Summer College Visit Day Scheduled for July 17 at Canton and Macomb Campuses

Spoon River College will host a Summer College Visit Day Wednesday, July 17, at both the Canton and Macomb campuses from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

This is open to people of all ages who are interested in learning about both the transfer and the career education programs available at Spoon River College, including the different degrees and short-term certificates each program offers. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, while certificate programs can often be completed in a year or less.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with advisors and financial aid specialists, and will receive information about the application process, tuition costs, and financial aid options including scholarships, as well as student life activities, clubs, and organizations.

Tours of the campuses will be given, and will include the Snapper Villas student housing on the Canton Campus. All attendees will receive a free t-shirt.

RSVPs are encouraged, and can be made by visiting the Admissions page on the Spoon River College website or by calling 309-649-6400 (Canton) or 309-833-6069 (Macomb).

The Canton Campus is located at 23235 N. County Hwy. 22, and the Macomb Campus is located at 208 S. Johnson Street.

Student Shout-Out Award Recipient Ryne Crum

Congratulations to Ryne Crum, for being the Student Shout-Out Award recipient for the spring semester. He excels in the classroom as well as on the baseball field. He was nominated by Laura Bandy (English faculty), who had this to say about him.

“He has perfect attendance, completes all assignments at a high level and on time, and always participates thoughtfully and knowledgably in class discussion—a teacher’s dream. Most importantly, he shows caring, respect, and integrity to his fellow students in the classroom by being consistently collaborative, respectful, and caring with everyone.

Whenever we have in-class small group work, Ryne takes the lead in his groups, but never in a forceful or overbearing way. Instead, he is always prepared and will direct productive discussion and written work with his classmates, helping them if they have questions and encouraging them to come up with their own responses for assignments. He is a team player, in the classroom and on the baseball field—I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think highly of Ryne Crum. His profile essay of The Church (where he lives with other athletes) was so strong and interesting, they hung it up on the bulletin board there, so everyone could enjoy it! 🙂  I shout him out with gratitude and delight at having him as a student.”

Ryne, who received a $100 Visa Gift Card from President Oldfield, is a Springfield High School graduate and plans to pursue a career in civil engineering.

President’s List for Spring 2024 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 2024 semester. Please note that students with a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.

Astoria: Audrey E. Briggs, Elena C. DeWees, Alyssa A. Riggs, Jacob R. Wommack;

Avon: Emma E. Bearce, Holly J. Mason;

Bath: Shelby M. Garner;

Blandinsville: Erica J. Lacy, Jade V. Miller;

Bushnell: Peyton M. Bowman, Patricia K. Chambers, Jonathon R. Davis, Sarah E. Davis, Leah M. Kling, Shayna K. Ludwig, Mahkalay M. Myers, Benjamin Powell, Hollie R. Warner, Alyssa J. Zarello;

Canton: Haylee K. Anderson, Hanna E. Anderson-Nuttall, Gracie S. Chisum, Logan J. Clardy, Hallie E. Clark, Hannah C. Crum, Hailey N. DeLong, Lexus L. Ellsworth, Jace W. Emery, Tatum S. Featherly, Lucas J. Fontana, Cassandra Gay, Ella M. Goforth, Jena E. Goforth, Chole M. Haley, Emma S. Hamm, Isabelle Hardy, Chloe N. Hill, Lillian S. Kinne, Amanda S. Koll, Ian Kosier, Zachary R. Lingenfelter, Madison N. Long, Alexis A. Marvel, Ryleigh M. Moser, Rachel Parry, Carleigh R. Putman, Mason Rader, Breauna K. Rawley, Elijah S. Renner, LeeAnna L. Riddle, Leah N. Scharping, Abigail M. Spencer, Natalie Spiva, Rebecca A. Strode, Sydney E. Theinert, Emma J. VanMiddlesworth, Ava J. Wenger, Brandi M. Zeman, Bailey J. Abbott;

