Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosts 10th Grade Career Expo at Canton Campus
More than 250 sophomores from Canton, Cuba, Farmington, Havana, and Lewistown attended the annual 10th Grade Career Expo that was hosted by Spoon River College on November 15 at the Canton Campus. More than 46 presenters were on hand to showcase a variety of careers.
The interactive event focused on four main career areas: health care/human and public services; arts and communication; agriculture/food/natural resources; and manufacturing/engineering/logistics.
Informative and entertaining hands-on activities were provided, giving students the chance to bend and press metal, , practice laparoscopic surgery, perform CPR, pitch a business plan, and more. Students also received information on the skills and education needed for the careers.
“The activities really caught the students’ attention, and we appreciate the time and support of the presenters,” said Brandi Ketcham, SRC advisor and event organizer. “Many high school students are still deciding what they want to do, and we hope events like this can help them make that decision.”
On a follow-up survey, more than 75% of the students indicated that the information they received would be valuable as they consider their future careers, and they also felt that they had made some beneficial connections. Being able to talk with different professionals from many different fields as well as learning what specific characteristics were needed for certain jobs was also mentioned as being valuable.
The following career areas and the businesses representing them were:
Health Care Professionals: Canton High School (Athletic Trainer); Carl Sandburg College (Dental Hygiene Program); Graham Health Services (OT/PT Rehabilitation, Imaging, Behavioral Health, Medical Doctor, Nursing Educator, Laboratory Information Systems Analyst, Pharmacist, Clinical Recruiter/Director); and Spoon River College (Medical Lab Technician instructor);
Education, Human and Public Services: Canton YMCA (Daycare program); Fulton-Mason Crisis Service; Fulfill Your Life Destiny Life Coach; Fulton County Emergency Medical Association; Canton Police Department; Illinois State Police; Barnhart, Tinsman, and Parrish, LTD; Special Education Association of Peoria County (Speech/Language Pathologist); and Spoon River College (Early Childhood Education);
Ag/Food/Natural Resources and Manufacturing/Engineering/Logistics: Fulton County Farm Bureau (Educator); Martin Tractor (Recruiter); Spoon River Animal Clinic (Veterinarian and Veterinarian Technician); Illinois River NWFR Complex (Wildlife Refuge Specialist); Cook Medical (Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manager); University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (4-H Youth Development Educator); and Spoon River College (Logistics, Agriculture, Welding, Diesel and Power Systems Technology);
Arts, Communications, Information Technology, Business: MidAmerica National Bank; Canton HyVee (Floral Manager); International Award-Winning Sleight of Hand Artist; Master Naturalist; On-Board Engineer in Charge for NASCAR, NEP Group, Broadcast Sports International; State of Illinois (Court Reporter); and Spoon River College (Art, CIS, Human Resources Director, Human Resources Generalist);
Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on FAFSA Completion Workshops Scheduled at SRC District High Schools
Employees in the financial aid office at Spoon River College will present free completion workshops for the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at district high schools throughout December.
The FAFSA is the official form that students or their families must complete to apply for federal financial assistance for college. This form must also be filled out before students can apply for additional college scholarships. The application for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available starting December 1, 2024.
Nikki Rittenhouse, director of Financial Aid at Spoon River College, said that the many updates to the FAFSA application this past year have resulted in more questions than usual. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to have it completed accurately and on time, so we are happy to answer questions and help students and parents fill out the application.”
Information about other financial assistance programs such as funding for veterans, scholarships, student loans, and payment plans will also be presented. These workshops are for students, their parents, and any adult learners who are would like assistance in filing the FAFSA application.
Attendees can bring their own personal device if they chose, and must bring their 2023 income information (W-2’s or tax returns), as well as any additional untaxed income such as veteran’s benefits, child support (paid or received) and worker’s compensation. They should also bring the names, birth dates, social security numbers, and email address of any contributors. The school code for all locations of Spoon River College is 001643. This code is needed to complete the FAFSA application.
