Former ISU President and six area Veterans to be honored for his commitment to at-risk high school students

dietz
Former Illinois State University President Larry Dietz. (WJBC file photo)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Former Illinois State University President Dr. Larry Dietz and six area Veterans are receiving recognition for their commitment to the “Stay 4” project.

Dr. Dietz is honored for his commitment to the Great Plains LIFE Foundation’s “Stay 4” project, which assists low-income, at-risk high school students.

Additionally, the foundation is honoring U.S. Army Sgt. Jim Allen, U.S. Army First Lt. David Brown, U.S. Army Specialist Jerry Monical, U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Matthew Pearson, U.S. Army Sgt. Brent Wick, and U.S. Army Sgt. Bill Zimmerman for their commitment to the foundation.

The local “Stay 4” project is designed to address the high school drop-out crisis and help low-income students demonstrate the ability to succeed.

The event is being held at the Parke Regency Hotel in Bloomington at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, with the ceremony beginning at 8:00 p.m.

The event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased at the door.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the “Stay 4” project.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…