Colchester: Cydni J. Thrapp I;

Cuba: Olivia L. Beaty, Trever D. Goforth, Allyson M. Harrold, Justin A. Jockisch, Nellie J. Lehnhausen, Emma J. Staggs, Alexis A. Stone, Hayden H. Thum, Kelsie D. White;

Davenport, IA: Keegan J. Shovlain;

Dunfermline: Tyler N. Tucker;

El Dorado, KS: Addison Haskins;

Fairview: Tyler D. Heinz, Nathaniel J. Jennings, Samantha J. Munson, Mason W. Tessier;

Farmington: Ashley A. Nader, Margaret C. Toothaker;

Geneseo: Jake R. Nelms;

Glasford: Georgie A. Bessler, Maggie L. Grebner, Nathan W. Henkle, Ethan L. Patterson, Sydney E. Sager;

Good Hope: Kyle A. Rhoads;

Hannibal, MO: Kylie E. Simmons;

Havana: Tori L. McCamy, Alyssa N. Miller I, Halicyn Minor, Gabriella F. Oxendine, Allison J. Ralston, Braden W. Rapp, Karlie J. Richardson I, Shyler D. White, Taryn R. Wickman;

Industry: Danielle K. Icenogle;

Ipava: Angel L. Dailey;

Jasper, IN: Kylie R. Morton;

Kahnawake, Quebec (Canada): Emily K. Meloche

Kewanee: Mitch N. Lambert;

LaHarpe: Colton D. Walker;

Lewistown: Noah L. Beatty, Jackson C. Churchill, Elliot I. Dalpiaz, Samantha Hackleman, Brady R. Hines, John R. Hess, Sailor L. Johnson, Taylor G. Malott, Aiden C. Reed, Lanie R. Swearingen, Calvin D. Weaver, Katelyn R. Wickert;

Litchfield Park, AZ: Samuel R. Ruchala;

London Mills: Ashley R. Tarochione;

Macomb: Chole R. Cheesman, Dallas F. Davis, Lily R. Dennis, Melody H. Farkas, Emily G. Jordan, Noah S. Mercer, Nicole Quinn, Jacob L. Rouse, Alliana Seely, Samantha K. Sensor, Madelyn O. Skiles, Sarah C. Stufflebeam, Stephen L. Stufflebeam, Brady P. Sullivan, Pamela Teslow, Machai A. West;

Manteno: Bryce W. Vorwald;

Mapleton: Liliana G. Serna;

Maquon: Katie J. Baker, Lillian M. Mason;

Mason City: Clay M. Butler;

Naperville: Tela H. Meech;

Normal: Clint T. Goodman, Kellen J. Hershberger;

Oxbow, Saskatchewan (Canada):  Raivyn J. Millions

Pekin: Kylee A. Hadsall, Johnathan W. Mathews;

Ridgecrest, CA: Ryan G. Sweet;

Rushville: Conner J. Abernathy, Kyle J. Demaree, Ted Eifert, Camille G. Prefountain, Haley VanDeVenter;

St. Augustine: Gage M. Coursey;

Springfield: Ryne M. Crum;

St. David: Easton A. Haepp;

Streator: Kadence M. Ondrey;

Stronghurst: Brynna K. Seitz;

Vermont: Abigail A. Kessler, Easton J. Mercer;

Warsaw: Heidi J. Jones;

Washington: Ashlyn L. Whittington;

West Palm Beach, FL: Lazario J. Cornish;

Williamsfield: Chloee M. Secrist;

Yates City: Eliana C. Davis.

President’s List for Spring 2024 Part-Time Students Announced

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 earned a GPA of 3.6 or higher during the Spring 2024 semester. Please note that students with a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.