The schedule of visits is as follows:
Astoria HS: December 2, 5-7 p.m.;
Canton HS: TBD
Havana HS: December 4, 5-7 p.m. at the Spoon River College Havana Center;
Lewistown HS: December 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
Farmington HS: December 5, 6-7:30 p.m.
VIT HS: December 5, 6-8 p.m.
Spoon River Valley HS: December 9, 6-7:30 p.m.
Macomb HS: December 11, 5-7 p.m.
Spoon River Valley High School on Monday, December 9, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Rushville-Industry HS: TBD
For more information, visit www.src.edu and click on the Financial Aid link under the Student Services tab or call (309) 649-7030 in Canton or (309) 833-6073 in Macomb.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Hosts 10th Grade Career Expo at Macomb Outreach Center
There were 275 sophomores at the 10th Grade Career Expo sponsored by Spoon River College and held at the Macomb Outreach Center on November 8.
The interactive event focused on four main career areas: health care/human and public services; arts and communication; agriculture/food/natural resources; and manufacturing/engineering/logistics. Presenters provided hands-on activities and shared information about their respective careers.
“Our presenters did a fantastic job of giving students a look at the work they do while also providing both entertaining and informative hands-on activities that got the students’ attention,” said Karen Trusley, SRC advisor and event organizer. “Hopefully it gave students some things to think about as they make decisions about their futures.”
The following career areas and the business representing them were:
Health Care Professionals: Advanced Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine; Carl Sandburg College Dental Hygiene; McDonough District Hospital (Behavioral Health, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine); Spoon River College (EMT, Healthcare Careers, Medical Lab Technician, Nursing); and Western Illinois University (Dietetics);
Education, Human and Public Services: Catch a Star Learning Center; City of Macomb; Court Reporters; Macomb Fire Department; Macomb Police Department; Spoon River College (Coach/Teacher, Early Childhood Education, Education Department); and Western Illinois University (Military Science, Speech and Audiology);
Ag/Food/Natural Resources and Manufacturing/Engineering/Logistics: Dot Foods; Ironworkers Local 577; Martin Tractor, Inc.; Spoon River College (Welding); University of Illinois Extension; Western Illinois University (School of Agriculture, Supply Chain Management);
Arts, Communications, Information Technology, Business: local artists Amanda Dean and Kristel Wroblewski; MidAmerica National Bank; MTC/McDonough Telephone; Spoon River College (Information Technology), and The Birds Nest and More.
High schools participating were Bushnell-Prairie City, Macomb, Royals, VIT, and West Prairie.
Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Canton Community College/Spoon River College Host Alumni Association Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame
The Canton Community College/Spoon River College Alumni Association hosted their annual Alumni Association Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction on November 9 at the Spoon River College Canton Campus.
Inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame were Miranda Aguilar, Pomona, CA., and Steve Lance, Cuba, IL.
Aguilar enrolled in Spoon River College after meeting John Bassett, SRC athletic director and head softball coach, at a softball tournament in Colorado. After graduating from SRC, she transferred to Southwest Baptist University for a Bachelor degree in Social Work, and then to California Baptist University for her Master of Social Work degree.
While at SRC Aguilar earned First Team All-Regional, NFCA All-Region, Second Team All-American, Region 24 All-Region, MWAC All-Conference, Second Team, and Academic All-Conference. She boasted a .492 batting average at SRC and a .421 career batting average. Although nervous about coming to a town halfway across the country, Aguilar said she found the SRC community to be a welcoming and helping community, and it ultimately helped her grow as a person. Her advice to other students: “Step outside of your comfort zone.” One of her favorite SRC memories was playing at the University of Illinois and knowing that she could compete with athletes at the D1 level. Married to Dominic Johnson since May, Aguilar currently works at Sunrise Horizon FFA as a Foster Agency Social Worker.
