There were four inductees into the Centralia Community Youth Center Wall of Honor over the weekend.
The guest speaker was the Reverend Ron Johnson who center his comments around the theme of the program “Living the Dream”.
“Aim for the moon, but if you fall among the stars you will still be on high. So as we look at living the dream my challenge to you tonight is don’t lose sight of the dream. Even in your own personal life.”
Johnson encouraged those involved in the Youth Center as well to follow their dream for the facility.
Those honored include Tom and Traci Macz of the Macz Funeral Homes. They were honored for their service to families as well as to the community. Traci Macz shared how when she and Tom were in college at SIU-C they were discouraged from dating because they wouldn’t be able to find jobs together, for staying in a profession with a high burnout rate, for being a female going into a male-dominated field, as well as being told they would never be able to own a funeral home because one was not in their families. But 20 years after graduating from SIU they own four funeral homes and have an amazing staff which Traci Macz says allows her to wake up every morning and do what they love.
Macz added they had big shoes to fill when purchasing the Irvin Funeral Homes.
“As this building is getting bigger and better, as Centralia’s future is brighter, I think Tom is aging like fine wine, I look forward to continuing our legacy here in Centralia. We have a heart for serving and consider it part of our ministry for the city.”
Macz also said never to downplay the role of a mentor which they had in Dennis Day who asked them to come home and take over his funeral homes in Sandoval and Patoka when he wanted to retire and then assisted in the purchase of the Irvin Funeral Homes.
Tom and Traci Macz with their Wall of Honor Plaque along with Centralia Community Youth Center Board Chair Izzy Fontenez. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Bette Simmons-Young was installed on the Wall of Honor for her work as a Centralia Junior High teacher and cheerleading coach. She has taught for 23 years and has been cheerleading coach for 15 years.
“I do feel that I must say that I have not lived up to my full potential as an educator. I have a lot I would still like to accomplish in my field and my community.”
Simmons-Young says it is an honor to be recognized by the community she truly loves.
Bette Simmons-Young (left) receives her plaque from Cathy O’Neal-Windom. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Wes Monken and the entire Monken family were honored for their contributions to the youth center, youth sports, and the community as a whole. Wes Monken was unable to attend and the award was accepted by his sister Dr. Shawn Monken-Hartmann.
“It’s been a family affair meaning our parents set the stage and taught us how to give back. And it’s important to us all to give back the blessings we’ve received.”
Seth Baltzell (left) introduces Shawn Monken-Hartmann who accepted the Wall of Honor Plaque for her brother Wes Monken. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Youth Center Executive Director Herb Williams was honored for his work on behalf of youth at the center. He noted when asked to lead the center he said no, but was talked into it by his wife.
“I am appreciative of the time I’ve spent here. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor and talk to the youth.”
Williams says he’s also looking forward to the future with the center expansion.
“It’s going to be a God send to our kids. Because we can do so many more things. I’m appreciative of our Board. We have some great people on that Board.”
Herb Williams addresses the crowd during his Wall of Honor induction. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Centralia High School Girls Basketball Player Jalea Shered who played at the youth center was honored on reaching the 1,000-point scoring plateau.
