Conley, Krieg, Lutman, Sulser, Welge, and Williamson were honored at the awards banquet
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – Each year the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement, better known as SISHSA, hosts a banquet and award ceremony to recognize the top students in the Southern Illinois area. This year (2025) marks the 53rd year for this event.
Students are nominated by School Counselors, Guidance Directors, and Administrators of their respective schools based upon criteria such as demonstrating excellence in academics, leadership, community service, and music. Academic Excellence is the key factor that appears in almost every nominee’s resume.
The annual SISHSA Banquet took place at Southern Illinois University in the Student Center Ballrooms. It is a formal affair that includes music or some other pre-banquet entertainment, a delicious “sit-down” meal, usually a buffet, followed by guest speaker, typically of a motivational nature, and concludes with formal recognition during which each school’s nominees are introduced, honored and presented with a special certificate.
Chester students are usually accompanied to the event by Jeremy Blechle, CHS Principal, but he was unavailable that evening, so Robin Barton, Assistant Principal, escorted the CHS nominees to the event. The Chester contingent travels together and sits together at an assigned, beautifully decorated table. Photos are taken during and after the event.
Chester High School Class of 2025 attendees included Rylie Conley, Mirra Krieg, Elaina Lutman, Whitney Sulser, Will Welge, and Alex Williamson. All but Lutman attended the ceremony at SIU-C. She had a Lady YellowJacket Softball game. The 2025 SISHSA Banquet and Awards event took place at SIU-C late in the Spring Semester.
2025 marked the 53rd year for the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement Banquet. Herrin High School was the host of the event. Nathaniel Wilson, Superintendent of the Herrin School District welcomed everyone to the banquet.
Caden Green, a Herrin High School senior said Grace and event staff explained how the buffet meal would be served. This year’s menu included parmesan chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, Crystal’s salad, yeast rolls, and for dessert, salted caramel cupcakes. The delicious meal was provided by Crystal’s Catering in Herrin, Illinois.
The event featured the top 185 students from 32 Southern Illinois schools including Anna-Jonesboro (6), Benton (6), Carbondale (6), Carrier Mills (6) Carterville (6), Century (5), CHESTER (6), Christopher (6), Cobden (6), Crab Orchard (6), Dongola (6), DuQuoin (6), Egyptian (3), Elverado (6), Frankfort (6), Galatia (5), Goreville (6), Hardin County (6), Harrisburg (6), Herrin (6), Johnston City (6), Marion (6), Meridian (6), Murphysboro (6), Pinckneyville (6), Sesser-Valier (6), Shawnee (4), Steeleville (6), Thompsonville (6), Trico (6), Vienna (6), and Zeigler-Royalton (6).
After dinner, Cathy Shelton, Herrin High School Counselor, introduced the Guest Speaker for the event. The Guest Speaker was the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goffinet, 1st Circuit Judge.
Judge Goffinet said, “Tonight is not an end, it’s a beginning.” You all have been the top in yours class at high school. You’ll be leaving your K-12 school years and friends. Now you don’t have to be famous. Give back to your community and circumstance. Be humble!”
“Life will be a series of zag-zags. It is a curvy road. FAIL! It’s alright. Failure is actually good for you. You will learn from it!”
Don’t be afraid! Say what needs to be said. Be sure to call your people often. Stay in touch with all of your people, not just your parents! Be a leader. Never be afraid to be or look foolish. Experiment with life. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone.”
“Remember, the tallest trees have the deepest roots, and roots are connected with other people. Always pay attention to what is going on! Show up! Those who show up get the job done!”
In ending, Judge Goffinet said, “You are here tonight to be honored. We expect you to produce under pressure. Just show up and get the job done!”
Following the guest speaker, each school and its honorees went to the stage in alphabetical order to be recognized. Representatives from each school introduced each student and described what he or she was being recognized for. Most students were being nominated for the honor for demonstrating Excellence in Academics, Community Service, Leadership, and/or Music.
Jeremy Blechle, Chester High School Principal, was Chester’s speaker. He introduced Chester High School’s honorees in alphabetical order including Rylie Conley, Mirra Krieg, Whitney Sulser, William Welge, and Alex Williamson. Elaina Lutman was recognized in her absence. Each student was presented with a nice certificate as he or she was introduced.
Following all 185 presentations, there was an opportunity for photographs and fellowship. Stephanie Allen from Herrin High School offered closing remarks and the event was adjourned.
The Chester honoree’s resumes are listed below.
Rylie Conley
Rylie Conley is the daughter of Erin Conley and Erica Eggemeyer. Rylie had a perfect 4.0 GPA in grade school at CGS and was a member of the Beta Club and Student Council. She was also active on the Lady Jr. Jacket Volleyball Team, Basketball Team and Softball Team.
At Chester High School Conley maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was a member of the Environmental Club, Spanish Club, Sting Newspaper Staff, and Student Council. Rylie also maintained her interest in sports having played Basketball, Volleyball, Golf, and Track and Field at CHS. She was furthermore an Illinois State Scholar.
Conley currently attends college at either SWIC to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Mirra Krieg
Mirra Krieg is the daughter of Jeff and Krista Krieg. Mirra attended Chester Grade School and is now attending Chester High School. She was a member of choir and band since grade school. At CHS she was also a member of the Swing Choir “Sound Affect” and Jazz Band. At CHS Mirra is also participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), National Honor Society and Theatre.