Astoria: Denise Perry;

Avon: Quinton W. Gates;

Bryant: John P. Draper;

Bushnell: Washita C. Bradford, Kiley J. Daniels;

Camden: Reagan N. Horsch;

Canton: Paige C. Anderson, Kyle A. Bates, Timothy M. Bates, Courtney E. Behymer, Mykaela A. Billington, Brianna J. Dilts, Avery A. Dry, Sarah E. Goldring, Jennifer L. Gray, Brien Jarvis, Saige A. Kenser, Dominic M. Lomeli, Samuel B. Parry, Makynna A. Plunk, Jhil S. Raj, Kayleigh M. Shubert, Brent M. Skiles, Jolina M. Tutor, Alexis J. Williams;

Colchester: Teri S. Schoonover, Conner Shortall;

Cuba: Elizabeth E. Bass, Cali A. Hanson, Dustin A. Howarter, Cindy R. Luthy, Olivia S. Miller, Samantha J. Woods;

Dunfermline: Nova Lockhart;

East Peoria: Taylor A. Dimmitt, Susan N. Gray;

Farmington: Shelby L. Bull, Jarod L. Ebert, Megan M. Kelso;

Frederick: Paige C. Ackman, Lindsey C. Grafton;

Good Hope: Sharon E. Arnold;

Havana: Jennifer R. Hertter, Hallie R. Lindner, Ruth A. Lippert, Alexa Marshall, Kyli McCorkle, Ryan M. Specketer;

Huntsville: Taylor M. Armstrong;

Lewistown: Joshua C. Arnett, Mackenzie E. Bunting, Alivia J. Hootman I, Ella R. Hootman, Kelsey L. Irwin, Makenna R. Johnson, Zaya A. Peirce, Danielle Sill, Landry L. Smith, Esmerelda Uribe, Curtis H. Watson;

London Mills: Wyatt B. Howard;

Macomb: Mariam Adebo, Christopher T. Boone, Mallory J. Burg, Elizabeth C. Duncan, Hailey R. Emerick, Michael E. Ewen, Zachary M. Hagmeier, Jake S. Hobson, Alexis Joyner, Trustin L. Kimbrough, Chioma Mbakaogu, Adeola Nwamina, Bryonna K. Oden, Emmanuella Oke, Anaiah S. Payne, Misty A. Peyer, Mary Popoola, Jodi L. Schmitz, Aaron W. Spencer, Brandon L. Sprinkle, Gabe T. Trotter, Zoey B. Wagoner;

Manito: Jessica M. Pollitt;

Marietta: Autumn K. Hughes;

Payson: Caleb M. Rogers;

Pekin: Melanie K. Behymer;

Peoria: Sarah A. Wilson-McCoy;

Sarah A. Wilson-McCoy          Peoria

Rushville: Elizabeth L. Corrie, Faith A. Ferris I, Sophia A. Greene, Karlee A. Ham, Rosemary L. Hays, Lance V. Kelly, Kalynn A. Prather, Audrey L. Sutor, Ella A. Williams, Maci N. Wrench;

Smithfield: Emma C. Barrick;

Tennessee: Allie R. Schauble.

Dean’s List for Spring 2024 Full-Time Students Announced

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 2024 semester. Please note that students with a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.

Astoria: Jessica L. Fackrell, Gage A. Peters;

Auburn: Cole B. Smith;

Basco: Jerick L. LeMaire;

Baylis: Christian J. Clayton;

Brownfield, TX: Jackie N. Castillo;

Bushnell: Dalton H. Horwedel, Madison L. Taflinger;

Cameron: Luke W. Hawkins;

Canton: Angelina J. Adame, Ella R. Alexander, Hannah E. Anderson, Gabriel M. Blakely, Manuela Cianfriglia, Jersey R. Dilts, Taylor N. Dosier, Amy J. Edwards, Braden A. Evans, Jack K. Gilmore, Norah Gray, Katherine M. Jett, Brooklyn L. Kimbrough, Jayson M. Kuzniar, Lydia A. Malott, Makyla E. Marvel, Ayden T. Mench, Wyatt J. Neidig, Kaden J. Otto, Carter T. Parsons, Elijah, A. Perkins, Erika Redding, Baylee M. Reed, Rylee D. Reed, Elleanor K. Robinson, Kevin P. Schroer, Abhinandan Sharma, Kaitlynn M. Tutt, Jamaica I. Walker, Kyla Zedric;

