NOTE: All SRC locations will be closed Fridays beginning May 22 through the end of July, for summer hours.
NOTICE OF MEETING, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of Spoon River College District #534 will meet for the purpose of interviewing presidential candidates on June 16, 22, 23 2026, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on the Canton Campus. Following the interview, there will be a dinner at Bistro 101 Canton, IL. During which college business may be discussed but no action will be taken.
These sessions will be closed to the public.
The Spoon River College Community Chorus and the Canton History & Arts Alliance present the original theatrical production, We Hold These Truths, on Sunday, June 28 at 7 p.m. at the Opera House Plaza in downtown Canton. The show includes over 40 actors, singers, musicians, and technicians. The production is free and open to the public.
We Hold These Truths, written by Carol Davis, Chad Murphy, and Corrinna Markland Pickel, commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States. The production is directed by Carol Davis.
“Chad, Corrinna, and I set out to write a production that was entertaining, thought-provoking, historically based, challenging, and memorable,” Davis said. “We Hold These Truths has something for everyone.”
The show features an outdoor television broadcast of the popular 2026 show – We Hold These Truths. Through an unexplained twist of time, Presidents George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, along with Abigail Adams, are featured guests on the program. The show’s moderator, Sage Stark, asks the presidents and Mrs. Adams if the America of today is the America they had intended when the country was first formed in 1776. Much is revealed as the presidents respond and the WHTT audience performs musical numbers highlighting the nation’s history.
The musical numbers include popular songs from the revolution to a Canadian choral arrangement of Bob Dylan’s Chimes of Freedom, a song specifically commissioned for the 250th celebration, and a closing number which invites those in attendance to participate.
The cast includes Phil Funkenbusch as George Washington, Chad Murphy as John Adams, Sara Mathis as Abigail Adams, Douglas Okey as Thomas Jefferson, Corrinna Markland Pickel as Sage Stark, Stacy Smith as the Stage Manager, and BJ Stone as the Host of We Hold These Truths.
Pamela Willison serves as musical director and pianist for the production. Drake Miller provides sounds of 1776 on the piccolo with Lindsey Larson on glockenspiel. Greg Pollitt is the sound technician. Costumers are Denise Kirgan, Andrea Barbknecht, and Lori Beecham.
Chorus members include Andrea Barbknecht, Sherry Coffey, Colin Davis, John Davis, Jennifer Fletcher, Clay Klinedinst, Carol Kohler, Charlene Kornoski-DuVall, Aja Lawson, Wendy Martin, Trygve Meade, Janet Munson, Natalie Orwig, Cecily Pearson, Lydia Robinson, Ron Smith, Sue Smith, Marley Smith, Lily Smith, Shane Smith, Jean Sprecher, Jeanine Standard, Mike Varnes, Melissa Walker, Kevin Watson, and Tammy Weaver.
We Hold These Truths is appropriate for all age ranges and families are encouraged to attend. Audience members should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Should inclement weather prohibit the production from taking place outdoors, the production will be moved to the sanctuary of the First Christian Church of Canton.
Photo Credit: Carol Davis
Spoon River College Takes Next Step in Presidential Search – Three Finalists Announced
Following a national search, the Spoon River College Board of Trustees has selected three candidates to advance to the final stage in its search for the institution’s next president. All three finalists will participate in on-campus interviews and community engagement opportunities during the coming weeks.
The finalists and interview dates are:
Public Meeting: June 16
Macomb Outreach Center: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Canton Conference Center: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Public Meeting: June 22
Macomb Outreach Center: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Canton Conference Center: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Public Meeting: June 23
Macomb Outreach Center: 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Canton Conference Center: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
As part of the interview process, each finalist will participate in meetings with faculty, staff, students, community members, and the Board of Trustees.
“We are pleased to welcome these outstanding candidates to Spoon River College,” said Board Chair Kevin Meade. “Each finalist brings a unique set of experiences and leadership strengths. We look forward to learning more about their vision for the future of Spoon River College and engaging our campus and community in this important process.”
