What was your favorite class (classes), favorite teacher (teachers)?
I had such a great experience at Galesburg High School and truly loved my teachers. It’s hard to single out just one class or teacher because each made a lasting impact. I really enjoyed my PE classes—Mrs. Coffman’s class was always so engaging, and I learned how to fish from Mr. Gonzalez. I also loved solving problems in math and gained so much from Mrs. Wolfe’s class. Still, social studies and English were my favorite subjects, and my time in those classes played a big role in shaping my future. Senior year was especially memorable with Film class taught by Mr. Allison and Yearbook with Mrs. Aten, both were absolute highlights of my high school career. I also spent a lot of time with Mrs. Perez in the main office as a student assistant 1st hour, which was such a fun and unique part of my day.
What are a few of your favorite memories from GHS?
It’s hard to think about my high school years without remembering my athletic experiences. From the excitement of successful basketball seasons to the camaraderie of softball, those moments with my teammates and coaches shaped so much of who I am today. The summer leagues, long practices, and countless bus rides were more than just part of the season; they were lessons in grit, resilience, and discipline that have stayed with me and had a major influence well past high school. And through it all, the strength of our community was incredible, with friends, families, and neighbors rallying around our teams and our school. It was a special place to grow up, to learn, and to find my place in the world.
What did you do right after high school?
After high school, I attended the University of Iowa, where I majored in Political Science and History and earned my secondary teaching degree. While at Iowa, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the manager for the Iowa Women’s Basketball team, coached by the legendary Lisa Bluder. This role allowed me to travel across the country, stay closely connected to the sport I loved, and learn valuable lessons from the coaching staff and players. After graduating, I began my teaching and coaching career at West Chicago High School in West Chicago, Illinois, where I was able to combine my passion for education with my love of athletics.
Where and what did you do for a career?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of growing through a variety of educational leadership roles. I began by teaching Social Studies at West Chicago Community High School, where I also coached volleyball, basketball, and softball;experiences that solidified my passion for both education and athletics. After returning to school to earn my master’s in educational leadership from Aurora University, I transitioned into administration as a Dean of Students and later accepted a position as the Activities Director at West Aurora High School. My journey continued as I completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University, which led me to serve as the Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, and now, I’m proud to be the Principal at West Aurora High School.
A fun personal connection, our senior basketball season Galesburg played West Aurora in the state quarterfinal and won 51–45. I still have the article from the Register-Mail and often share it with current athletes. It’s moments like those that remind me how athletics have a unique power to bring communities and people together.
Share as much as you want of what you are doing now- still working, where are you, family, etc.
My husband Pete and I have four children; two older step-sons, Gino and Jordan, and two younger kids, my daughter Dion and son Lorenzo. Gino is currently a junior at Washington University in St. Louis, and Jordan just started his freshman year at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Both boys were high school athletes and continued to play football in college. Dion is in 3rd grade and Lorenzo is in 1st grade, and they’re already following in their older brothers' footsteps, busy with school and active in a variety of sports. I’ve loved being involved in their athletic journeys, having coached the older boys when they were younger and now coaching the little ones as well. Supporting youth sports has become a passion of mine, and I continue to volunteer my time to help keep feeder programs strong and accessible in our community.
What advice would you have for today’s Silver Streak athletes?
Lean into every opportunity as a high school athlete and Silver Streak; you’re building more than just athletic skill. I truly believe that athletics is one of the greatest training grounds for life. Through sports, you develop skills and mindsets that will serve you well far beyond high school, including discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the ability to overcome adversity. You’ll face challenges, setbacks, and tough losses, but those experiences build character and prepare you for the ups and downs of life. There are very few ways to simulate the lessons learned from sports without participating and being a part of a team.
The friendships and memories you create with your teammates will go well beyond high school, shaping who you are and how you lead in the future. Take pride in representing Galesburg and appreciate the experience you are getting from such a great place. The school and community is building a foundation for your life. I am so thankful for my experience in Galesburg and am grateful for all of my coaches, teachers and teammates.
Streaks Basketball Alums….help me out….
If you earned a varsity letter in girls or boys basketball at GHS- I would really like to include you in “Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight.” If you want to be included in the “Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight,” simply answer the questions below. (Note- if you are a female who played varsity basketball in the 1970’s before GHS gave females varsity letters- please jump in!!) Either text or email your responses and pictures to addresses below.
1- What year did you graduate?
2- What was your favorite class (classes), favorite teacher (teachers)?
3- What are a few of your favorite memories from GHS?
4- What did you do right after high school?
5- Where and what did you do for a career?
6- Share as much as you want of what you are doing now- still working, where are you, family, etc.
7- What advice would you have for today’s Silver Streak athletes?
If you have pictures from high school, send them OR I will get some pictures from yearbooks from when you were in school. Could you send me a picture of yourself or your family now?
Simple either text me at 309-368-0008, or email me at emass70@yahoo.com
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