Please Note: that all locations of SRC are closed Fridays for Summer Hours from May 16 through July 25. Announcement: all operations for the Macomb campus have temporarily moved to the Outreach Center (2500 E Jackson) until further notice as we make the transition to the new campus.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Kaylee Grebner: Spoon River College Student and Business Owner
When Kaylee Grebner graduated from Canton high school this past spring, she already had one year of college course work completed, thanks to the Running Start partnership between Canton HS and Spoon River College. While that in itself is a significant accomplishment, it’s just one of several for this busy and ambitious young woman.
Grebner is also the owner Kaylee’s Country Cupcakes, which she started when she was just 14 years old. It’s a passion she discovered at the age of nine when she began decorating cakes as a 4-H project.
Grebner, who lives in rural Glasford, said the hardest part of starting her business wasn’t the hours of baking and decorating. “It was getting all the approvals and certifications required for a food business, which in my case included having city water run to our farm.”
Kaylee’s Country Cupcakes has been a regular at the Canton Main Street Farmers Market since 2022, and Grebner also attends other local markets and events, including Graham Hospital’s Service League fundraiser (where she sells out quickly!), as well as doing custom orders. In 2024, her lemon and blueberry cupcakes earned her the Best Dessert Award at the annual Taste of Canton.
Grebner is just as dedicated to her education and extracurricular activities. As an 8th grader, she was the recipient of the Steven R. Nagle Distinguished Student of the Month Award, and in high school she was named a Golden Apple Scholar and was an Outstanding Senior Award recipient. Besides being an energetic 4-H member, Grebner was also active in FFA. Her awards included Star Green Hand, Chapter Star Farmer, and State FFA Degree candidate—something that fewer than 3% of FFA members earn. She was the District 3 winner in Food Service Entrepreneur, and state runner-up for her Food Service Entrepreneurship record book. In addition, she works full-time at Canton Family Restaurant.
Grebner will graduate next spring with her associate degree and plans to transfer to a four-year university to major in Elementary Education. Those who enjoy her cupcakes will be glad to hear that a teaching career won’t be the end of her baking career. “I look forward to teaching and will enjoy it, and I’m also glad I’ll have the summers off so I can continue to build my business!”
Grebner doesn’t do anything half-way, and somewhere in the future, a classroom full of children are going to get the best treats ever from the best teacher ever.
Shop local, support your Farmers Markets, and visit Kaylee’s Country Cupcakes on Facebook.
Running Start is a partnership between Canton High School and Spoon River College that provides an opportunity for academically qualified seniors to enroll in college classes through SRC as part of their high school coursework. This unique partnership between the Canton #66 and SRC allows high school students to attend college classes during the fall, spring, and summer while earning both high school and college credits.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Enrollment Open for GED® Prep Classes at Spoon River College Locations
Enrollment is currently open for free GED® prep classes at Spoon River College. The classes are offered at SRC locations in Canton, Havana, Macomb, and Rushville for those who are 17 or older and not enrolled in high school.
These classes help prepare students to take the GED® test, and students learn at their own pace. Test readiness is determined by practice test scores and instructor/advisor recommendations, and those who pass the test earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate.
Chad Murphy, director of Adult Education programs, noted the strong achievements the program had over the past year, including a 15% increase in enrollment, a 10% increase in GED® sections passed, and a 26% increase in GED® earners.
“These improvements highlight the dedication of our instructors, staff, and students, and the program’s ongoing commitment to student success across the district,” Murphy said. “The numbers also represent students finding new opportunities, reaching personal goals, and building stronger futures for themselves and their families.”
Murphy noted that many students are often balancing work, family, and other challenges. “We’re proud of our students, and they continue to inspire all of us.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Two Students, One Professor, 22 Years Apart
When Spoon River College Sociology professor Michael Maher was in his third year of teaching, he had a group of students in his Introduction to Cultural Anthropology class that made a profound impact on him. “This cohort of students knew each other, and they took multiple classes with me. As a relatively young and inexperienced teacher, I remember feeling a strong connection to these students who were engaged, interested, funny yet serious, and taking their education seriously.”
2002 SRC graduate Mandy Manock of Canton was one of those students. “Professor Maher was the first adult I can remember who explained the ‘adult’ world to us, and who encouraged us to question and analyze our thoughts, our society, our world.”
