Local Girls Win Miss World Festival Queen Pageants and Still in Competition

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   Breckyn Granell, left front, daughter of Adam and Kristen Granell of Geneseo; Hensley Powell, daughter of James and Kara Powell, Kewanee; Marissa Nelson, back left, daughter of Brenda and Joel Nelson, Geneseo; and at back right, Mollie Parr, daughter of Tanahya Parr and Brett Parr, Geneseo, were crowned queens in the 2024 Miss World Festival held in Kewanee.

   Marissa Nelson will compete for Miss Illinois 2025; and Mollie Parr will compete for Miss Illinois Teen 2025, on June 28 in Marion, IL. 

   Their Little Sister Queens, Breckyn Granell and Hensley Powell, will be given crowns and will serve as Miss Illinois Jewels at the event.

   Jeanna Moore, of Kewanee, Executive Director for the Miss World Festival Queen Pageants, said, “Historically, the Miss America program only allowed prelim pageant winners to compete and over the years rules have changed.  They have allowed Festival Queens to attend and compete At Large.  The main focus for the Miss America Program is based on the young ladies CSI which stands for Community Service Initiative.  Marissa Nelson, who is competing in the Miss Illinois program, has chosen Serving Our Veterans as her CSI and Mollie Parr, who is competing for Miss Illinois Teen, chose Mentoring Our Youth as her CSI.”

   “The biggest accomplishments both young ladies have made has been stepping out of their comfort zones and into public speaking about something they are passionate about,” Moore added.

   The Miss World Festival Queen Pageants will celebrate the 37th year on Aug. 2 of this year and entries for the 2025 Miss World Festival Queen Pageant are being accepted.  More information is available from Moore at 309-540-8588; or Director Stephanie Smith at 309-883-9031; or Co-Director Kailey Senner on Facebook.  The Pageant Facebook page is Miss World Festival Queen Pageants.  Contributed Photo

 

Geneseo Historical Museum Hosting Walking Tours - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

  This summer the Geneseo Historical Museum is hosting “Stepping Through History “Legends and Landmarks,” Walking Tour.

Melanie Rice, Director/Curator of the Geneseo Historical Museum, holds a flyer announcing the walking tours the museum currently is hosting, Stepping Through History “Legends and Landmarks.”  Claudia Loucks Photo

   The tours offer a unique blend of storytelling, sightseeing, and local lore that brings Geneseo’s rich heritage to life.  Led by Steve Kastorff, people on the tour will visit iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and architectural marvels, each with a story to tell.

   The tours begin and end at 118 East 1st St., Geneseo, (Sweet Marie’s Ice Cream Shop) west alley bench, weather permitting.

   The tours are schedule for June 20 and 21; July 17, 18, and 19 and Aug. 14, 15 and 16.  For information on booking a tour, visit the museum website – geneseohistory.com or call the museum at 309-944-3043. 

   There is no charge for the tours, although free will donations are accepted for the Geneseo Historical Museum. 

 

Historical Perspective of Jazz to be Presented June 25 at Geneseo Library - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Those who like jazz and want to know about its history are encouraged to attend the program “Traditional Jazz:  A Historical Perspective of Jazz” to be presented at 2 p.m. on June 25 at the Geneseo Public Library.

   John Cooper, a jazz artist and composer, is the feature and his 45-minute presentation will include jazz music interspersed with a brief history of jazz techniques used by the various instruments.  Those who may not even like jazz, may enjoy the program.

   Cooper was a professor of music at Western Illinois University with a Master’s Degree in Music Composition from Bowling Green State University and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Composition form New York University.

   He has performed as principal trumpet with the Marquette Symphony and has his own jazz quartet.  He also is a composer, releasing his first solo recording “Watching for Watchung Plaza,” which received critical acclaim from the Detroit Free Press.  He has dedicated much of his time and talents to the Western Illinois University Performing Arts Society by writing and composing shows for the Youth Performing Arts Series.

  His philosophy for playing trumpet is to develop an effortless approach, without tension to enable the student to make progress safely and quickly, Cooper said.

   The upcoming presentation will engage listeners through playing pieces common to the New Orleans era of jazz.  Cooper also will describe the role of each instrument in the ensemble, and a demonstration of the various techniques used by the different instruments played in jazz will be given.

   The audience is encouraged to ask questions of any of the musicians during the lecture portion of the performance.

   Jazz is best enjoyed in a live performance; and audiences commonly applaud soloists and clap rhythmic ally during performances.  In this way the audience “feels” the music. 