Lance attended Cuba High School, where he was 1st Team All-County in basketball, football, and track and field, and selected to play in the East/West All-Star Shriners football game. He attended Spoon River College from 1985-1987 before transferring to Eastern Illinois University to study coaching. While at SRC, Lance played basketball, averaging 15 points per game, was voted Top Defensive Player, and once held the record for making the most free throws (17/22) in a single game. He also played baseball and participated in track and field. One of his favorite SRC memories was competing in the National Track and Field Championship Decathlon in Texas, and sitting next to author Zig Ziglar on the plane, who gave him advice he still uses today; “When you wake up, always tell yourself to have a good day.”
Lance has owned multiple businesses, including carpentry and Jule’s Ice-Cream and Coffee in Cuba. He served on the Cuba City Council for nine years, and was a professional auto racer, earning Rookie of the Year and Sportsman of the Year in the same year. A member of the Peoria Speedway Hall of Fame, he has raced around the country and in Australia. He enjoys time with his family—wife Julie, and children Cody, Stephanie, and Stevie—and especially enjoys taking his nine grandchildren fishing and to the races.
Distinguished SRC Retiree Award: Sonnie Meredith
Originally from Indiana, Sonnie Meredith had a passion for baseball, gears, smoke, and noise while growing up. He started working as a mechanic trainee at 17, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education and Technology from Western Illinois University, then began a 19-year teaching career in the Automotive Technology program at Spoon River College. He credits former instructors Brian Telander and Bob Owen for being a great influence on him, and said a favorite SRC memory was of hosting a conference for all Illinois automotive instructors. The featured speaker was famous drag racer Arnie Beswick. “He did not disappoint!”
Besides teaching, Meredith also operated Meredith Garage, which he continued after he left the classroom. He has served as church committee board member, baseball coach, and Little League and YMCA board member. He and wife Julie have been married for 47 years, are parents to Skyler, Clyde, and Beau, and have seven grandchildren.
Alumni Achievement Award: James Bixby, posthumously
Peoria native James Bixby enrolled in Canton Community College after graduating high school, then went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Bradley University. A lifelong steward of youth education, he began his career in 1964 as a principle for Redeemer Lutheran Christian School in North Hollywood, CA. He returned to Peoria to teach 5-6 grade and history a year later. His long career as a guidance counselor, 1969-1998, began at Peoria Manual High School.
After retiring he continued to serve youth by founding the Jim Bixby College Connection and working as Dean of Students at Lincoln College, and ended his career at the Peoria Regional Learning Center at Wildlife Prairie Park. Bixby was the Central Illinois Coordinator of Admissions for West Point, and a staunch supporter of the Collegiate Fraternal Society. A member beginning in 1969 of the Zeta Phi – Sigma Nu Housing Corporation, he was also a frequent visitor in the Sigma Nu house at BU.
Bixby was equally active in the community. He was a lifelong Barbershopper, a member of the Rotary Club of Peoria-North, BU Chiefs Club, and a Teenagers in Encouraging Christ team member. He served as Public Address announcer for youth sports, Homeowners Association president, IHSA State basketball team host, Assistant Director for the Gus Macker, and was a Boy Scouts of America and Big Brothers and Big Sisters contributor.
Bixby passed on December 26, 2023, leaving behind his wife Karen, “the love of his life”, and his four children and ten grandchildren.
Outstanding Service Award: Stanley Ransom
Stanley Ransom of Canton enjoyed traveling, music, and theater while growing up, and his travel began when he was just four weeks old. He graduated from Canton Community College in 1966, then transferred to Illinois State University and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. He was hired to teach French at Canton High School before he even graduated, and continued teaching it for the next 34 years.
While there, Ransom was a beloved teacher, even to those who didn’t take his classes. He served as a building representative, President and Vice-President of the Canton Education Organization, chairman of the North Central Evaluation, National Honor Society committee, and chairman of the Foreign Languages Department, which earned him an Educator of the Year award from the Canton Area of Chamber.