At the end of that semester, Maher had the students bring in a variety of items to put in a time capsule that was then buried in the college’s Arboretum. “I wanted to celebrate them, and create an excuse to reunite with them in twenty years.” In 2022, several of those students—including Manock—did return to unearth the capsule with their former professor.
Fast forward to 2024, and Maher is now a seasoned professor who has made it a habit to always have music playing while students are arriving to class. One of those students, Logan Clardy, developed the habit of arriving early for all of his classes in order to enjoy one-on-one conversations with his professors, and Maher was one of those professors. “We instantly bonded while talking about music, but I soon realized his interests and depth of knowledge went far beyond music,” Maher said.
At around the fifth week of the semester, Maher was dumbfounded when Clardy told him that Mandy Manock was his mother. “It felt surreal to have made such a strong and meaningful connection with the son of a former student from 22 years prior, who I had also felt such a strong connection with. By the time Logan took his second class with me, it was evident what a special student he was and what a remarkable son Mandy had raised.”
Manock, who went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Masters in Instruction and Technology, has taught 3rd grade at Lincoln Elementary in Canton for the past seven years and plans to earn a second Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. “I was proud that my son decided to begin his collegiate journey at my Alma Mater, and I enjoy having the opportunity to share stories with him about our times at Spoon River College.”
Clardy, who was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Speech and Debate team while at SRC, graduated this past May. He will begin at ISU in the fall to major in Audio Production, and he dreams of working as a producer and sound engineer. He said “all the amazing professors” were his favorite thing about SRC.
“While I didn’t enjoy my high school experience, at SRC I was surrounded by kind, supportive, and genuine professors who have invigorated my love for knowledge and instilled a deep sense of self-efficacy in me that I am grateful for. The one-on-one conversations I had with them was often the highlight of my day.”
Maher says he remembers Manock as somewhat shy but insightful and caring, whereas Clardy is gregarious but also insightful and caring. He is also among the most intelligent, thoughtful, engaged, and kind students I’ve taught, regularly introducing information, history, and concepts he learned in other classes to illuminate the discussion in my Racial and Ethnic Relations class. Students like Mandy and Logan make me hopeful that a better future is possible.”
Maher wasn’t the only professor that Manock had an impression on. “I took a song from one of my favorite bands, Dashboard Confessional, to my poetry course. The professor, Doug Okey, liked it so much that he and Communications professor Bob Gorg went to one of their concerts!”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Awarded Federal Grant to Continue TRIO Student Support Services Program
Spoon River College has been awarded a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $272,364 from the U.S. Department of Education to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.
This award marks the continuation of 15 years of Spoon River College providing this program to help students stay in school, earn degrees, and build meaningful careers.
“We have served more than 1200 students since we began this program in 2010, and are excited to be awarded this generous grant that will allow us to deepen our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally,” said Jill Olson, TRIO director at SRC for the past 12 years. “It helps level the playing field and equips our students with the resources and confidence to earn a degree and better their lives.”
Spoon River College is currently recruiting for the 2025-26 cohort of students. Those accepted to the program will have access to a wide variety of services and resources, such as peer and professional tutors, personalized advising, social opportunities, exclusive scholarship program, assistance with financial aid and much more. Individuals that are currently enrolled in SRC courses for fall semester are encouraged to complete the online application to confirm eligibility for program services. For more information about the TRIO program visit TRIO information page and apply for TRIO program.
Nationally, the SSS program has a proven track record, making a difference for nearly a million students each year. According to a 2019 evaluation by the U.S. Department of Education, students in SSS at two-year institutions were 48% more likely to earn an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year school, and students at four-year institutions were 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to similar peers not in the program.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville offering both transfer and career workforce education.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Student-Athletes Recognized for Academic and Athletic Achievements
Spoon River College student-athletes have received recognition for their academic achievements in the classroom by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), the Mid-West Athletic Conference (MWAC), and the National Fastpitch Coach’s Association.
NJACC Academic All-American First Team (4.0 GPA): (baseball) Ryne Crum and Stephen Stufflebeam; (bowling) Jamie Masten-Rueter; (softball) Meadow Bronke, Kate Oyler, Erin Pulliam, Karsyn Skaggs, Sarah Stufflebeam and Ryan Sweet; (women’s BB) Sierra Sitter; and (volleyball) Addison Haskins, Karson Park, Liliana Serna, and Landry Smith.
