News Progress

Eastern in only 10% of national peer institutions to earn distinction in past year

•January 29, 2025•

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) received the 2024 Campus Prevention Network’s Seal of Approval award from Vector Solutions for the University’s “exemplary efforts to foster student safety, well-being, and inclusion through online prevention programs.” Fewer than 10 percent of U.S. institutions have earned this distinction over the past year.

“EIU’s CPN Seal of Prevention recognition for student safety is built on our already strong foundation of cultivating excellent student relationships,” said Matt Warner, Assistant Director of EIU’s Health Education Resource Center. “Institutionally, we are focused on student success, health and safety, and this award evidences our strong commitments in those key areas.”

•January 29, 2025•

The East Central Illinois Red Cross Club is holding a Socks for Soldiers drive from February 1 - 16. 

New adult-sized socks of any kind may be brought to the SHS/SMS and SES offices, sent to school with SHS, SMS, or SES students for their class competitions, or donated at the SHS basketball games on February 3 and 10. Area churches and veterans organizations are also being asked to “host” a “Sock Box” to help collect socks.

2015

Fifth grader Wesley Standerfer isn’t your typical kid. About a year prior to 2015, he started his very own neighborhood newspaper, the “Shumanville Times.” Living on Shuman farmland inspired him to share the family news to those nearby. He delivered print editions locally, while others requested it by email from as far away as Texas and Washington D.C. At such a young age, he already began to see the potential of the printed word so Standerfer expanded his horizons and took to reporting in the halls of Sullivan Elementary School. The 2015 newspaper staff included students Connor Golden, Devon Winings, Clayton Schmohe, Wes Standerfer, and Ben Bushue.

•January 22, 2025•

Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension     

Winter is upon us and those longer hours of darkness coupled with the colder temperatures can make many people experience those “winter blues.” I am much more aware of the signs of mental health challenges having become a certified trainer for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). I would highly recommend anyone to complete MHFA as the purpose is to help you recognize when someone is having difficulties and be able to respond in a helpful way. And it is very likely that you will need to be there for someone in that circumstance since according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, one in five American adults is diagnosed with a mental illness each year and half of those disorders begin by age 14 and three quarters by age 24.  

There are many ways to try and prevent those winter blues from sneaking up on us and to maintain positive mental health. Here are just a few tips to get started:  

2015

The Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development is proudly announced the winners of the 2014 annual awards which will be presented at the SCED Annual Dinner. Larry Stenger was recognized as the 2014 Citizen of the Year. Ron White was honored with a lifetime achievement award. The Briarwood was honored as the Small Business of the Year. Petersen Healthcare was presented the 2014 Business of the Year Award. 

Sullivan Lady Redskins jumped forward in the Central Illinois Conference at 4-0 after taking on the St. Teresa Lady Bulldogs and winning 80-32. With a combination of Brittin Boyer, Emily Neuhauser, and Elissa Stewart, it became clear the SHS LadyRedskins are a tough team to beat.