Post date: Jul 10, 2014 5:57:14 PM

On Saturday morning, Oct. 12, 2013, about forty people gathered to formally dedicate the new flagpole and commemorative brick display at the entrance to Memorial Gymnasium. The brick display was made possible by over 75 donors on behalf of the EAWR Foundation, and was constructed and is maintained by retired Principal, Bob Kasten, along with our Maintenance Director, Jeff Foxall and our Maintenance crew. Proceeds from the brick sales are going to the purchase of the new stage curtain for the Auditorium and a new drum line for the band. Supt. Pearson acknowledged the recent large contributions from 1st Cloverleaf Bank and the Bank of Edwardsville of a combined $3,500, which made both purchases possible. Engineering this latest set of donations was local attorney, Merle Bassett, who is a board member of the Foundation and an Alumni Hall of Fame inductee.

The Oiler Pride Band, led by Chris Alexander, played the National Anthem, with the superintendent playing the Call to the Colors for the flag-raising. In attendance were Dr. Bob Daiber, Regional Superintendent; Nick Aguinaga, Becky Leggett, Mark St. Peters, and Lonnie McCoy of the school board; Foundation Board members Leigh Robinson, Bob Kasten, Susan Broadway, John Pearson, Henry Studnicki, and Jean Bruce; District administrators Kevin Gockel and JeffFoxall; members of the Class of 1969 (who are donating a special bench for the display); and many brick donors and othr guests. Thanks to Mr. Gockel's son, Chase, for assisting Mr. Foxall in the flag raising and in handing out programs.

If you would like to purchase a commemorative brick, please contact the Main Office and ask for Carla (Extension 2501).

Thanks to Mae Kasten and Mrs. Robinson for the pictures!