Chandlerville: Bryce M. Willing;

Coral Springs, FL: Jordan Evans;

Cuba: Abigail E. Stevens;

Davenport, IA: Roderick R. Tanamor;

East Peoria: Brayden A. Foster;

Ellisville: Conner R. Crusen, Chloe M. Moulton;

Farmington: Haley D. Smith;

Findlay: Karson E. Park;

Fort Madison, IA: Matthew M. Hopper;

Guthrie, OK: Connor D. McCabe

Hanna City: Connor A. Taylor;

Havana: Cassidy S. Boehl, Jeremy V. Huynh, Emily L. Miller, Bryleigh L. Morris, Star A. Pence, Margaret A. Porter;

Heyworth: Emma K. Slayback;

Industry: Autumn G. Peacock;

Ipava: Haylie J. Boehl, Jett A. Woods;

Kilbourne: Addisyn R. Chapin;

Lewistown: Cole A. Beekman, Lily A. Derry, Brooke T. Lerch, William B. Myers, Jr., Roman Voitkovskyi, Jaiden K. Walters;

Lomax: Desiree G. Pflasterer;

London Mills: Elliet B. Wills;

Macomb: Triana J. Banks, Melia C. Butler, Olivia J. Gardner, Frances E. Long, Jason W. Miller, Kaden M. Scohy, Blaine D. Swedell, Alexander Vyhnanek, McKenzie L. Whitford;

Mulvane, KS: Lyric N. Edgerle;

Oswego: Chase G. Gerwig;

Prairie City: Elizabeth M. Gilfillan;

Prophetstown: Nash S. Clementz;

Rushville: Audrie A. Dodds, Emily A. Gossage, Isaac D. Little, Brandi M. Moore, Shawn D. Orr, Cortney S. Taylor, Lisa A. Villwock;

Silvis: Coy M. Dettmer;

St. David: Delaney N. Eastwood;

Table Grove: Allyson D. Bithos;

Tremont: Erin N. Pulliam;

Wentzville, MO: Wyatt B. Seymore;

West Peoria: Brady J. Osmulski;

Yates City: Alyvia K. Marcotte.

Dean’s List for Spring 2024 Part-Time Students Announced

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 2024 semester. Please note that students who have a privacy hold on their records will not be listed.

Astoria: Aleah B. Foster, Kloey A. Tanner;

Burtonsville, MD: Irene Akinyemi;

Bushnell: Shannon K. Coultas, Tessa L. Reimolds;

Camden: Danielle J. Hammack;

Canton: Sabrina Adams, Isabella J. Alig, Kelly M. Anderson, Danielle S. Bailey, Tiffany R. Cohee, Makenzie R. Ewalt, Lindsey N. Harrison-McDowell, Olivia C. Hinds, Matthew J. Huggins, Lily L. Martin, Janelle M. McMahon, Ignacio Nascimento Zschaeck, Zachary A. Pittaway, Allison R. Robinson, Emily R. Stambaugh, Ryleigh Watson, Andrea D. Wrestler, Carissa L. Yocum, Jordon Yocum;

Chicago: Christiana T. Blount;

Cuba: Katherine R. Neese, Jake A. Owens-Shores, Carmen C. Pratt;

Dunfermline: Tanya L. Kellus, Ayden R. Weis;

Dunlap: Caprice M. Dellinger, Destiny L. Jordan;

Fairview: Tyler E. Lovitt, Jonas R. Tessier, Jace P. Weaver;

Farmington: Brock A. Renner I;

Havana: Rachel L. Bailey, Stephanie J. Bailey, Erin R. Danner, Savannah J. Hausman I, Madaline L. Kane, Kali Lynn, Tiffany Ranes;

