Groups include Football, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Girls’ Golf, Boys’ Golf, Trap Shooting, Band, and Dance Team members
BY JIM BEERS
Friday October 9 Chester High School recognized and honored all Fall of 2026 Athletes, Band, and Dance Team members. The event took place at the Chester YellowJacket vs. Red Bud Musketeer Football game at W.O. Smith Field at CHS.
The ceremony for the Fall of 2026 Athletes took place at the pre-game of the football game and included Football, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Girls’ Golf, Boys’ Golf, and Trap Shooting.
Players from these sports lined up in the end-zone of W.O. Smith Field and were called onto the field to meet their parents, guardians, or other significant other responsible adults. Each senior unit then proceeded to the 50-yardline for their recognition.
Prior to the personal introductions, a tribute was presented for the seniors. This tribute was read as follows. “Tonight we gather to celebrate a truly special group of student-athletes, the Class of 2026 Athletes. They have dedicated themselves not only to their sport, but also to their academics and their school community throughout their high school journey.”
“On behalf of the Chester School District # 139 and Chester High School, we are proud to recognize and honor these seniors for their commitment, perseverance, and their unwavering loyalty to our athletic programs.”
“Their early mornings, long practices, and countless hours of hard work, have not only shaped them as athletes, but as individuals of character, discipline, and resilience. These seniors have represented our school with pride. They have set good examples for younger athletes, supported their teammates, and contributed t a culture of excellence that will continue long after they graduate.”
“Tonight is not just about their accomplishments, but about their journey, the friendships they formed, the challenges they overcame, and the memories that will last a lifetime.”
YellowJacket fans, parents, friends and others in attendance were then asked to join in the celebration to recognized the senior’s achievements, and to celebrate the impacts they have made on their school and in the lives around them. Each senior received balloons, flowers, and other specific gifts offered from their coaches and teammates. Students and their parents, guardians and/or other responsible adults were recognized as listed here.
FOOTBALL: Anthony Armenta, so of Laura Licea and Martin Licea; Jackie Bess, son of Jessica Gromelski and Aaron Wunderlich; Alex Blechle, son of Jeremy and Meghan Blechle; Landon Conder, son of Scott and Tara Conder; Zane Eggemeyer, son of Aaron and Amy Eggemeyer; Ryker Hoffman, son of Kristin Hoffman and Bruce and Bailey Hoffman; Kanon Jany, son of Pete and Trisha Jany; Karim Landeros son of Paty Landeros and Horacio Landeros; Trey McCartney, son of Mike and Heather McCartney; and TaShawn Palacio, son of Megan Fricke and Robert Palacio.
CHEERLEADING: Brooke Howie, daughter of Josh and Christa Howie; Olivia Sellers, daughter of Jessica Sellers; and Vacey Shield, daughter of Erica Shields and David Shields.
CROSS COUNTRY: Victor Fuentes, son of Victor Fuentes, Sr. and Alma Charves.
GIRLS’s GOLF: Monica Anaya, daughter of Juan and Tera Anaya; and Serenity Hicks, daughter of Caitlyn and Cory Hicks and Granddaughter of Tina and Darryl Steele.
BOYS’ GOLF: Logan Brace, son of Hubert and Cristie Brace; Trevin Eggemeyer, son of Curtis and Lacey Eggemeyer; Tallen James, son of Tony and Christy James; Kross Jany, son of Matthew and Kasi Jany; and Logan McDonald, so of Doug and Lori McDonald.
TRAP SHOOTING: Landon Conder, son of Scott and Tara Conder; Zane Eggemeyer, son of Aaron and Amy Eggemeyer; and Braxton Hahs, son of Mercedes Hahs and Bricelyn Wallace; Haydn Aallen Hurst-Roy, son of Angie Hurst-Roy and Rodney Hurst-Roy; Aidan McKinney, son of Patrick and Erica McKinney; and MacKenzie Studt, daughter of Renee Studt and Christopher Studt.
At halftime of the game, Chester High School Marching YellowJacket Band members and CHS Dance Team members were recognized and honored. Their recognition took place immediately at the beginning of halftime prior to the Marching YellowJacket Halftime show and the CHS Dance Team routine.
The Band and Dance Team members received the same praise and recognition ceremony as the one that was announced for the Fall Athletes at the Pre-Game Tribute. Each honoree also received balloons, flowers and any special gifts provided and presented by their Coaches and Director.
CHS DANCE TEAM MEMBERS: Aubrey Petrowske, daughter of Drew and Mary Petrowske; Macy VanZandt, daughter of Lindsay Povolish; and Katie Werner, daughter of Randy and Angie Werner.
CHS MARCHING YELLOWJACKETS: Monica Anaya, daughter of Juan and Tera Anya; Aiden Davis, son of Jamie Davis and Loren Gimber; Lennon Troy Hobbs, son of Megan Steinmetz; Phoenix Isabella Elaine Holland, child of Dan Holland and Mary Holland and Sibling of Leo Holland; Chelse Mathis, daughter of Robert Mathis and Debbie Mathis; Kiara Mathis, daughter of Robert Mathis and Debbie Mathis; Anna Jo Menefee, daughter of Tessa Menefee and Heath and Cindy Menefee; Kendall Nanney, daughter of Lucas and Ashlee Nanney; and Katie Werner, daughter of Randy and Angie Werner.
The Chester High School Cheerleaders perform at the Chester vs Red Bud Football game Friday October 9th. Jim Beers Photo
The Chester High School Dance Team performs at e pre-game ceremony Friday October 9th. It was Senior Night at CHS and all Fall Athlete Seniors were recognized and honored during pre-game and halftime ceremonies. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School’s sole senior Cross Country runner, Victor Fuentes and his parents, Victor Fuentes Sr. and Alma Charvez, pose for a picture Friday October 9 during Senior Night” ceremonies. Jim Beers Photo
At a time out in the Chester vs Red Bud football game Friday October 9th, somebody had the CHS Cheerleaders hold a large sign that assisted in making a marriage proposal. A very large crowd enjoyed the gesture and cheered the loving couple following the proposal. Jim Beers Photo
The Chester High School Band and Dance Team perform the national Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to the opening kickoff of the Chester vs Red Bud game Friday October 9th. It was Senior Night at CHS and all Fall athletes as well as band and dance team members were recognized and honored prior to the opening kickoff. Jim Beers Photo