   The presentation at the Geneseo Library seeks to develop a connection with the audience members and help them understand the special nature of Jazz.  Traditional jazz is timeless, and its appeal can span generations.

   The program at the library is made possible through a grant from the Illinois Humanities Councill, a state agency.  Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly, through the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, as well as by contributions from individuals , foundations and corporations.

 

Zack Sullivan of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Graduates from Institute for Organization Management

Karyn MacRae
iom@uschamber.com

June 6, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Zack Sullivan, IOM, Executive Director, of the Geneseo Chamber, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management.

In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.

Market Outlook Seminar to feature Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing

Chip Nellinger, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing, will be the featured speaker on Tuesday, July 1 at 6:15 p.m. at Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Highway 6, Colona.  Dinner will be served followed by the local grain market update from Tom Parchert of River Valley Cooperative.  Reservations are required and must made by June 24 to guarantee your attendance. 

Chip Nellinger is the President and Risk Management Consultant of Blue Reef Agri-Marketing. He was raised on a grain and livestock farm in North Central Illinois, and graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in Economics. After graduation, he spent four years on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade in International Commercial Grain Hedging. Chip has spent 28 years as a licensed commodity broker and 20 years as a licensed crop insurance agent. He is a commodity analyst on US Farm Report, Ag Day, RFD-TV, WILL and WNAX radio. Chip is a 19-year cancer survivor. He has three grown sons – Sam, Jake and Chase, and a granddaughter named Kodi.

Cost for the single session is $35.00 (if not pre-registered cost will be $40.00).  To make reservations, please call the Henry County Farm Bureau (309) 937-2411, Rock Island County Farm Bureau (309) 736-7432 or Mercer County Farm Bureau (309) 582-5116. 

The Market Outlook Seminar Series is sponsored by the Henry, Rock Island and Mercer County Farm Bureau Marketing Committees, in conjunction with: Gold Star FS, COUNTRY Financial, BankORION, COUNTRY Crop Insurance, Central Bank, Compeer Financial, Big River Resources, River Valley Cooperative, Wyffels Hybrids, Hertz Farm Management, Blackhawk Bank & Trust.

Results of Dean Olson Memorial Pedal Pull

Submitted By Diane Olson

Forty one 5- 10 year olds took part in the pedal pull at this year's Music Festival on Saturday afternoon.  The free event is sponsored by the Geneseo FFA in memory of Dean Olson who started the event and organized it for many years.  Trophies are donated by Steve Clementz, and Vern Mariman volunteers his retired auction truck and serves as announcer.  Pictures below feature the winners of each division.  FFA Members and the Music Festival Queen and court cheered on the participants and passed out trophies.  A good time was had by all.

Five and Six Year Old Results: 3rd place Kashen Rahmus, First place Cody Edlefson and 2nd place Beaux Puls

Resluts of Seven and Eight Year Olds:   2nd place Adalynn Rahmus, First Place Judd Steele, and third place Camille Wildermuth

Resulta of the Nine and Ten year olds: Second place Breckyn Granell, First Place Wyatt Edlefson, Third Place Akif Onder 

 

Music Festival Queen Pageant 2025 and More

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Any one of the 15 young ladies in the Geneseo Music Festival Queen Pageant could have been crowned 2025 Music Festival Queen at ceremonies held Friday in Geneseo City Park, but guidelines are in place to select the queen and four runners-up. Isabella Curcuru, daughter of Jillian and Marc Curcuru, was crowned queen. Members of the court are from left, Sophia Clifton, second runner-up, daughter of Sonya and Tim Clifton; Caroline Girten, first runner-up, daughter of Tricia and Bill Girten; the queen; Ava DeWolfe, third runner-up, daughter of Tara and Ben DeWolfe; and Jaidah Cribbs, fourth runner-up, daughter of Brittany Jones. The pageant is sponsored by the Geneseo Rotary Club and the queen receives $500 scholarship money. Each runner-up also receives scholarship money from the Rotary Club. Contestants not in the court are each given a $25 gift certificate from Geneseo Rotary. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Eden Ebert was, center, was crowned Princess of the Little Miss Princess Pageant held prior to the Queen Pageant Friday in Geneseo City Park. Members of the Little Miss court are, from left, Adi Smith, third runner-up; Irie Boone, first runner-up; the princess; Shae Robertson, the 2024 Little Miss Music Festival Princess; Tille Moore, 2025 second runner-up; and Winter Farber, fourth runner-up. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Madeline Possin, left, committee member of the queen pageant committee, and the 2024 Music Festival Queen Addison Dykstra at the 2025 pageant in City Park. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Mariah Hutchinson, left, and Ashley Moore, emcees at the Music Festival Queen Pageant, visit with Addison Dykstra, 2024 Music Festival Queen. Photo by Claudia Loucks