Retirement hasn’t stopped Ransom from teaching. He continues to teach retirement group classes through the Lifelong Learning Conferences at Spoon River College, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at BU. His knowledge base spans across Broadway productions, history, travel, and languages, and he has served as Vice President for the Opera Illinois League and Superintendent of the Mt. Pleasant Church of Orion Township.
Ransom has organized and led travel groups, including 25 day trips for students and 26 trips to six continents for students and adults. He’s visited 107 countries, most of them multiple times. A personal achievement that stands out to Ransom is battling juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and powering through to accomplish his goals despite health challenges. His advice to SRC students and employees it to “go for as much as you can; expand your horizons.”
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Student Ted Eifert: Using Veteran’s Benefits to Earn Nursing Degree
Before he was a Spoon River College student, Ted Eifert of Rushville served five years in the US Marine Corps as a Ground Radio Repairman 2841, and obtained the rank of sergeant. He’s now using his veteran benefits to prepare for a nursing career.
“College wasn’t my first thought after separating from the Marines,” Eifert said. “I just wanted to return to work and get back to enjoying home.” Returning to college came after he began working part-time for the Rushville Police Department.
“Initially I thought I would enjoy a program focusing on psychology, more specifically, criminology. It was wasn’t until I decided to obtain my NREMT that I found a passion for healthcare and decided to pursue nursing.”
Although still unsure of where a nursing career might lead, one thing Eifert is considering is a career as a pre-hospital registered nurse, which would allow him to practice within an EMS system as a medical services worker for pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergency care and non-emergency medical transports.
“I loved my time in the military, and I love being a police officer and an EMT. I loved serving my country and now my community. I don’t know what my ultimate goal will be, but I know I will keep improving my skills every day.”
Despite the rigors of the nursing program, Eifert is a member of Healthcare Enthusiasts and Leaders (HEAL), Health Occupations Advisory Committee, Phi Theta Kappa, and TRIO at Spoon River College.
When not studying or working, Eifert enjoys spending time with his wife LeeAnn and their two children, five-year-old Chloe and one-year-old Lincoln. “LeeAnn has been so supportive of me pursing my nursing degree, as is Chloe, who gives me big hugs and always asks me how school went.”
“I am very fortunate for the instructors that I have in the nursing program, the amount of time they put into us and the knowledge that they pass along to us. I know we have early days but the instructors’ days are even earlier than ours and their days are longer than ours. I cannot say thank you enough to all of them for what they do for us. “
Spoon River College is approved for veterans’ education benefits through the Illinois State Approving Agency, and participates in the Illinois Veteran’s Grant, Illinois National Guard Grant, and the MIA-POW Scholarship.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Celebrates National First-Generation Day
Spoon River College celebrated National First-Generation Day November 8, which is the day when the Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed by President Lyndon Johnson, providing federal funding with a goal of strengthening resources and making college more accessible to all students.
It is estimated that 55% of college students identify as first-generation, meaning that their parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree.
Jill Olson, director of the TRIO Student Support Services program at the college, said that can have a significant effect on students as historically, first-generation students have lower retention and graduation rates than continuing-generation students.
“They are less likely to be familiar with college processes, like the FAFSA and how to get financial aid in place. It can be overwhelming, and TRIO helps students navigate these systems and processes. Helping at risk students overcome as many of these barriers as possible increases their chances of successfully completing a college degree or a certificate program,” said Olson.
TRIO is a federally funded program designed to help students overcome social, academic, class, and cultural barriers in higher education. Participants in the program are provided with personalized advising for career, transfer, and degree planning, and workshops covering topics ranging from personal financial literacy to time management and study tips are offered.
TRIO advisors place an emphasis on preparing students to transfer, aiding in selection of the correct transfer classes to take and traveling with students to visit four-year universities. Cultural outings, including to museums and art exhibits (at no expense to students), are part of the program, and members regularly participate in community service projects.