Mirra is currently attending McKendree University where she is pursuing a degree in elementary education. She is also a member of the McKendree Dance Team.
Mirra notes that she has always enjoyed her music classes at CHS. Her two favorite teachers have been Mr. Steve Colonel, Music Director, and English Teacher Paula Ray. Miss Krieg has been on the High Honors List every year in high school and she was voted Dance Team Captain. Furthermore, Mirra has been an FCA Student Leader both her junior and senior years at CHS.
Awards include being an All-State Dancer 2023 and 2024 and Most Valuable Dancer at CHS in both 2023 and 2024. She earned the “Kindness Award” at CHS in 2023 and was “Student of the Month” in December of 2024 as a senior. Finally, she is a member of the CHS Summit Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Elaina Lutman
Elaina Lutman is the daughter of David and Carrie Lutman. She now attends John A. Logan College on a Softball Scholarship and plans to study Accounting & Finance. Lutman graduated from Chester Grade School where she was in the Beta Club and served as a Student Helper. She enjoyed playing Softball and Volleyball and was on the CGS Cheerleading squad.
Elaina attended Chester High School for her secondary education. At CHS Elaina carried a 3.79 GPA. At CHS she played Softball and Volleyball and was on the Cheerleading squad. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the “HIVE” Pep Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the Interact Club. Her hobbies include Sports and Fashion. Favorite classes include Accounting and Athletic Physical Education.
High School honors and awards include SISHSA Selection, Academic Achievement Award, High Honor Roll, December Student of the Month, Homecoming Court, Prom Court, and 2024 Prom Princess.
Whitney Sulser
Whitney Sulser is the daughter of Shane and Lori Sulser. She attended Chester Grade School where she was in Beta Club, Band, and Choir. She was a Girl Scout as a child. After graduating from CGS, Whitney began her high school career at Chester High School.
At CHS Whitney was on Student Council, National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Art Club, Interact Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also participated in Dance, Volleyball, and Softball.
Miss Sulser maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA at CHS. She was further a Student of the Month for demonstrating “Responsibility”. Sulser was recognized by the Illinois Drill Team Association as a Scholar Athlete and was presented the “Best Showman” award for dance her junior year.
After graduating from CHS, Whitney began her post-secondary education SEMO to major in Agribusiness with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She then hopes to attend Missouri or U of I to become a Veterinarian.
Will Welge
Will Welge is the son of Tom and Tracy Welge. Will went to grade school at Chester Grade School. At CGS he was a member of the Beta Club and the Student Council. Upon graduating from CGS Will went to Chester High School.
At CHS Mr. Welge was President of the Environmental Club. He was Captain of the Scholar Bowl Team. Will was also the President of the Spanish Club. He was a member of the CHS Theatre Club and a favorite performer of the CHS Theatre productions. Welge was a key member of the CHS Marching YellowJackets where he was Drum Major his senior year.
Will maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and received both a Star Stinger Award as well as a College Board National Recognition Award. His future plans are to become a music producer. His favorite class at CHS was band and any other music classes. He is currently attending the University of Illinois in Champaign, Urbana.
Alex Williamson
Alex Williamson is the son of Jeremy and Heather Williamson. He attended high school at Chester High School. At CHS Alex was a member of the National Honor Society, Summit Chapter. He was involved in the Interact Club and was a writer for the school newspaper, “The Sting”.
Mr. Williamson played football for the Chester YellowJackets for which he was a team Captain last season. He was also a member of the CHS Pep Club, “The HIVE”. Finally Alex was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Student Leader.
Mr. Williamson now attends Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) to earn a Certification in Industrial Electricity. He will then join a union as an Apprentice Electrician.
The Chester High School honorees at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement pose on stage for a photo with their certificates after being introduced at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet. Pictured (left to right) are Alex Williamson, Will Welge, Whitney Sulser, Mirra Krieg, and Rylie Conley. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
The venue for the 2025 SISHSA Banquet was the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Ball Rooms. The rooms were beautifully decorated and served well as a location for the classy event. Jim Beers Photo
The Honorable Jeffrey A. Goffinet,1st Circuit Court Judge, was the Guest Speaker at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet. He gave the 185 honorees lots of good advice as they move on to the next phase of their educational careers. Jim Beers Photo
Following the presentation of Chester High School honorees at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society of High School Achievement Banquet, the Chester students take time to pose for a photo in front of the balloon decoration arch. Pictured (left to right) are Robin Barton, CHS Assistant Principal, Mirra Krieg, Rylie Conley, Will Welge, Alex Williamson, and Whitney Sulser. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School Class of 2025 seniors (Left to right) Mirra Krieg, Will Welge, Rylie Conley, Whitney Sulser, and Alex Williamson, relay and enjoy some pre-program snacks at the 2025 SISHSA Banquet hosted at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale Ballrooms. The event recognizes and honors the top senior students in Southern Illinois. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School Class of 2025 seniors await their cue to take the stage as CHS Assistant Principal, Robin Barton, introduces them at the 2025 Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement Awards Banquet. Not present: Elaina Lutman. Jim Beers Photo