East St. Louis SD 189 board recognizes students, teachers and new tennis courts

Board members and district officials used the meeting to highlight student and staff achievements and recent facility improvements.

A presenter (identified in the transcript as an unnamed board official) congratulated Seeley Simmons, identified as a fourth‑grader at Dunbar Elementary, and Asha Taggart, identified as a fifth‑grader at Avant Elementary, for receiving the NAACP Rising Star Award. The presenter said both students exemplify leadership and service and acknowledged their school activities and leadership roles.

The board also recognized Cynthia Roller, a fourth‑grade teacher at Wyvetter Young School of Excellence, as a recipient of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award; the presenter said Miss Roller would receive an award certificate and an engraved crystal apple from Emerson. The presenter noted the district will be honored by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for its multiyear partnership supporting educator preparation and student‑teaching practicums.

The district's six new tennis courts at East St. Louis Senior High were announced as finalists for facility awards from the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA). The presenter said the courts were completed in May and were funded in part by grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the USTA/USTA section and St. Louis district; McConnell and Associates was named as the contractor who installed the courts.

Superintendent remarks followed, thanking board members for their volunteer service and stating that district staff appreciate the board's support. The meeting closed with a request for a group photograph.

The recognitions were presented during the meeting's opening items and preceded routine board business.