Industry: Halie A. Moranville;

Keokuk, IA: Andrew D. Rairden;

Lewistown: Brookelyn P. Barclay, Traci L. Brown, Adah C. Cripe, Mattison J. Duffield, Kami S. Duncan, Natalee R. Miller;

London Mills: Carson J. Stuckel;

Macomb: Jordyn N. Bartlett, Westen J. Behymer, Destiny D. Bloodsaw, Kalea Foster, Kalynn M. Haley, Jennifer S. Henson, Amir B. Oden-Shabazz, Kevin M. Vollbrecht, Ethan D. Waldrop, Taylor W. Wolf;

Rushville: Camryn J. Flowers, Kaitlin Fredriksen, Alexandria J. Lamm, Erin A. Miller, Madisyn P. Quinn, Andreas R. Smith;

Springfield: Christian J. Schoeffel;

St. David: Chloe N. Hickle;

Table Grove: Luke E. Abernathy, Molly J. Hiland, Kaylee J. Steele;

Trivoli: Emmalea C. Carpenter;

Vermont: James A. Campbell, Doris A. Hammack;

West Peoria: Laquana Dorsey;

Yates City: Trista M. Nichols.

Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Spoon River College Recognizes Contributions to CTE Programs

Guests attending the ribbon cutting and open house in the newly renovated Votech building at Spoon River College in Canton on May 7 were welcomed by SRC President Dr. Curt Oldfield, who called the day “a significant milestone in our institution’s journey towards excellence in education.”

The event celebrated new scholarship funding, a new greenhouse, and extensive renovations and equipment upgrades that will benefit students in career and technical education programs. The college’s agriculture, diesel technology, and welding programs are housed in the Votech building.

The scholarship funding was provided by SRC alumnus and retired Caterpillar vice president and CEO Lynn McPheeters with a $500,000 gift earmarked for students entering career and technical education programs, which are currently ineligible for federal financial aid.

“Without SRC and SIU, I would have never been in a position to have the success I’ve had or to be able to make a gift like this,” said McPheeters.  “Businesses need a skilled workforce more than ever, and there are great opportunities available to graduates of CTE programs. This place, as it was in 1960, is still standing to provide those open doors to those who enter. It opened a door for me, and I hope these scholarships will provide that same opportunity for untold people in the future.”

The new greenhouse was funded with help from a $25,000 educational grant from Compeer Financials’ Agriculture and Rural Initiative, and will aid SRC agriculture students with more hands-on learning in horticulture and crop science by incorporating plant ID, research, and plant sales into the curriculum.

Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial, noted that their partnership with SRC goes back at least 20 years. “We have seen time and time again with our philanthropic work that anytime a student can touch and feel agriculture, or interact with different things, it creates a life-long passion. And that passion leads to great workers in our communities who give back.”

A $1.5M grant from the Economic Development Administration provided electrical and mechanical upgrades, new welding booths, ventilators and exhaust systems, geothermal in the offices and classrooms, radiant heat, an overhead crane and overhead doors, and an air compressor and fans. LED lighting was installed, and a mezzanine was constructed for parts space. Two new semi-tractors and trailers were also purchased for the Commercial Driver Training program, which is housed off-site. The grant was part of the CARES Act Recovery funds, which the college applied for following the pandemic and the closing of the power plants at Duck Creek and Havana.

“These projects were a testament to our commitment to provide the best possible learning environment for all who pass thru these doors,” said Oldfield. “We could not do what we do without these partnerships.”

Spoon River College Celebrates Graduates at 63rd Commencement

Spoon River College held their 63^rd Commencement Thursday, May 9, at the Multi-Purpose Building in the MidAmerica National Bank Gymnasium on the Canton Campus. Approximately 140 students participated in the ceremony, and several students as well as two faculty members were recognized for their achievements.