The presidential search attracted a strong pool of candidates from across the country. The search committee, comprised of representatives from the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders, and a national search firm worked diligently to identify candidates who align with the College’s mission and strategic priorities.
Spoon River College expects to announce its next president following completion of the interview process and Board approval, which is expected in late June.
For additional information regarding the presidential search and interview schedule and each candidate, visit the SRC Presidential Search page.
The Spoon River College Board of Trustees has appointed Holly Norton as Interim President of Spoon River College, effective July 1, 2026.
Holly Norton
Norton currently serves as Vice President of Educational and Student Services and brings decades of leadership experience in higher education, academic administration and student success to the role. Having served Spoon River College in multiple leadership roles since 2007, Norton is well-positioned to provide continuity and support the college’s ongoing mission during the presidential search process.
“Holly’s experience spans nearly every facet of the institution; from academic affairs and student services to enrollment, planning, and workforce development,” said Kevin Meade, Chair of the Spoon River College Board of Trustees. “Her leadership and understanding of our college make her exceptionally qualified to guide the college during this short interim period. The Board remains committed to having a new President in place in August.”
As Interim President, Norton will provide executive leadership for the college while maintaining momentum on institutional priorities, supporting students and employees, and continuing to strengthen relationships across Spoon River College’s district.
“I am honored by the trust placed in me to serve Spoon River College in this role,” Norton said. “Spoon River College has long been committed to meeting the needs of our students and communities, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees to continue that important work.” Norton will serve until a new President has been selected and officially takes office.
Spoon River College is a two-year public community college serving approximately 1,700 credit students annually across portions of Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, and Knox counties in West Central Illinois. The College remains committed to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
President’s List for Spring 2026 Full-Time Students
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 2026 semester.
Abingdon: Kellen J. Hook;
Adair: Carter L. Chambers;
Ankeny, IA: Morgan Willers;
Astoria: Kirsten N. Davis, Brylee J. France, McKinley G. Kendrick, Isaac McCombs;
Avon: Ella P. Eathington, Quinton W. Gates;
Banner: Kailey E. Link;
Bath: Olivia G. Kramer;
Bloomington: Meadow J. Bronke, Kate Oyler, Blake Willan;
Brampton, ON: Adele M. Oliver I;
Browning; Addi M. Howell, Ruth A. Trone;
Burlington, NC: Josiah Love;
Bushnell: Karly E. Diaz, Calvin J. Hormann, Dalton Huffman;