A group of Geneseo High School vocalists provided musical entertainment at the intermission of the Queen Pageant. They are Carter Eastburn, Perry Farley, Jonathan Freadhoff, Cody Hensley, Tyler Holtzen, Landry Possin, Cy Sammons, Paxton Sherbeyn and Ethan Sundeen. Pam Edwards was their accompanist and she also provides the background music at the pageant. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Aaron Betcher, left, and Kruiz Ludwig, at right, 2025 GHS graduates, were escorts for the 2025 Queen Pageant. They are photographed with pageant judges Sue Brunsma, Elizabeth Schulte and Lisa Henderson. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Catherine Rothschild and granddaughter Tille Moore just prior to the Music Festival Queen Pageant in City Park. Tille was chosen second runner-up in the Little Miss Princess Pageant, also held Friday in City Park. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Jean Pritchard, center, a member of the Queen Contest Committee and a Rotary Club member, helps two of the queen candidates just before they line up for the start of the pageant. They are Madelyn Mooney, left; and Isabella Curcuru, at right. Photo by Claudia Loucks

Applications Being Accepted for Geneseo Woman’s Club Scholarship in Honor of the Late Patti McNaught

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The Geneseo Woman’s Club is offering a scholarship in honor of the late Patti McNaught, who was a 50-year member of the Woman’s Club before her death in 2022.

   Applications are being accepted for the $500 scholarship to be used to help pay for college expenses.  Applicants will need to provide proof that they are a graduate of Geneseo High School, currently enrolled in a college or university where their major is music education, and that they have completed at least two years.   The scholarship will be awarded directly to the recipient in the form of a check from the Geneseo Woman’s Club.  Application deadline is July 1 and those students who qualify may apply through this link: 

https://forms.gle/Bk4dWtHcvpvDdcqQ7

   The late Patti McNaught was involved with music in Geneseo from 1969 until her death in 2022.  She taught elementary music at Millikin Elementary School, accompanied the junior high and middle school choirs, taught piano lessons for more than 40 years, and accompanied many students for solo and ensemble contests. 

 

New Exhibition at Smith Studio and Gallery

David Smith
June 10, 2025
Smith Studio and Gallery

The Smith Studio and Gallery is sponsoring a solo exhibition of the creative prints of Jill Kramer, from Oak Park, Illinois. Jill received her MA in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her BFA in printmaking from Kent State University. She has been teaching for over 20 years in museum, school & community art settings and has facilitated programs for preschoolers to senior citizens.

A recent trip out West led Jill in a new direction with her artwork. Bike riding and drawing her way through different landscapes, Jill visited many National Parks in Utah and Nevada. Jill’s creative landscapes became more horizontal …more expansive. Her color palette became earth toned demonstrating her appreciation of the layered structure of the American West. Back home her images were cut into linoleum and printed in black oil-based ink. Each image was then meticulously hand painted in vibrant watercolor. 

THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE UP THRU July 31st.

Hours at the Smith Studio and Gallery are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00-5:00.

Closed on Sunday and Monday.

 

BEMER Therapy Now Available at Maple Leaf Medical in Geneseo - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   What is BEMER Therapy was my question and Julie Theill provided an excellent answer.   BEMER is an acronym for Bio-Electric-Magnetic Energy Regulation. 

 Heather DeBrock, left; and Julie Theill are shown with the equipment used in BEMER Therapy services now available at Maple Leaf Medical.    Free educational programs and demonstrations of BEMER will be at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, and again on Tuesday, July 15, at Maple Leaf Medical, 127 South State St., in downtown Geneseo.  For more information, call Theill at 309-714-1299.  Theill also will be at the 25th Annual Quad City Triathlon having BEMER therapy sessions available for athletes for performance and recovery.

   “It’s a science-backed wellness device developed in Europe and now available in over 40 countries, including right here in our hometown,” Theill explained.  “BEMER uses a low pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMP) to stimulate microcirculation – the flow of blood through the tiniest vessels in the body, where oxygen and nutrients are delivered, and waste is removed.”

   It was Theill who introduced BEMER to Heather DeBrock, who owns and operates Maple Leaf Medical, located at 127 South State St. in Geneseo.

   Through her business, DeBrock provides CPAP/BIPAP machines and supplies, along with daily living aids, for patients that have sleep apnea.

   The two businesses are separate, but housed at the same address.