President of Spoon River College, Dr. Curt Oldfield, welcomed guests, as did Jerry Cremer, Chair of the SRC Board of Trustees, and Brian Dalpiaz, Chair of the SRC Faculty Association. Student Alyssa Zarello gave the welcome on behalf of the student body.

Missy Wilkinson, Dean of Student Services, recognized members of the Phi Theta Kappa All-Illinois Academic Team. Those students were Delaney Eastwood, Jennifer Henson, and Misty Peyer. Also recognized were members of the Phi Theta Kappa Nu Delta Chapter who earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average: Elena DeWees, John Ross Hess, Chelsey Hopkins, Sydney Sager, Jenna Schleich, and Brynna Seitz.

Haylee Anderson of Canton was recognized for earning her Associate in Arts degree a week before her high school graduation. She was a member of the Running Start program at Canton High School for dual credit students. Student Anna Fowler of Macomb was recognized as having served in the Navy.

Esmerelda Uribe, Student Trustee, presented the first Student Achievement Award to transfer student Delaney Eastwood of St. David, who graduated with an Associate in Arts degree. Eastwood will be transferring to Illinois State University to major in psychology for a future career as a clinical psychologist. While at SRC, Eastwood served as the President of the Gay Straight Alliance, Vice-President of Phi Theta Kappa, and was a member of Students for Environmental Action.

The second Student Achievement Award was presented to career and technical education student Connor Taylor of Glasford, who graduated with an Associate in Applied Science in Agricultural Business Management, as well as certificates in Agriculture Production and Agricultural Precision Technology. Taylor operates a small local farm, and was credited for being attentive and engaged in the classroom, compassionate and fair towards others, and always willing to listen to the perspectives and ideas of everyone in the classroom.

New this year were two Pay It Forward scholarships for $5,000 each courtesy of an anonymous donor. President Oldfield presented these awards to Traci Brown of Lewistown and Alyssa Zarello of Bushnell. Brown said she plans to become the teacher that she needed as a child, and aspires to make a difference for other children both in and out of the classroom. Zarello also plans on a teaching career, with a goal of earning a master’s degree. She said she will continue to do small acts of kindness for people, with emphasis on those who are going through difficult times and struggling with their mental health.

Holly Norton, Vice President of Educational and Student Services, presented faculty awards for teaching excellence. Brian Dalpiaz (Math) was the recipient of the Spoon River College Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award and Illinois Community College Trustee Association Outstanding Full-Time Faculty nominee. Allyson Smith (Agriculture), was the recipient of the H. Truman Standard award.

Sarah Stufflebeam and Stephen Stufflebeam served as Student Honor Guards.

SRC Graduate Coulton Wascher Realizes Dream of Becoming a Firefighter

Five-year-old Coulton Wascher of Carthage wanted to be a volunteer firefighter when he grew up, just like his dad, but 18-year-old Coulton knew he needed a skill and a paycheck, so he enrolled in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology (DPST) program at SRC. During his second semester, he trained for and became a volunteer firefighter for his hometown, and a year later, also started serving as a volunteer for the LaHarpe Fire Department.

In 2015, he graduated with his Associate in Applied Science/DPST degree and went to work for AC McCartney as a diesel mechanic. Now, nine years later, Coulton is taking his passion to the next level, and is currently completing the required 7-week program at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) in Champaign in preparation to join the Macomb Fire Department. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Despite experience as a volunteer firefighter and familiarity with IFSI training, he realizes that being a career firefighter is a whole new level and that he has much to learn. He’s also feeling the effects from the physical workout. “I thought I was in pretty decent shape, but I’m finding out how much I can push my body with this training.” Just the required gear—helmet, gloves, hoods, boots, coats, and pants—weighs on average approximately 60 pounds.

Coulton won’t know his exact role(s) in the department until he starts, but each role supports the individual with the hose. “What can look like chaos at a fire scene is in reality each firefighter performing their specific job with one goal in mind—to get the nozzle to the fire.”