NJCAA All-American Second Team (3.8-3.99): (baseball) Jayson Kuzniar and Benjamin Powell; (softball) Lauren Herbst and Kadence Ondrey; (men’s BB) Ignacio Nascimento and Ioannnis Pentaris; (women’s BB) Emilee Salek; and (volleyball) Olivia Miller.
NJCAA All-American Third Team (3.6-3.79): (baseball) Joshua Arnett, Dalton Huffman, Grifin Irvin, and Jack Wheelwright; (bowling) Patrick McKeown; (men’s BB) Lazario Cornish and Leonard Hillard; (women’s BB) Chi Chi Wang; (softball) Adele Oliver, Emma Slayback, Olivia Young
MWAC Academic All-Conference (3.5+): (baseball) Joshua Arnett, Keaton Bloom, Brendan Boudreau, Riley Coble, Ryne Crum, Benedict Hendrickson, Dalton Huffman, Griffin Irvin, Jayson Kuznair, Samuel Parry, Benjamin Powell, Stephen Stufflebeam, and Jack Wheelwright; (bowling) Jamie Masten-Rueter and Patrick McKeown; (men’s BB) Lazario Cornish, Leonard Hilliard, Ignacio Nascimento, and Ioannis Pentaris; (women’s BB) Emilee Salek, Sierra Sitter, Chi Chi Wang; (softball) Kenadee Allensworth, Meadow Bronke, Lauren Herbst, Adele Oliver, Kadence Ondrey, Kate Oyler, Erin Pulliam, Karsyn Skaggs, Emma Slayback, Sarah Stufflebeam, Ryan Sweet, Olivia Young; and (volleyball) Addison Haskins, Olivia Miller, Karson Park, Liliana Serna, and Landry Smith.
All Region 1st Team, Erin Pulliam, and 2nd Team Emma Slayback, CJ Troxell, and Olivia Young. Young also received NFCA 2nd Team All-Region.
Every team had a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, giving the athletic department a GPA of 3.25 with over 100 student-athletes.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois, with campuses and Community Outreach Centers in Canton and Macomb, and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville. It offers bowling, cross country (starting in Fall 2025), baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, E-sports, softball, and volleyball for students throughout the country as well as international students. For more information, visit www.src.edu and click on the Snapper Athletics tab.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Nominations Sought for SRC Alumni Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner Nov. 8.
The Spoon River College Alumni Association has announced that its annual alumni awards dinner and reception will be held Saturday, November 8 at 5 p.m. at the SRC Canton Campus in Centers, lower-level.
Traditionally, awards such as the Alumni Achievement Award, the Outstanding Service Award, the Distinguished Retiree Award, the Distinguished Friend of SRC Award, and the Distinguished Alumni Award have been given at the reception, in addition to individuals or teams being inducted into the SRC Athletic Hall of Fame. 2024 award recipients included Stan Ransom, Sonnie Meredith, and James Bixby (posthumously). Steve Lance and Miranda Aguilar were inducted into the SRC Athletic Hall of Fame.
“Recognizing someone with a nomination for the SRC Alumni Association Awards is more than just a gesture—it’s a way to celebrate their impact, inspire others, and shine a light on the difference one person can make through dedication, leadership, and community service,” said Michelle Howe, alumni coordinator.
Anyone who has attended classes at CCC/SRC can be nominated for these awards, and the nominee does not need to be a graduate. Nomination forms are available on the Spoon River College website at Alumni Awards page , or by calling (309) 649-6348. Completed nominations are due by September 1.
The event is free and open to the public – especially Canton Community College and SRC alumni. Donations to the Spoon River College Foundation will be accepted and appreciated. For more information about the SRC Foundation and the Alumni Association, or to submit a nomination form, please visit the Alumni Awards page
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Announces Spring 2025 Graduates
Spoon River College congratulates the following individuals who completed degrees and/or certificates during the Spring 2025 semester at Spoon River College.