   Theill is an independent distributor for BEMER, now provided at Maple Leaf Medical, and DeBrock said, “Julie has her own clientele as well, so we collaborated to be of the best service possible to the community.”

MORE ABOUT BEMER FROM THEILL

   Theill commented, “In today’s fast paced world, staying healthy and energized can be a challenge, especially for busy adults, seniors, and anyone recovering from injury or managing chronic discomfort.  That’s why more and more people in our community are turning to BEMER therapy, a non-invasive wellness technology that supports healthy circulation, promotes recovery, longevity and helps the body do what it’s designed to do:  heal and thrive.

   Healthy microcirculation is essential for everything from energy and sleep to muscle recovery and immune health.  Btu as we age or deal with stress, illness, or inactivity, circulation often suffers.  That’s where BEMER comes in.

   Using a BEMER body mat, focused pad, users lie down or sit comfortably while the device emits a specific wave signal that encourages the body’s natural blood flow.  Sessions are just eight minutes on the body pad making it easy to fit into a daily routine.  Many people report feeling more relaxed, alert, energized, and having less discomfort – even after the first use.”

   Theill said anyone looking to enhance their microcirculation – the flow of blood through the smallest vessels in the body – can benefit from BEMER…”When microcirculation is improved, cells receive more oxygen and nutrients, and the body can remove waste products more efficiently.  This foundational function supports nearly every aspect of health.

   Enhanced microcirculation doesn’t just help you feel better, it helps your body function better, every day.  Whether you’re managing a chronic or acute condition or just want to feel your best, enhancing your microcirculation with the use of the BEMER can be a simple and effective addition to your daily wellness routine.”

  When asked if BEMER Therapy replaces physical therapy Theill answered, “It is not a replacement for therapy, BEMER therapy can be utilized as an adjunct modality to Occupational and Physical Therapy, Chiropractic care and overall wellness and longevity.  It improves outcomes and healing as a result facilitating enhanced microcirculation or improved local blood flow.  While BEMER therapy is not condition or diagnosis specific, it is utilized for overall health, sport (performance and recovery), prevention and rehabilitation.”

MEET JULIE THEILL

   Theill’s vast knowledge of BEMER is impressive as she has more than 30 years of experience in the health care field.

   She worked at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo for nearly 22 years, serving as Director of Rehab and Long-Term Care Living Center.

   “During my tenure, over 20 new community programs were developed in the rehab department which included aquatic rehab, women’s health and sports medicine services to name a few,” she said. 

   A 5-Star rating for the LTC Living Center also was achieved during her employment with Hammond-Henry.  

   Her experience also includes teaching as adjunct faculty in the Occupational Therapy program at St. Ambrose University.  She received a Kinesiology Degree form the University of Illinois and her Occupational Therapy and MBA in Healthcare Degrees from St. Ambrose University.

   When asked what led her to learn about BEMER, Theill shared that she retired in 2023 to assist her Mom in caring for her Dad who had Alzheimer’s…”When I returned to work, after my Dad’s extended illness and passing, I learned bout the BEMER at an outpatient therapy practice in the Quad Cities.  They were using BEMER therapy as part of their rehab services.  I attended my first BEMER Academy in Davenport in early 2024 and started using it with my patients.  When I saw the dramatic outcomes, my patients were achieving I knew I needed to bring BEMER to Geneseo and the surrounding communities.  With Heather’s (DeBrock) approval, I was blessed to have the opportunity to do so at Maple Leaf Medical in May of 2024.  I opened the BEMER clinic at Maple Leaf Medical.”

   Theill occupies a suite within Maple Leaf Medical and BEMER sessions ae available by appointment by calling at 309-714-1299.