Canton: Mia J. Bowers, Brooklyn C. Dennis, Ryan M. Fontana, Kati R. Fox, Emilee D. Franklin, Katelynn J. Franklin, Danica E. Geeseman, Gillian I. Jensen, Jack G. Jochums, Elizabeth Knowles, Maison R. Ladendorf, Sydney R. Markello, Sunshine D. Mooney, Jessica D. Moyemont, Reese C. Murphy, Jake D. Nebergall, Cindy Ni, Kevin Ni, Amilia L. Oswald, Samuel B. Parry, Calee Parsons, Kiera E. Raker, Sawyer F. Reneau, Corey L. Richardson, Ryan Rosich, Kayleigh M. Shubert, Meghan E. Skiles, Owen Spahn, Grace Spencer, Andrew M. Stockham, Brienna L. Tinsman, Hannah L. Uryasz, Andy C. Wang, Jack R. Wheelwright, Jennifer Williamson, Ollie Williamson, Carissa L. Yocum, Zackery D. Zimmerman;
Chicago: Ayodeji O. Ikudabo;
Chillicothe: Maxwell J. Gregory, Mason Marchand;
Coal Valley: Nolan L. Buchen;
Cuba: Kelsie Clark, Sara Gilpin, Catherine Ruckle, Abriana Wells;
Delevan: Kelton R. Nafziger, Braden D. Arrenholz;
Dunfermline: Olivia McLouth;
Dunlap: Masyn K. Burke, Hannah Hart;
Edmond, OK: Tiffany J. Wilson;
Edwardsville: Chase C. Kelley;
Ellisville: Jace P. Featherlin;
Fairview: Olivia N. Erickson, Morgyn G. Guppy, Haily Harrison, Jonas R. Tessier, Carlyn C. Utt; `
Farmington: Drew E. Kenkhaus;
Galesburg: Hope Haneghan;
Garland, TX: Philip W. Mahn III;
Gilson: Grace M. Cookson;
Glasford: Layne C. Byrns, Kaylee Grebner, Adam Maroney, Trevor M. Rynearson;
Good Hope: Addisyn N. Winking;
Groveland: Logan A. Booth;
Hamburg: Josephine R. Hoagland;
Hanna City: Isabella J. Archdale;
Havana: Andrew E. Brault, Deagan Brown, Jack M. Curless, Ryan E. Dye, Lauren N. Herbst, Kaden L. Hurst, Ryne Lorek, Jamie M. Masten-Rueter, McKinlee A. Metz, Rachael M. Ross, Lily A. Snowden, Damian A. Worden;
Heyworth: Logan M. Mills;
Illinois City: Teagan M. Reed;
Industry: Ashlyn M. Downs, Alice J. Hynek, Kaden Peterman;
Ipava: Devin S. Bales, Daisy E. Ratcliff;
Kilbourne: Alexis P. Richardson;
Koosia, ID: Jessica C. Ketola;
Lewistown: Rebekah A. Foxall, Chloe M. Heath, Casey M. Jones, Diellza Mehmedi, Jasmine L. Murphy, Mylie L. Sours, Caden J. Werland;
London Mills: Deacon N. Clardy, Taylor Morey;
Macomb: Kenadee A. Allensworth, Payton Bearce, Westen J. Behymer, Gabrielle Buffington, Ava M. Coupland, Brianna Cox-Petty, Kalissa R. Fisher, Lucy L. Gilliland, Abigail J. Grove, Hella Guajardo, Sarah E. Hess, Alicia M. Lasley, Alyssa Leonas, Kellen M. McMeekan, Lisa A. Murray, Rachel Norville, Karli Payne, Maiya Poudel, Samantha K. Sensor, Shapril Smith, Addison J. Taylor, Nichole R. Travis, Cassidy Trimm;
Mapleton: Johnathon C. Switzer;
Mason City: Cayden J. Mulford;
Monmouth: Brian M. Kinkaid;
Morton: Katelyn Y. Brock;
Oglesby: Brendan T. Boudreau;
Oklahoma City, OK: Darcie Govaert;
Ormond Beach, FL: Jolie Jeffreys;
Paxton: Lucas A. Krumwiede;
Payson: Taylor Bryant;
Pekin: Sierra N. Sitter;
Peoria: Justice Krus;
Petersburg: Allyssa Hollenback;
Pleasant Hill: Makenna R. Winchell;
Pontiac: Olivia B. Lindsay;
Prairie City: Alexis Smith;
Roseville: Tobi A. Caldwell;
Rushville: Emma Behrens, Hudson Brubaker, Bennett M. Fretueg, Alexander L. Hunter, Macon M. Kessler, Terry J. Leverton, Natalie Perdew, Kaylee J. Shaw, Audrey L. Sutor, Anson Tatum, Kelsey D. Winkelman;
Saskatoon, FO: Cameron Crerar;
Sciota: Kendra M. Fowler;
Sherrard: Maddux Harksen;
South Bend, IN: Karson D. Quinn;
Springfield: Elijah A. Carlson;
St. Charles, MO: John R. Tallis;
Streator: Caleb J. Krischel;
Table Grove: Ethan Dennis;
Tbilisi, FO: Saba Tavkhelidze;
Vermont: Olivia L. Kessler;
Victoria: Jack N. Godsil;
West Point: Mitchell Wilcox;
Winchester: Brylee J. Lawson.