Abingdon: Amanda Seroka, Associate Degree in Nursing; Todd R. Thompson, Associate in Applied Science Diesel and Power Systems Technology; Patrick McKeown, Advanced Welding;
Adair: Nathan Stokes, Commercial Driving Training certificate;
Astoria: Joseph A. Clemens, Preventive Maintenance certificate; Gage A. Peters, Associate in Applied Science Diesel and Power Systems Technology, Preventive Maintenance certificate;
Basco: Jerick Lee LeMaire, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology;
Blandinsville: Danielle Kathryn Icenogle, Associate in Applied Science Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Production certificate;
Bloomington: Marissa Lee Atteberry, Associate Degree in Nursing; Colin Karr, Associate in Arts;
Brownfield, TX: Jackie Nicole-Renee Castillo, Associate in Arts;
Bushnell: Sarah Elizabeth Davis, Associate in Arts; Kaleb Havens, Commercial Driver Training certificate; Benjamin J. Powell, Associate in Arts, Advanced Welding Certificate; Dylan Silchack, Associate Degree in Nursing; Madison LaRae Taflinger, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Camden: Danielle Hammack, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Canton: Angelina Adame, Associate in General Studies; Isabella Alig, Associate Degree in Nursing; Hannah E. Anderson, Associate Degree in Nursing; Paige Anderson, Associate in Arts; Noah G. Bates, Welding Operator Certificate; Matthew Benedict, Commercial Driving Training Certificate; Logan James Clardy, Associate in General Studies; Vanessa Bridgette Coker, Associate in General Studies; Trae M. Cox, Associate in Arts; Hannah Crum, Associate in Arts; Max Danner, Commercial Driver Training Certificate; Hailey DeLong, Associate in Science; Jace William Emery, Associate in Arts; Nathan Fall, Welding Operator Certificate; Tatum Shyanne Featherly, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information degree, certificates in Medical Records, Medical Insurance/Billing, Medical Coding, Advanced Medical Coding; Cassandra Gay, Associate in Applied Science/Health Information Management; Jena Goforth, Associate in Arts; Sarah Goldring, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician; Norah Gray, Associate in Arts; Isabelle Hardy, Associate in Arts; Jonathan Hedges, Agricultural Precision Technology Certificate; Brooklyn Kimbrough, Associate in Arts; Amanda Sue Koll, Associate in Science; Jayson Kuzinar, Associate in Arts; Logan Lala, Welding Operator Certificate; Ayden Mench, Associate in Arts; Stephanie Millikan, Associate Degree in Nursing; Ryleigh Moser, Associate in Arts; Carter Neal, Advanced Welding Certificate; Chandler Neal, Advanced Welding Certificate; Joseph Norton, Associate in Arts; Gavin Otto, Welding Operator Certificate; Kaden Otto, Associate in Arts; Zachary Pittaway, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems, certificates in Computer Information Technology, Enterprise Computer Network Specialist, Computer and Network Technician; Tiffany Marie Ranes, Associate Degree in Nursing; Breauna Rawley, Associate in Science; Baylee Reed, Associate in Arts; Rylee D. Reed, Associate in Arts; Elijah S. Renner, Associate in Arts; Patsy Reynolds-Giles, Associate in General Studies; LeeAnna Riddle, Associate in Arts; Christopher Roderick, Associate in Arts; Liliana G. Serna, Associate in Arts; Abhinandan Sharma, Associate in Science; Brent Skiles, Associate in Arts; Rebecca Strode, Associate in Arts; Allison Taylor, Associate in Arts; Jolina M. Tutor, Associate in Arts;
Charleston, WV: Kcion Welch, Associate in Arts;
Coal City: Carter Dean Garrelts, Associate in Arts;
Colchester: Jordyn Bartlett, Associate in Applied Science, Medical Laboratory Technician; Aaliyah Davis, Nursing Assistant Certificate; Denver Mitchell, Associate in Arts; Ariana Reynoso, Welding Operator Certificate;
Crystal Lake: Liliana Josephine Pirro, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Cuba: Nellie Lehnhausen, Associate in Applied Science/Agricultural Business Management and certificates in Agricultural Precision Technology, Agricultural Production; Cindy Rena Luthy, Associate in Arts; Katherine Neese, Associate Degree in Nursing; Jocelyn Nicholas, Nursing Assistant Certificate; Carmen Pratt, Associate Degree in Nursing; Mason G. Purtle, Welding Operator; Tamra L. Stambaugh, Associate in Arts;
Davenport, IA: Roderick Rudy Tanamor, Associate in Science;
Dunfermline: Tanya L. Kellus, Computer and Network Technion Certificate;
Dunlap: Destiny Love Jordan, Associate Degree in Nursing;
El Dorado, KS: Addison Haskins, Associate in Science;
Elmwood: Connor Parkin, Commercial Driving Training Certificate;
Evans, CO: Julieanna Young, Associate in General Studies;
Fairview: Paige Fox, Associate in General Studies;