GHS 2nd Semester Honor Rolls

First Honor Roll - GPA 3.50 to 5.40 GPA

Class of 2025

Mason Anderson, Kamden Ariano, Shane Bagby, Liliana Balluff, Rachael Bauer, William Baum, Mason Bealer, Sophia Bellagamba, Aaron Betcher, Jackson Brumbaugh, Gage Buckallew, Elizabeth Carlin, Anthony Carter, Avery Catour, Tyler Chamberlain, Marley Cherry, Sophia Clifton, Emma Cocci, Dylan Cotty, Dru Curcuru, Isabella Curcuru, Elanor DeBlieck, Ava DeWolfe, Connor Douglas, Alayna Duckett, Katelyn Durnell, Kendall Ellerbrock, Addison Espe, Allison File, Kayden Fouts, Kayci Freeman, Dylan Gehl, Caroline Girten, Brady Hamer, Christian Haney, Lindsay Herington, Sydney Hoover, Devan Hornback, Keaton Hudson, Hayliegh-Jane Huglin, Malloree Humphrey, Lily Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Max Johnson, Logan Jones, Preston Jones, Ayden Kane, Hope Kuster, Julia Lewis, Kruiz Ludwig, Annalise Maxwell, Katelynn McMahill, Jackson Moore, Elizabeth Mroz, Jacob Nelson, Sydney Nelson, Kyah Newell, Kale O’Bryan, Colin Orwig, Owen Parker, Jennifer Parsons, Austin Pearce, Dylan Randolph, Allison Reade, Xzavier Reuter, Jeslen Rink, Keely Roberts, Benjamin Robinson, Tristan Robinson, Cavence Rokis, Rachael Roodhouse, Nile Ryerson, Marian Sanchez Sigala, Marian Sancken, Kara Y. Schehl, Shay A. Schmitt, Emilia R. Sebastian, Timothy J. Sheehan, Callaghan Sherbeyn, Paxton A. Skovronski, Dylan Snell, Payton Snider, Addison Snodgrass, Avery Snook, Elli Snyder, Dyllan Staffeldt, Eric States, Lillian Taylor, Jordan Thomas, Kathryn VanDeWoestyne, Logan VanDeWoestyne, Bryson VanHoutte, Carter VanOpdorp, Joseph Venneberg, Joseph Versluis, Stormie Wancket, Gavin Wates, Blake Welge, Dylan Whipple, Kailee Williams, Abby Wilshusen, Braelyn Wyffels

Class of 2026

Zara Andersen, Isabella Angelo, Natalie Aukee, Eliana Barickman, Calvin Bell, Grady Bernahl, Christopher Berry Jr., Greta Bolme, Grant Bomleny, Erin Bowers, Bryson Boxell, Ava Brewer, Aiden Bries, Reid Brodersen, Isabella Brooks, Brennan Brown, Aiden Brudos, Liberty Brumbaugh, Jordan Cechowicz, Joei Christopherson, Brody Clementz, Jack Cooper, Jameson Coppejans, Erika Cotty, Samuel Curcuru, Matthew Darnall, Anna Davis, Ava DeSplinter, Keira Disterhoft, Kaydee Eighmy, Quinnland Einfeldt, Landon Favri, Jonathan Freadhoff, Taber Fulks, Anabella Goethals, Cora Gorman, Dalten Grimes, Bradley Hartman, Hayley Henry, Lucan Herstedt, Christopher Hill, Payton Hofer, Alexandria Hull, Luise Jacobi, Adam Johnson, Andrew Kelly, Erik Kelly, Owen Kelly, Peyton Kies, Devan Lagaisse, Catherine Lehman, Karen Lester, Emma Loehr, Hannah Loehr, Tavion Mangin, Brock Marshall, Jackson McAvoy, Aden McCann, Dawsyn McDonald, Hannah McGee, Cameron Melchert, Janey Neumann, Wyatt Neumann, Gavin Nicholson, Serina Nimrick, Isacc Nixon, Eliana Oaks, Reyhan Onder, Mahi Patel, Lucille Peters, Taylor Peterson, Meya Pollock, Landry Possin, Elizabeth Rapps, Madison Reade, Cy Sammons, Chase Sanders, Bee Scheider, Nina Schmedding, Remy Sharpe, Leland Stickle, Hannah Stone, Tucker Tarkington, Paislee Tuggle, Jay VanHerzeele, Quinntyn VanHyfte, Callie VanKerrebroeck, Ashton Veloz, Cameron Walker, Kye Weinzierl, Madeline Wells, Kjerstin Wildemuth, Kathryn Wilson, Claire Yenor

