George Pinks

George Pinks, born in Geneseo on July 5, 1921, was a dedicated community leader and entrepreneur. After graduating from Geneseo High School in 1939, where he was active in sports and clubs, he served as a medic in the Army during World War II. Upon returning home, he followed his passion for transportation, founding Pinks’ Bus Service in 1946 with just two buses. His fleet grew to 14 buses by 1948, providing transportation for the Geneseo Community Unit School District, a service that continues today.

Pinks was deeply committed to community service, offering transportation for senior residents and organizing outings for local institutions. He received the Geneseo Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award in 1977 and was involved in several local organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, and Kiwanis Club. He also played a key role in youth programs, including helping to establish the Geneseo Youth Football Program in 1958.

In addition to his local contributions, Pinks served on national and state levels, including as vice president of the National Contract School Bus Association and president of the Illinois Contract School Bus Association. His dedication to transportation and community service left a lasting impact on Geneseo.

Marv W. Peterson

Marv was an outstanding student and leader, excelling as valedictorian, class president, student body president, and a National Honor Society member in high school. He also broke school records in basketball and later participated in theater and vocal performance. At Trinity College, Marv was class president, Student Senate president, and earned Phi Beta Kappa honors, later serving on the Trinity Board of Trustees.

Marv continued his education at Harvard Business School, earning an MBA and later becoming Assistant Dean and faculty member. He went on to complete Ph.D. requirements at the University of Michigan, where he became a full professor and Director of the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE). Under his leadership, CSHPE grew significantly and secured major research grants, making it the top U.S. higher education program.

Marv mentored students who became university leaders, chaired over 110 doctoral dissertations, and authored influential works, including Black Students on White Campuses (1978) and Improving Academic Management (1980). He served as president of multiple educational organizations and consulted internationally on higher education reform.

Upon his retirement, the University of Michigan honored Marv by establishing the Marvin W. Peterson Graduate Student Fellowship and the Marvin W. Peterson Chair of Higher Education. His legacy in higher education and organizational behavior has had a lasting impact.

Larry Schrof

Larry (P.) Schrof, born legally blind and raised in Geneseo, overcame early challenges with the support of his preschool teacher and thrived in the Geneseo public school system. He earned a computer science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was recruited by the National Science Foundation as an early web developer. His career in tech soared, leading him to a key role at Meta (formerly Facebook), where he contributed to the development of modern Production Engineering and helped establish a global industry standard.

At 24, Larry launched his own tech consulting company and became a sought-after speaker in technology, AI, engineering leadership, and career development. In addition to his tech career, Larry has a lifelong passion for music, playing the electric guitar, performing in bands, and studying at Berklee College of Music, where he became an accomplished session guitarist and wrote a groundbreaking guitar method book.

Larry’s adventurous spirit extends beyond tech and music, holding a black belt in Kuk Sool Won, a real estate license, and passing the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials exam. He has mentored students in various fields and values education and service to others. Now semi-retired, Larry lives in Barrington, IL, with his wife, Amanda, and their children, balancing his work, music projects, and family life. He embodies optimism and a belief that anything is possible.

James Floyd Smith

James Floyd Smith, born in Geneseo, Illinois, in 1884, had a diverse career before finding his true passion in entertainment. He worked as a cowboy, machinist, orange grower, and sugar factory worker before becoming a circus aerialist and trapeze artist. Smith toured the country with the Flying Sylvesters, performing thrilling stunts, and married his co-star, Hilder Youngberg, in 1907.

Their adventurous nature led them to aviation, and in 1912, they built and flew their own biplane. Smith’s experiences in the air inspired him to innovate, especially after a dangerous stunt by his wife, which led him to develop a safer parachute design. His aviation accomplishments included setting three world hydro altitude records in a Martin seaplane, earning him the Aero Club of America Medal of Merit in 1916 for reaching an altitude of 12,333 feet.

Smith was also a prolific inventor, holding 33 U.S. patents, and his work significantly advanced aviation technology and safety. He passed away in 1956 in San Diego, California, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both the entertainment and aviation fields, remembered for his daring feats and contributions to early flight.

Tim Renihan

Tim Renihan, currently residing in Washington State with his wife and two daughters, has a distinguished career in military service, law enforcement, and corporate threat management. A former student-athlete at J.D. Darnall High School, Tim participated in cross country, track, and basketball, where coaches Jeff Quick and Mike Kiss instilled valuable lessons in planning, persistence, and hard work that guided his later success.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma, where he was also a Big 8 Conference indoor track champion. His career began in the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (1995-1998), where he investigated serious felonies, including homicide and robbery. He then joined the Seattle Police Department in 1998, retiring in 2022 from the Homicide and Assault Unit after a distinguished career. He led high-profile investigations into murders, terrorism, and threats against public officials, working closely with the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police. He was instrumental in creating Seattle Shield, an intelligence-sharing initiative between law enforcement and the business community.

After transitioning to the private sector in 2022, Tim joined Pinkerton Comprehensive Risk Management. He became a Certified Threat Manager and now serves as the Program Manager for Executive Threat Management for a Fortune 100 technology company, assessing and managing threats against high-level executives.

Donald Gene Wright

Donald Gene Wright, a 1941 graduate of Geneseo High School, was active in sports, including basketball, football, and track. He also served as junior class secretary-treasurer and was involved in the Booster Club and “G” Club. Wright enlisted in the Armed Services on July 28, 1942, and trained as a B-24 Liberator Bomber gunner.

In 1943, Wright served with the 344th Bomb Squadron, 98th Bombing Group, 9th Air Force, flying missions from Libya. He was wounded by shrapnel during one mission, earning a Silver Star for his bravery. On August 1, 1943, during a bombing raid over Ploesti, Romania, Wright’s plane was shot down, and he was captured by German troops. Despite suffering injuries, including a broken arm and burns, he survived 13 months in a POW camp before being liberated by American forces in 1944.

After returning to the U.S., Wright continued his military service as a physical training instructor before being honorably discharged in 1945. He became Henry County’s most decorated World War II soldier, receiving honors including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Purple Heart.