Farmington: Alyssa Gilstrap, Associate Degree in Nursing; Ashley Nader, Associate in Arts; Haley Smith, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Havana: Cynthia Elaine Boyer, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician; Olivia Faye Herbst, Associate Degree in Nursing; Kali Marie Lynn, Associate in Science; Tori L. McCamy, Associate in Science; Bryleigh L. Morris, Associate in Science; Star Peace, Associate in Arts; Braden W. Rapp, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems; Destiny Sams, Nursing Assistant; Shyler Don White, Associate in Applied Science/Computer Information Systems, Computer Forensics Certificate; Taryn Ra Wickman, Associate in Arts;
Heyworth: Emma Slayback, Associate in Arts;
Lewistown: Noah Lee Beatty, Associate in Arts; Peirce Dominic Boyer, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology; Deidra Michelle Brown, Associate in Arts; Mackenzie Bunting, Associate in Arts; Lily Ann Derry, Associate in General Studies; Ella Rose Hootman, Associate in Science; Brookelyn Jones, Associate Degree in Nursing; Taylor G. Malott, Associate in Science; Lanie Swearingen, Associate in Arts; Roman Voitovskyi, Certificates in Computer and Network Technician, Server Administrator, Computer User Support Specialist, Enterprise Computer Network Specialist, Computer Information Technology;
Macomb: Patricia L. Brown, Associate in Arts; Mallory Jayne Burg, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician; Lollita Campbell, Associate in Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems and certificates in Computer Forensics, Computer Information Technology, Cyber Security, and Server Administrator; Emma Carson, Associate in General Studies, Nursing Assistant Certificate; Dallas Frank Davis, Computer Information Technology and Server Administration certificates; Melody H. Farkas, Associate in Science; Kelsey Flynn, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician; Matthew R. Hammond, Commercial Driver Training certificate; Antonio T. Hillard, Associate in Arts; Justine Lewis, Welding Operator certificate; Bryonna Kristine Oden, Computer Information Technology and Server Administrator certificates; Misty A. Peyer, Associate in Arts; Tobias Royer, Welding Operator certificate; Jayden Squire, Associate Degree in Nursing; Sarah Colette Stufflebeam, Associate in Science; Stephen Stufflebeam, Associate in Science; Jasmyn Renee Whitfield-Hill, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Manito: Jessica Pollitt, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician;
Medicine Hat, AB: Ryan Gail Sweet, Associate in Arts;
Mulvane, KS: Lyric Edgerle, Associate in Science;
North Henderson: Jared Daniel Cheline, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology;
Oswego: Chase Gerwig, Associate in Arts;
Pekin: Melanie Behymer, Associate in Applied Science Health Information Management, and Certificates in Medical Records, Medical Transcription, Medical Coding, Advanced Medical Coding; Brittany Wertz, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Peoria: Luz Yolanda Ellis, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Polo: Kennedy E. Yingling, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Rushville: Conner James Abernathy, Associate in Arts; Audrie Arlena Dodds, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician; Jennifer Susanne Johnson, Associate Degree in Nursing; Isaac Drake Little, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology; Josh Little, Welding Operator certificate; Shawn Orr, Associate in Arts; Madisyn Paige Quinn, Associate Degree in Nursing; Rachel Rahar, Associate Degree in Nursing; Andreas R. Smith, Associate Degree in Nursing;
Smithfield: Andrew Scott Cousins, Advanced Welding certificate; Sierra G. White, Associate in Arts;
Springfield: Nicole Byrd, Associate Degree in Nursing; Ryne Crum, Associate in Science;
St. Augustine: Gage Coursey, Associate in Applied Science/Diesel and Power Systems Technology, and Preventive Maintenance certificate;
St. David: Easton Allen Haepp, Associate in Arts; Jonathan Wirebaugh, Advanced Welding certificate;
Streator: Kadence Marie Ondrey, Associate in Arts;
Table Grove: Austin Kluthe, Commercial Driving Training certificate;
Tremont: Erin Pulliam, Associate in Science;
Vermont: Olin Seward, Commercial Driving Training certificate;
Villa Park: Erick Garay, Advanced Welding certificate;
W. Palm Beach, FL: Lazario Cornish, Associate in Science;
Warsaw: Heidi Jo Jones, Associate in Applied Science/Medical Laboratory Technician;
Washington: Johnathan Mathews, Computer and Network Technician and Computer Information Technology certificate;
Yates City: Marie Nichols, Associate Degree in Nursing.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Dual Credit Scholarship Applications Due July 7
The application for SRC Foundation dual credit scholarships for eligible high school students who want to begin earning college credit at Spoon River College is available, and the deadline is July 7. The application is available online by visiting www.src.edu and then clicking on the Foundation/Alumni tab.