Class of 2027

Mackenzie Air, Alejandro Aleman, Elena Anderson, Lilliana Anderson, Keaton Ariano, Flynn Arnett, Alexandra Bagby, Mia Balensiefen, Jacob Berry, Eleanor Bertelsen, Annabelle Betcher, Nathan Billingsly, Erik Bjorkman, Grant Bjorkman, Taylor Boone, Ethan Brown, Isabella Brown, Lillian Brown, Jaydon Burrage, Grace Carlson, Kolby Causemaker, Callie Copeland, Phoenix Corlew, Evelyn Dahl, Manuel De San Juan Ayala, Claire DeGrave, Katelyn DeRycke, Carter Dickey, Remlee Dwyer, Leah Falk, Taefyl Freeman, Tyler Gerstel, Kiersten Hancock, Hazel Harris, Emily Haverback, Lambeau Janczak, Maddox Jansen, Mckenna Johnson, Micah Johnson, Scarlyt Johnson, Grace Kaiser, Trenton Kennedy, Matthew Kerschieter, Lydia King, Mckenzie Krug, Aria Mayo-Bechtel, Madilyn Minnaert, Reese Minnaert, Zackery Nanninga, Mark Nelms, Tyler Nelson, Lainey Norville, Esref Onder, Samuel Ortiz, Eli Palmer, Viola Pettit, Lauren Piquard, Carson Pratt, Natalie Reisner, Dominic Ritter, Sydney Rosas, Hayley Rubitsky, Brooklyn Ruby, Connor Runty, Ayla Schultz, Nyna Schweitzer, Brylee Sheffler, Brooke Shollenberger, Reid Simpson, Brooklyn Smith, Ayame Stroh, Claire Swanson,Jeel Vakharia, Jiya Vakharia, Emma Vandeveer, Lucille Wachtel, Kendyl Wassenhove, Jayden Wexell, Alexis Williams, Justin Williams, Robert Wolfe, Rebekah Zimmerman

Class of 2028

Raidyn Allison, Stella Allison, Claudia Angelo, Cyrus Babcock, Katherine Barickman, Landon Barnett, Layna Bassett, Luke Bedford, Lillian Bellagamba, Evan Bender, Tivya Bernier, Fritz Bolme, Allison Boone, Braxton Boone, Kanon Boster, Alivia Brown, Jaylee. Brudos, Rylan Carlson, Lydia Carton, Quinn Cherry, Taeton Chirchir, Ella Clementz, Cole Clifton, Ella Clifton, Harrison Conley, Elijah Coppejans, Brayden Cox, Mallory Daniels, Evelyn DeBaene, Emilie DeCastecker, Madelyn DeJohn, Olivia DeSplinter, Bryce Diehl, Isla Disterhoft, Camryn Ebert, Megan Ehlert, Mason Emerick, Brycen Fahnestock, Andrew Feely, Jasmine Foss, Carter French, Gretchen Fuelling, Jacey Gehl, Gavin Gillespie, Karlee Hankins, Kade Heilman, Kaylin Heller, Cole Henson, Skylar Hileman, Austen Kane, Anadiyah Karn, Anabella Kelley, Lilah Klotz, Cooper Largent, Raygen McKeag, Ian McShane, Addison McSparin, Catalina Meis, Faith Mierop, Natalie Minnaert-Yocum, Ainsleigh Misfeldt, Madison Morrison, Micah Nicke, Anastasia Pitsoulakis, Aleksie Possin, William Rankins, Jaeden Robertson, Colin Roemer, Macey Rosholm, Ida Rowold, Ella Schaaf, Meghan Scheider, Brooklyn Schnowske, Jaxson Seals, Ella Shannon, Alyssa Simpson, Stella Smith, Addison Snell, Sophia Snell, Sydney State, Addilyn Swan, Ella Taylor, Luca Turigliatti, Kellen VanKerrebroeck, Eden VanOpdorp, Patrick Versluis, Nicole Werling, Hannah Wildemuth, Sage Windisch, Peyton Woodruff

Second Honor Roll - GPA 3.00 to 3.49 GPA

Class of 2025

Camden Baumgardner, Brianna Bowles, Madisyn Buysse, Madisyn Jaidah Cribbs, Gauge Damewood, Erica DeDecker, Grant DeShane, Emma Drockelman, Alan Eastburn, Gwenivere Erickson, Elijah Ford, Brayden Franzen, Cole Freeman, Taylor Hawkins, Cody Hensley, Tyler Holtzen, Avery Kennedy, Owen King, Bailey Koning, Rylan Lambert, Elizabeth Lane, Aislan Leetch, Chloe Medler, Zachary Montez, Madelyn Mooney, Amber Newell, Bryce Nixon, Dylan Pankey, Jack Polowy, Kaleb Rahn, Antonio Ramirez, Cooper Ries, Ava Rusk, Ava Sedam, Olivia Seei, Bryson Splear, Nathanial Stees, Charlie Stetter, Jacob Taylor, Leo Underwood, Hayden Veryzer, Jaylyn Wakenight, Sabine Whitmer, Kaylee Wood