“Our off-campus trips enable the TRIO students to connect socially with other students, while exposing them to experiences they may have never taken part in on their own,” said Olson.
TRIO participants are also eligible for an exclusive scholarship program and have access to a private computer lab and study space, free printing, and are able to borrow textbooks, graphing calculators and voice recorders.
“TRIO works with each student where they are at,” Olson said. “If the student wishes to use all our services, we are happy to cater to that. If they only need transfer assistance, we can provide that for the student. Each student’s academic journey and needs are different, and we work to meet each student’s individual needs while they are at Spoon River College.”
To learn more about the TRIO program, visit www.src.edu, or contact Jill Olson at jill.olson@src.edu or 309-833-6029.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Spoon River College Literacy Program and District Libraries Celebrating Family Reading Night November 21
The Spoon River College Literacy Program is pleased to announce that the 33rd Annual Family Reading Night will be celebrated on Thursday, November 21. This year’s theme is “Read. Renew. Repeat.”
Held in partnership with libraries and schools throughout the SRC district, the goal is to encourage families to take time to read together as a family. With help from a grant from Dollar General, Spoon River College will provide 25 free books to each library to hand out to attendees.
“Family reading promotes healthy brain development in children, and can improve their language and listening skills. It can also help create a strong parent-child bond and instill a lifelong love of reading,” said Melissa Koke, Adult Education advisor.
“Our libraries do a wonderful job of finding fun and supportive ways to support Family Reading Night, and we hope families will take advantage of these free events. Taking time to read together is a great habit to cultivate.”
The activities, locations and times of each library’s events are listed below.
Astoria Public Library will kick off Family Reading Night on Saturday, November 16 with an Elephant and Piggie character Storytime. Families can get their picture taken with Elephant and Piggie and pick up a fall reading packet, along with a free book.
Canton Parlin-Ingersoll Library is planning a “Turkey in Trouble” Escape Room activity, Story Time, and Dean, a real live turkey, will be a guest on Thursday, November 21, 6-7:30.
Cuba/Spoon River Library held their event on November 7.
Farmington Area Public Library is celebrating Family Reading Night on Thursday, November 21, 5:30-6:30, at Farmington Central Elementary School.
Havana Public Library District will celebrate on Thursday, November 21, 6:30-8, with guest readers, free books and goodies, magician Rick Eugene Brammer, and pumpkin pancakes. Attendees are welcome to come in pajamas for this free, fun family friendly event.
Lewistown Carnegie Public Library District will be providing snacks, art kits, and books to all families that stop by the library.
Macomb Public Library will celebrate Family Reading Night as an ALL DAY READ DAY, and cookies will be served.
Rushville Public Library will celebrate with special guests Elephant and Piggie on Thursday, November 21 from 4-5 p.m. Guests will read a story, and snacks and coloring pages will be provided.
For more information about the Literacy Project at Spoon River College, visit www.src.edu or call Melissa Koke at 309-649-6310.
Sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian and the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book, Family Reading Night is an annual statewide event held the third Thursday in November to encourage families to spend quality time reading together.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Annual Pancakes for Bette Fundraiser Hosted by Phi Mu Tau
The 15th Annual Pancakes for Bette fundraiser was held at Spoon River College in Canton on October 30. It was hosted by the Phi Mu Tau fraternity, which is comprised of students in the Diesel and Power Systems Technology program.
This year’s event raised $610, which will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Aden Greene of Canton was the winner of the pancake eating contest, earning him a $50 gas card that was donated by Student Services. SRC employee Mike Strauman was the winner of the 50/50 drawing, which he donated back.
The event was originally created to aid long-time SRC employee Bette Dye with medical expenses after she was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, Dye lost her battle with cancer on September 19, 2010, just 11 days after the second fundraiser was held.