Although he’s changing careers, the knowledge he gained in the DPST program is still relevant. “Todd, Aaron, and Joe provided a learning foundation by letting us stumble, and forcing us to think critically in order to find the solutions. They built us to be teachers, and that program made me who I am.”

In fact, Coulton, along with his fellow DPST classmate and friend, Kody Horn—who serves as the Carthage FD Chief—have become certified training instructors for other volunteer firefighters. “Both mechanics and firefighters are problem solvers, whether the problem is repairing a tractor or putting out a fire.”

In 2018, Coulton had the unique experience of being a background extra for season seven of the television series Chicago Fire, where outside shots are filmed on the Chicago streets and at a real working firehouse, Chicago FD Engine 18. “I came away with a new respect for how television shows are made, and how much work it is.”

“At times I felt like a star. People watching the filming wanted pictures with us, and one kid gave me a hug. It was such a cool experience.” For those who may be wondering, extras get paid $185 per day, are responsible for travel and hotel expenses, and the studio provides food on the set.

While extras don’t normally mingle with the actors, Coulton was already familiar with a few of them, including David Eigenberg, (Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann), and Miranda Rae Mayo (Lieutenant Stella Kidd). “I have been at the IFSI Fire College (a 4-day class for those wanting to improve their skills) on occasions when they were there training for their roles, and they remembered me. They are amazing people to be around.”

Coulton is a good example of following one’s passion however one can. It took three years after applying to MFD before he was high enough on the list to secure an open spot, and he had to apply more than once to be an extra on Chicago Fire. Sometimes, if you don’t give up, you get even more than you dreamed for.

Coulton and wife Lauren currently reside in LaHarpe with their two-year old daughter, Emberly, and their dog, Lily.

Students Get a Glimpse of “Adulting” at 8th Grade Reality Store

Approximately 575 students from Ingersoll, Havana, Farmington, Lewistown, Spoon River Valley and Macomb school districts had the chance to “adult” during the annual 8^th Grade Reality Store held at Spoon River College in Canton on April 26.

The unique career awareness event, organized by SRC advisor Brandi Ketcham, allows students to choose a career, attend an informational session with a professional from that field, receive a paycheck that reflects the starting salary in their chosen career—minus taxes—and then pay their monthly living expenses. Some were also designated as married with children, or single with children, while others were single without children.

“The event does two things; it allows them to hear real inside information about various careers from people actually working in those areas, plus shows them how little money is often left from a paycheck after paying for the necessities of eating and housing, and other bills,” said Ketcham. “They also have to spin the dreaded Wheel of Chance, which might be a windfall such as winning money in a contest, or an unexpected expense like a car repair.”

Students’ comments following the event included that they were surprised at how much their parents have to spend each month on bills, that having children meant they couldn’t afford a cool car, that it was good to get a glimpse into their future life as an adult, and that they liked learning about a career from someone who was actually in that profession. Students especially liked learning how to weld using graham crackers and frosting, spinning the Wheel of Chance when it was a good outcome, and getting a chance to do the Cash Cube.

“It’s definitely a glimpse into being an adult,” said Ketcham.

Assisting with the event were students from Canton High School, as well as Spoon River College students, athletes and employees.

Presenters who shared information about their professions were Dr. Jacob Standard, Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine; Jamie Kotewa, Art Careers; Madi Link, Beauty Services; Jace Chamberlin, Business Owner; Dean Clary, Computer Careers; Aaron Mayall, Diesel Repair Technician; Keith Plavec, Engineering; Allyson Smith, Farming/Forestry/Ag; Dr. Jason Chamberlin, Health Care Professionals; Nate Adkins, Law Enforcement; Whitney Parrish, Lawyer/Paralegal; Cpt. Joel Natalie, Military Careers; Sarah Turner and Cassidy Miller, Nursing; Jason Palmer, Athletic Training; Julie Toney, Psychologist/Counselor; Evyn Way, Welding; and John Kurtz and Holly Norton, Coach/Teacher.