The dual credit/dual enrollment program helps high school students get an early start on their college education. By enrolling in specific programs and courses, eligible high school students can take Spoon River College courses for high school and/or college credit, or get job training to start a career after high school.
Through these programs, students and their parents can benefit from discounts, scholarships, and Spoon River College’s already-low tuition rates. High schools who participate are Astoria, Bushnell, Canton, Cuba, Farmington, Havana, Lewistown, Macomb, Rushville, Spoon River Valley, V.I.T., and West Prairie. Home schooled students who reside within these school districts are also eligible to apply.
For more information about dual credit education, visit www.src.edu, call Beth Wilson at (309) 649-6221, or Mariah Huston at (309) 833-6019.
The SRC Foundation and Spoon River College offer a wide variety of scholarships each year. Scholarships may be for academic excellence or for talent or skill. Some scholarships are named after individuals who wish to continue making a difference in the lives of others, and some scholarships are for a particular profession or degree. For more information about the SRC Foundation and the scholarships offered, visit the SRC Foundation webpage, or call (309) 833-6083.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Receives Sport Opportunity Grant from the NJCAA Foundation for Cross-Country Program
Spoon River College has been selected to receive a $2,000 Sport Opportunity Grant from the NJCAA Foundation. The grant will assist in the development of the cross-country program, which will begin in the 2025 fall semester.
“We’re excited to announce and honored to receive a grant from the NJCAA Foundation that will help us to bring back cross-country,” said John Bassett, athletic director and head softball coach at Spoon River College. “The NJCAA continues to invest resources into schools to help with continued growth and expanded opportunities for student-athletes.”
“The NJCAA Foundation is excited to further support the growth of NJCAA member colleges and the sport programs they offer through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant,” said Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “The ability to provide this funding is a testament to the importance and growth of two-year collegiate athletics. The NJCAA Foundation looks forward to this initiative’s impact as NJCAA member colleges continue to create opportunities for student-athletes across the country.”
Chase Fisher, originally of Dixon, IL, will lead the new team. He brings coaching experience at both the high school and college level, and he credits his high school coach for inspiring him to pursue coaching. “I was lucky to be brought up through a program that was more of a family than a team, where everyone cared for each other, and those relationships last forever,” said Fisher, who a decade later still talks weekly with that coach. Fisher recently traveled to New York City for his USA Track and Field (USATF) certification, and has already recruited 15 incoming freshmen for the team.
“We are excited to bring back cross-country and to be adding track and the half marathon also, and excited that Coach Fisher will be leading it all,” Bassett said. “His experience will be an invaluable resource, and we look forward to a fun and competitive first season.”
Besides being a fun activity for students, studies have shown that student-athletes tend to perform better academically than their non-athlete peers due to the increased motivation and discipline they gain from participating in sports. Student-athletes are more likely to stay in school and graduate than those not participating in athletics.
Along with the new cross-country program, Spoon River College offers baseball, softball, both men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, bowling, and E-sports, and is a member of the NJCAA. Current and prospective students who are interested in the being part of the cross-country team can call or email Bassett at 309-649-6303, john.bassett@src.edu, or Fisher at chase.fisher@src.edu.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois offering both transfer and career and workforce programs. With campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville, Spoon River College serves students in a 1,566 square mile area including portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler and Knox counties. Visit www.src.edu for more information.
The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on President’s List for Spring 2025 Full-Time Students Announced
Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes and earning a grade point average of 3.6 – 4.0 during the Spring 2025 semester. Please note that students with a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.