President’s List for Spring 2026 Part-Time Students
Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the President’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC, and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher during the Spring 2026 semester. Please note that students who have designated a privacy hold will not be on the list.
Astoria: Hunter D. Adkins, Heidi J. Pemberton;
Bushnell: Kelli D. Abbott, Cole P. Havens ;
Canton: Amos A. Anderson Jr., Austin Bickel, Graecee M. Breweur, Abella H. Brown, Katie M. Coon, Katherine M. Dailey, Parker DeRenzy, Yulia R. Denton, Chase Driskell, Tatum J. Farrow, Amelia J. Fuller, Jeremy J. Graham, Mackenzie Hand, Devon M. Hickmann, Atoya M. Jones, Joshua R. Liggin, Taunya J. Martin, Ashayla K. McCoy, Madisen Mulligan, Maximillan Raker, Leah N. Scharping, Easton Wheeler, Dylan S. Young, Kara M. Zuckerman ;
Carthage: Jessica J. Mason;
Cedar Rapids, IA: Olivia Young;
Cuba: Sydney K. Bowcott, `Mollie J. Cornell, Genny Daum-Craig, Macy E. Eeten, Alyssa J. Fidler, Braden A. Sanderson I , Nicole E. Southerd, Kacie S. White;
Ellisville: Cadence K. Churchill;
Farmington: Shelby L. Bull, Elizabeth S. Ludlum;
Glasford: Marlee Scott;
Havana: Richard S. Baughman, Karlie Hurst, Ruth A. Lippert, Willa M. Towery;
Industry: Ashley J. Peterman;
Lewistown: Grace E. Bonney, Carsyn Braun, Destiny L. Chapman, Joley E. McLaughlin, Dylan C. Morehouse, Alexis M. Parker, Landry L. Smith, Savannah J. Stahl, Grace A. Tarvin, McKenzie N. Tendick, Hannah B. Tindall;
Macomb: Christopher T. Boone, Nina K. Cale, Ivy E. Chapla, Mylan T. Chung, Dawson R. Davis, Jacob M. Derry, Marcus Graham, Cooper H. Hobson, Amy R. James, Madeline Moon, Jayson T. Nelson, Sasha M. Phillips, Aaron W. Spencer, Blaine D. Swedell, Dakota Thorman, Anthony M. Turke, Roger C. Viadero;
Manito: Isabella J. Passmore, Karsyn E. Skaggs;
Marietta: Haley M. Johnson;
Prairie City: Christine S. Sullivan;
Rushville: Ella L. Goodrich, Mallory L. Vining;
Sciota: Madison N. Johnson;
Smithfield: Gracie L. Widger;
St. David: Trey R. Bedwell, Kayla M. Johnson, Jenna R. Taylor;
Vermont: Melissa K. Riggins;
Yates City: Eliana C. Downs.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois with campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville.
Dean’s List for Spring 2026 Part-Time Students
Spoon River College congratulates the following part-time students who were named to the Dean’s List in recognition of their academic achievement in completing at least 12 credit hours of college level courses at SRC, and who were enrolled in six to eleven credit hours and earned a GPA of 3.0 − 3.5 during the Spring 2026 semester. Please note that students who have designated a privacy hold will not be on the list.
