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Galesburg students honored for spelling, athletics, academics at board meeting
Summary
The Galesburg CUSD 205 Board of Education recognized students and coaches for regional and state-level achievements across spelling, swimming, wrestling, diving, scholastic bowl and other activities, and received academic and student-support updates from district staff.
Galesburg CUSD 205 on Monday recognized dozens of students and several coaches for regional and state qualifications in events ranging from a regional spelling bee to state wrestling, swimming and scholastic bowl competition, and district leaders presented academic-growth and student-support updates.
The recognitions opened the public portion of the board meeting. Jenny Breedermeier and a district staff member identified students who advanced from local contests to a regional spelling bee at Augustana College; second‑through eighth‑grade participants were named and the board and audience applauded Aisley Burkhart, a regional runner‑up. "She studies so hard and the work she put into it is truly a testament of the success that she receives," a staff member said in praise of Burkhart.
Athletic coaches highlighted state qualifiers. Ray and Tammy Qualls introduced junior swimmer and state qualifier Lily Furrow, noting she was a three‑time qualifier and the Western Big 6 "most valuable athlete" as voted by coaches. Girls wrestling coach Ryan Chip, speaking about first‑year varsity competitor Elliana, said, "We don't lose, we learn," and described how the athlete adjusted after sectional losses to reach the state tournament. Boys wrestling coach Greg Leibach recounted three state qualifiers and key postseason wins by Josiah, Anthony Miquala and Larry Randolph, and noted specific match moments that clinched state berths.
Diving and swimming accomplishments were also noted: coach Ray Qualls and Tammy Qualls described diver Chase Parcel advancing to state and several relay and individual swims that set or matched school‑best times. Scholastic Bowl coaches Eric Spindler and another coach said the team reached state for a second consecutive year and won the conference tournament and regionals.
District academic and behavior presentations followed the recognitions. Assistant principals and instructional leaders reported winter-to-winter growth in math and reading cohorts and described new common writing assessments in science and social studies. The district’s student behavior committee — represented by Tina Imes and Carrie Cooper — outlined goals to align behavior expectations across grade levels, increase family communications documented in the Branching Minds system and implement CHAMPS behavior matrices in 7–12 for next school year. Imes said the district reached 84 percent documented family communication through Branching Minds this year and aims for 100 percent next year.
Student Council representative Andy previewed upcoming student events including a boys volleyball tournament April 15, Hope Week and the Glow Run, a senior blood drive May 9, and teacher‑appreciation activities in early May.
The meeting closed after public comment and routine business; several board members thanked students, staff and families. The board will hold its reorganizational meeting April 29 and the next regular meeting on May 12.
Ending: Board members and administrators urged continued community support for student activities and noted the district’s focus on predictable behavior expectations and aligned academics going into next school year.