Abingdon: Patrick G. McKeown;
Adair: Carter L. Chambers;
Astoria: Jessica L. Frackrell, Brylee J. France, McKinnley G. Kendrick, Isaac McCombs, Jacob R. Wommack;
Avon: Quinton W. Gates;
Bloomington: Meadow J. Bronke, Kate Oyler;
Brampton, ON: Adele M. Oliver I;
Brownfield, TX: Jackie N. Castillo;
Browning: Addi M. Howell;
Bushnell: Sarah E. Davis, Dalton Huffman, Benjamin Powell;
Canton: Annett Anderson, Paige C. Anderson, Timothy M. Bates, Connor Beaty, T K. Bennett, Sunshine L. Bowen, Mia J. Bowers, Logan J. Clardy, Keely E. Coulter, Christian C. Cremeens, Hannah C. Crum, Ella K. Demler, Brooklyn C. Dennis, Natalie G. Downing, Tatum S. Featherly, Louis W. Fournier, Emilee D. Franklin, Katelynn J. Franklin, Ella M. Goforth, Jena E. Gorforth, Isabelle Hardy, Ian J. Hart, Avri G. Hindahl, Stormy Johnson, Jayson M. Kuzinar, Juila R. Matusik, Brady Mayall, Abigail J. McCartney, Jillian R. McDaniel, Ryleigh M. Moser, Jessica D. Moyemont, Ignacio Nascimento Zschaeck, Samuel B. Parry, Camri A. Phillips, Avery J. Pigg, Kiera E. Raker, Breauna K. Rawley, Erika Redding, Rylee D. Reed, Ella G. Renick, Garrett Sego, Tori L. Sehr, Brent M. Skiles, Rebecca A. Strode, Jolina M. Tutor, Carlyn C. Utt, Morgan M. Wagner, Emmie B. Waller, Keighley A. Watson, Ryleigh Watson, Allison M. Wheeler, Jack R. Wheelwright, Addysen M. Williams, Zackery D. Zimmerman;
Charlotte, NC: Leonard M. Hilliard Jr.;
Chillicothe: Griffin W. Irvin;
Colchester: Alexandra M. Hays;
Cuba: Sadie J. Arnett, Braxton L. Humphrey-Kass, Nellie J. Lehnhausen, Cindy R. Luthy, Olivia S. Miller;
Dunfermline: Erin E. Halfaday;
Dunlap: Keeton Bloom;
Ellisville: Jace P. Featherlin;
Farmington: Kelsey J. Black, Jace Crawford, Justyce S. Jennings, Emily Vallianatos, Chandler A. Whisenand;
Findlay: Karson E. Park;
Gilson: Grace M. Cookson;
Glasford: Georgie A. Bessler, Brooke O. Buchen, Kaylee Grebner;
Havana: Andrew E. Brault, Lauren N. Herbst, Jamie M. Masten-Rueter, McKinnlee A. Metz, Star A. Peace, Braden W. Rapp, Rachael M. Ross, Mia A. Speckter, Taryn R. Wickman, Damian A. Worden;
Kilbourne: Matthew C. Nelson;
Ladd: Riley M. Coble;
Larnaca, FO: Joannis Pentaris;
Lewistown: Joshua C. Arnett, Noah L. Beatty, Isabelle C. Bonney, Mackenzie E. Bunting, Kami S. Duncan, Jonah P. Gorsuch, Ella R. Hootman, Shanna D. Judd, Taylor G. Malott, Aidan C. Reed, Parker W. Roddis, Landry L. Smith;
Mackinaw: Erin N. Pulliam;
Macomb: Kenadee A. Allensworth, Bryant W. Barnes, Carlos D. Bustamante, Chloe R. Cheesman, Ava M. Coupland, Dawson R. Davis, Michael E. Ewen, Abigail J. Grove, Hella Guajardo, Nancy Hernandez, Sarah M. Jordan, Ericka L. Metzger, Laci Miller, Savanna H. Moore, Rachel Norville, Megan E. Peters, Maiya Poudel, Samantha K. Sensor, Luke J. Simmons, Sarah C. Stufflebeam, Stephen L. Stufflebeam, Alexis Willie;
Manito: Karsyn E. Skaggs;
Milan: Kyler Schmidt:
Normal: Benedict F. Hendrickson;
Pekin: Sierra N. Sitter;
Ridgecrest, CA: Ryan G. Sweet;
Rushville: Conner J. Abernathy, Ryan J. Fredriksen, Lance V. Kelly, Shawn D. Orr, Tyler S. Trone;