Class of 2026

Harrison Air, Bella Bailey, Emily Banker, Lincoln Barnett, Zoey Baughn, Kamron Burris, Graysen Carlson, Jessica Cartwright, Jocelyn Cechowicz, Mylee Clark, Liam Coleman, Tyler Dowdal, Margaret Elder, Perry Farley, Boone Forsythe, Breckan Gomez, Jessa Gramling, Emily Hall, Baela Hansen, Jarett Hasson, Carter Holke, Jacob Holley, Abigail Holman, Alfredo Jimenez, Kameryn Keegan, Charlotte Kroll, Alegna Lopez, Emma Massingill, James Matthews II, Jackie Milem, Jaiden Minnaert, Landon Nordstrom, Shrey Patel, Michael Peterson, Theodore Phillips, Theodore J. Ramirez, Annabelle Ropp, Hayden Schaaf, Mckinsey Sharp, Alexander Snyder, Mya Splear, Maddie Steinert, Kwin VanKerrebroeck, Nick Vyas, Kayleigh Wooden

Class of 2027

Payton Boone, Wyatt Bruce, Gaje Davila, Aiden DeCap, Andre Diediker, Tristan Ferrell, Izaac Gaines,Ethan Galloway, Tyler Gross, Keely Henry, Jakob Hodges, William Holley, Cheyenne Hopkey, Megan Hursman, Alexis Johnson, Aksel Kincaid, Jack Kreiss, Gannon Marckese, Riley Marolf, Khyler McDowell, Jack Mickley, Carson Peters, Maddison Rakestraw, Sydney Rasmussen, Landon Rogers, Lillian Roodhouse, Finnegan Schaad, Molly Snyder, Paizley Stewart, Lilly Stubbs, Easton Swan, Joseph Thoene, Delaney Vroman, Jensen Vroman, Connor Webster, AvaLynn Westfall, Kylee Wisely

Class of 2028

Piper Andersen, Logan Betcher, Nolan Burton, Sophie Carter, Greyson Claerhout, Brynn Coats, Brinnley Coppejans, Lydia DeKezel, Gracyn DeShane, Sophia Doyle, Riley Dwyer, Aaron Ernst, Phoenix Ferro-Heller, Jackson Frank, Hannah Fuelling, Jack Gehling, Evelyn Gernant, Vance Hansen, James Hill III, Cameron Jansen, Caimbrie Jozwiak, Annibelle Juarez, Penelope Kline, Josephine Kubicek, Mayson Lambin, Rayne Mangin, Grace McCallister, Isabella McConville, Alice Miller, Keelie Mueller, Quin Nichols, Evan Orwig, Jadynn Pollard, Arianna Robbins, Dylan Schneider, Titus Schweitzer, Emma Sebastian, Madelyn T. Sherman, Haylee Short, Luke Snodgrass, Kyla Strode, Keiran Thornburg, Chase VanDeWoestyne, Korionna VanZuiden, Kailee Von Motz, Jayden Wheaton, Olivia Yost

Steel Magnolias, a Heartwarming Enjoyable Show - By Elizabeth Hulsbrink

Steel Magnolias
Richmond Hill Players
May 29-June 1 & June 5-8, 2025
By Elizabeth Hulsbrink

Upon walking into Truvy Jones’ beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, (circa late 1980s), I couldn’t help but notice the pictures on the wall- big hair, lots of perms, classic 1980s fashion, PINK- but the subtle, yet profound, homage to the original 1989 movie cast head shots was the real winner!

Richmond Hill Players’ production of Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias directed by Megan McConville, was a heartwarming, enjoyable story which the cast and crew delivered as a performance full of charm, humor, and heartfelt moments. Originally written as a short story to help heal personal experience with death due to diabetic complications, moved to an Off-Broadway play, then to the big screen. At the heart of the story is Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, played with grace and spirit by Leslie Day, whose vibrant life and resilience bring both joy and poignancy to the small-town Louisiana beauty salon where the women of Steel Magnolias gather to share laughter, support, and sorrow.

McConville’s thoughtful direction allowed each actress to shine while creating an authentic sense of friendship and community. Jessica Moore brought warmth and wit to the role of Truvy Jones, the salon’s lively and compassionate owner. Real hair dresser Megan Abell’s portrayal of Annelle Dupuy-Desoto added both innocence and transformation as the newcomer to the group. Pam Kobre was a delight as the stylish and sassy Clairee Belcher, while Suzanne Rakestraw gave a deeply moving performance as Shelby’s strong and loving mother, M’Lynn Eatenton. Rounding out the ensemble, Heidi Hamer stole scenes with her sharp-tongued and unapologetically bold Ouiser Boudreaux. Together, this talented cast captured the enduring bond between women and the mix of laughter and loss that makes this show memorable.

Set entirely within Truvy’s beauty salon, Steel Magnolias follows the lives of six Southern women as they navigate life’s joys and heartbreaks together over the course of just two and a half years. Centered around Shelby’s decision to have a child despite serious health risks, the story unfolds with moments of humor, tenderness, and deep emotional strength. As seasons change, so do the women, revealing the resilience and love that hold them together.