Astoria: Tommi J. Gorsuch, Hunter D. Protsman;
Bryant: Alexis M. Kruzan;
Bushnell: Joy W. Hadley, Donna A. McCleery;
Canton: Jamerious T. Baker, Tori Birch, Whitney N. Coker, Saige G. Cox, Lucas E. Dearing, Shea A. Dudek, Hannah E. Eveland, Alina V. Hess, Simeon A. Luedtke, Macie Maxwell, Easton S. Orwig, Ainslee G. Perrine, Phoenix Peters, Rachel N. Skinner, Averi J. Smith, Alaina Towery, Emma Turner, Nevaeh M. Vaughn;
Cuba: Olivia S. Miller, Ethan R. Voss;
Cynthiana, KY: Grace L. Briggs
Dunfermline: Aliyah D. Weis;
East Peoria: Mason L. Becker;
Fairview: Jillian R. McDaniel;
Farmington: Kayla E. Mathews, Kylee I. Skirvin;
Good Hope: Nolan Hoge;
Industry: Samantha C. Ayala;
Ipava: Kathrin E. Miller;
Lewistown: Taylor A. Davison, Jonah P. Gorsuch, Owen Kelley, Alexis R. Kitchen, Jazlyn M. Robbins;
Macomb: Laura Baynard, Kaleb L. Keeran, LaMonica Kennedy, Adeola Nwamina, Mary Popoola, Luke J. Simmons, Drew Watson, Anthonia E. Yeiyah;
Peoria: Charles K. Ala, Terrika Coleman;
Rushville: Amivi Fayosseh, Jacey Rauch;
Saint David: Cassandra Leitner.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois with campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville.
Dean’s List for Spring 2026 Full-Time Students
Spoon River College congratulates the following full-time students who have been named to the Dean’s List by achieving a 3.0 – 3.5 grade point average for 12 credit hours or more of college-level classes during the Spring 2026 semester. Please note that students who have designated a privacy hold will not be on the list.
Abbotsford, BC: Ava Collins;
Bath: Claira M. Newcomer;
Beardstown: Delma F. Salazar II;
Belleville: Caden W. Cagas I;
Bettendorf, IA: Paxton G. Thomsen;
Braime-le-Comte, FO: Ethan J. Nsiona Di Vunda;
Browning: Hailey N. Bollinger;
Bushnell: Shayna K. Ludwig, Bradleigh J. Walters;
Canton: Regan E. Averett, Connor M. Ball, Alexis D. Chaplain, Makaylynne M. Correa, Addison K. Edwards, D’Aundre S. Evans, Hailey Ford, Drake J. Haffner, Alivia M. Harlos, Zoe J. Keck, Eva N. Knollman, Christian J. Lowe, Madeline Mansfield, Devin A. Martin, Kambell M. McDermet, Bryer Nelson, Jasmin J. Peterson, Camri A. Phillips, Sabrina Rawson, Elli P. Reed, Lucas H. Reith, Sadie E. Sale, Justin J. Shockency, Kolby Smith, Lilyana R. Smith, Bryar J. Tinder, Austin L. Wright;
Champaign: David D. Riley;
Chandlerville: Shelby J. McDaniel;
Channahon: Braden D. Goffin-Eilers;
Chillicothe: Griffin W. Irvin;
Colchester: Wyatt E. Parks;
Cuba: Braxton L. Humphrey-Kass, Jack A. Lowry, Tyson R. Markley, David G. Roberts;
Dunfermline: Ashlynn R. Howarter;
Eldred: Daci Walls;
Evansville, IN: Landyn D. Richason;
Fairview: Faith M. Angelo;
Farmington: Zachary M. Simpson, Chandler A. Whisenand;
Galesburg: Caiden S. Dougherty;
Geneseo: Landen C. Pruett I;
Gibson City: Mallory M. Rosendahl;
Glasford: Brendan E. Bacon, Jessica A. Eveland;
Hanna City: Rebekkah J. Turner, Wyatt N. Smallberger;
Havana: Mercedez R. Bassett, Mikel P. Ward;
Ipava: Junie A. Hebb;
Kankakee: Anistin M. Hackley;
Kilbourne: Matthew C. Nelson;
Lena: Jackson J. Barrett;
Lewistown: Joshua C. Arnett, Karia E. Sours;
Liverpool: Kara J. Rilea;
Macomb: Samariah Braswell, Preston N. Danner, Sarah J. Gebhardt, Raya J. Huston, Kyle John, Justice C. Keene, Macyn R. McMillan, Kyle R. Rogers;
Manito: Ayden Forbis;
Mapleton: Addyson R. Clark;
Milan: Alexander J. Jackson I, Kyler Schmidt, Garrett P. Woodward;
Normal: Benedict F. Hendrickson;
Norris: Kynlea Saylor;
Oneida: Jaedyn S. Mitchell;
Pawnee: Coy W. Clarke
Poontoosuc: Shawn D. Watkins Jr.;
Rushville: Easton L. Fanshier, Jasmine G. Jubala, Madeline E. Stoll, Ainsley R. Trone;
St. Augustine: Braden J. Hagerty;
St. David: Tandem J. Leezer;
Wentzville, MO: Ethan L. Theisman;
Worthington, IN: Kolette N. Slough;
Yates City: Owen D. Morse, Alyssa L. Siedel.