“I worked with Bette for eleven years, and she served many pancakes to my students during that time,” said Todd Thompson, Diesel and Power Systems Technology instructor and Phi Mu Tau advisor. “She cared about all the students and made it a point to know them by name, and would ask about them even after they had graduated.”
“On behalf of the Phi Mu Tau, we thank everyone who continues to make this a successful event, with special thanks to Central Butane in Norris for the use of their grills and gas, to Performance Food Group for donating the sausage, to Student Services for donating the gift card, and to the SRC River Roast Café for the donation of beverages, pancake batter, and their assistance,” said Thompson.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on Know Your Impact: #GivingSPOONday Kicks Off Season of Giving: Goal of 350 gifts by midnight Dec. 3; All Gifts Benefit Local Students
#GivingSPOONday, Spoon River College’s version of Giving Tuesday, the worldwide day of giving that kicks off the holiday season, is Tuesday, Dec. 3.
And students like Breauna Rawley hope you consider making a donation to impact the lives of SRC students. “Last year, I walked into Stats class for the first time, and I remember walking with one of my friends. We were dreading the class because it’s a longer class and it’s math,” said Rawley.
But instead of dreading the class, Rawley struck up a mentoring relationship with SRC math professor Sarah Dalpiaz. “She is like a mom to me. She’s not only a great teacher, I’ve also learned so much from her.”
Dalpiaz has gained a lot from this mentoring relationship as well. “It reminds me of that nice responsibility that we have to look after them not just in our classroom, but outside of it as well.”
Stories like this are common place among faculty and students at Spoon River College. Often times, faculty are on the frontline hearing about student struggles with food insecurity, housing, domestic violence, or other major concerns. And your gift to SRC during #GivingSPOONday can support these students.
“Unlike Black Friday or Cyber Monday, where you buy things, Giving Tuesday is all about giving back,” said Dusty Berg, Director of the SRC Foundation. “It’s a chance to raise funds that help local students succeed while also highlighting the SRC Foundation and its impact on SRC, its students, staff, and the communities we serve.”
The SRC Foundation has set a goal of 350 separate gifts to be raised in the campaign, which ends at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 3. The campaign promotes giving online at www.src.edu/givingtuesday, but cash or check donations are gladly accepted, too.
Spoon River College students, employees, and friends will also be sharing the campaign via email and on their social media pages. “The more people that get involved with the campaign, the more students we could potentially help,” said Berg. For #GivingSPOONday, every gift counts toward their goal. Even a $10 donation can provide a meal for a student facing food insecurity.
“Your donation can help so many people, and it helps them in more ways than one,” said Dalpiaz. “If the stress of paying for college is off of them, they may have more energy to establish relationships with their instructors.”
To make your gift or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.src.edu/givingtuesday, visit the Spoon River College Foundation Facebook page (www.facebook.com/spoonrivercollegefoundation), or call (309) 833-6083.
Posted by Sally Shields on | Comments Off on SRC Theatre Presents The Book of Will November 8-10
Spoon River College Theatre will present their fall production, The Book of Will, on Friday and Saturday, November 8 and 9, at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, November 10, at 4 p.m. in the Taylor Hall Theatre on the Canton Campus.
The Book of Will tells the story of Shakespeare’s beloved friends, who shorty after his death set out to make sure that their comrade would live on by publishing the texts of his many plays. Their struggle to accomplish this challenge is a (mostly) modern English, (mostly) true story of loss, laughter, legacy, and love.
The Book of Will was written by Lauren Gunderson, recognized as the most-produced living American playwright in 2017, 2019, and 2020,it takes place shortly after Shakespeare’s death.
Tickets ($15) can be reserved by calling the box office at 309-649-6257.
The SRC Drama Program has an academic curriculum that includes acting courses as well as drama-oriented classes for humanities and fine-arts credit. Each academic year, student-centered performance opportunities are available with planned productions in both fall and spring semesters. The Drama Program offers performing grants (scholarships) to recognize and reward the work of talented students. For more information about the program, visit www.src.edu.