Admittedly, though this particular story does not fully resonate with me, it’s clear that the cast and crew approached the production with dedication and care, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the show! Their commitment to honoring this beloved play was evident in the thoughtful performances and collaborative spirit on stage. I’d like to give a special salute to Megan McConville, who in her directorial debut, did a fabulous job with this challenging piece. Though she herself has not yet acted on the Richmond Hill stage, her work behind the scenes with many productions proved she has a good eye for details. Well done!

 

Garden Club to Meet June 16th at City Park

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

   The Garden Club will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, June 16, at the South Center Street shelter in Geneseo City Park. 

   Geneseo artist Sheila Wigant-McGee will take the group on a tour of the park, and provide information on those sculptures in the park which she created.

 

GHS Students Own and Operate Waterwerks - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Waterwerks is a pressure washing and window washing business founded by Geneseo High School students James Matthews and Alex Snyder.  They take appointments by phone at 309-507-6816.  Photo by Claudia Loucks

   James Matthews and Alex Snyder are co-owners and operators of Waterwerks – Pressure Washing & Window Cleaning business they launched two years ago, just after their freshman year at GHS.   The business is now a full-time operation, which they plan to continue after high school graduation.

   It was just before school was out in the spring of 2023 when Matthews and Snyder were thinking about starting some type of business, “We just didn’t know what kind of business, but we knew we wanted to earn some money,” Matthews recalled.

   The idea came to the two friends when Alex Snyder’s parents, who lived in rural Geneseo at the time, hired them to do chores, and gave them a choice of doing inside chores or outside chores.

   “We decided to go with outside chores, and they told us we would be pressure washing the side of the house,” he said.  ‘While we were doing that job, I talked to Alex about how my Dad had a large pressure washer and maybe we could use it and earn some money by doing pressure washing on other people’s houses.”

   Even though they had the idea for their business, the young men weren’t quite sure how to go about selling their idea to prospective customers.

   Snyder’s siblings did door-to-door sales and the two friends contacted them to find out more about how to sell their idea.

   Their next step was asking James’ Dad if they could borrow his pressure washer, which he agreed to loan them.

   It was the last week of school in 2023 when the two young businessmen learned that James’ Dad had found a client who would hire them to pressure wash their house…” It was our first job and it was in May of 2023,” Matthews recalled.

   It was their first job and he said, “It was a big house and we ran into some problems, so it definitely was a learning experience.”

   But they had no additional jobs lined up.

   They contacted Alex’s older brother to ask how they could go door to door with their business, and Matthews said, “He gave us a baseline pitch so we practiced that for about three days and then we had the courage to begin.  We knocked on our first door, it was in rural Geneseo, and they hired us.”

   That first employment boosted their courage and confidence and they were able to capture two more jobs that would take care of their schedule for the following two weeks.

   “Our business just kept growing,” Matthews said, and mostly as a result of door-knocking.  “We worked all summer, either knocking on doors or doing the pressure washing work.”

   Both Matthews and Snyder have played soccer at GHS, so they don’t usually schedule jobs during the school year, “but sometimes in the spring we will do pressure washing during the last few months of school, from late March to when school is out in May,” he added.

   In thinking back to the their second summer as business owners, Matthews said there were many problems…”We had lots of trouble with equipment and trouble hiring employees.”

   Waterwerks now employs primarily high school and college students…”We knew at the time we started that we could not hire adults because we didn’t think they would respect 15 year-olds as we did not have a business license or driver’s licenses when we started our business.   Now we have both, but before Alex’s Mom drove us everywhere.”

   This summer, 2025 and their third summer in business, the young entrepreneurs have grown their business to include a line of trucks, used for the business only; and they employ 32 people, high school and college-age (11 sales people and 21 technicians).

   “We are pretty busy almost every day,” Matthews said. 

   When asked what was the biggest hurdle they had to overcome in starting Waterwerks, Matthews said, “In the beginning, our equipment kept breaking down.  We have had to upgrade our equipment and have had to put all the money we had earned for ourselves back into the business to obtain better equipment.  Currently, our profit margins are zero, all the money is dumped right back into the business to cover expenses.  Insurance is a big expense and maintenance is too, so as of now we can’t take any salaries for ourselves.”

   Their hope is that in just a few weeks they will have everything running smoothly and steadily and “maybe we can begin to take some income for ourselves,” Matthews said.

   He is the son of James Matthews and Jamie Matthews, and Snyder’s parents are Marjorie and Mike Snyder