Spoon River College is a two-year, public community college in West Central Illinois with campuses and Community Outreach Offices in Canton and Macomb and Learning Centers in Havana and Rushville.
For many students, the path to a college degree, and a career, begins before they even graduate from high school.
Spoon River College’s Dual Credit program is making that possible.
Through this program, high school students can enroll in approved courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. The result is a head start that saves time, reduces cost, and builds confidence.
Today, 293 students from across the district are enrolled in dual credit courses.
Of those, 12 students are on track to graduate this spring with both their high school diplomas and associate degrees, an achievement that puts them significantly ahead as they enter the workforce or continue their education.
The program also goes beyond traditional academic courses. Students have the opportunity to explore career and technical education pathways, gaining hands-on experience in fields like welding. Currently, 14 students are enrolled in welding at the Macomb campus, with another 10 participating in Canton.
These experiences allow students to graduate not only with credits—but with real skills.
For those looking to continue, Foundation scholarships are available specifically for dual credit students, helping make that next step even more accessible.
For many, Dual Credit isn’t just a program—it’s the beginning of a future.
Learn More about Dual Credit here.
Each year at graduation, Spoon River College recognizes one transfer student and one career education student who have shown initiative, personal growth, and progress toward their academic and personal goals, as well as active participation and success in extracurricular activities.
The recipient of this year’s Transfer Degree Student Achievement Award was Samantha Sensor of Macomb, Ill, who has demonstrated consistent academic excellence and a strong commitment to student life at Spoon River College. She not only maintained outstanding grades but has also been a dedicated and involved member of the campus community.
Samantha completed her associate degree at SRC and plans to transfer to Western Illinois University to continue her studies with a focus on broad-based, interdisciplinary learning.
While at SRC, Samantha balanced her roles as a wife and mother of five while staying highly engaged on campus. She was an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Student Government Association, volunteered with the SRC Adult Education program, and has served as a TRIO peer tutor and co-editor of the student-run literary and visual arts journal, Kaleidoscope.
The Career and Technical Student Achievement Award was presented to nursing student Carrington Troxel of Edwards, lll. She is known for consistently offering support and encouragement to classmates and teammates and is a resource for others.
Alongside her academic demands, Carrington maintained an intense commitment outside the classroom as a member of the Spoon River College softball team. Practices, conditioning, games, and travel were constant, yet Carrington continued to meet expectations with perseverance and discipline.
She has worked hard to build her nursing knowledge and experience to best serve her patients and meet her dreams of becoming a registered nurse.
In addition, three Pay It Forward scholarships for up to $5,000 each were awarded to Jack Godsil (Victoria, Ill), Alicia Lasley (Macomb, Ill) and Tiffany Wilson (Edmond, Okla). These awards were introduced in 2024 courtesy of an anonymous donor to empower SRC students in achieving their academic and career goals, encouraging a spirit of giving back to local communities and developing a culture of “paying it forward” to the next generation of SRC students.
