While many of our alumni profiles feature those who grew up in Benton's classrooms, John Metzger's story stands out as one of extraordinary commitment to our schools despite taking a different path to our community. For more than 25 years, Metzger has helped shape educational policy as a member of the Benton Grade School District #47 Board of Education, bringing a wealth of administrative experience and a dedication to service that recently earned him the prestigious Legacy School Board Award.

"Our goal is to get them ready for Benton High School, and I think we do a good job of it," Metzger explains of the district's mission. "Our kids test pretty high because the teachers work hard at it."

Metzger's journey to Benton began in Metropolis, Illinois, where he was raised before attending Southern Illinois University with a degree in history. When the Vietnam War interrupted his plans, Metzger made the courageous decision to join the Army for a two-year enlistment rather than continue "dodging the draft."

Upon his return, Metzger earned his teaching certificate and was assigned to teach in Centralia, Illinois. While continuing his education, he obtained credentials to become a principal, a position that was in high demand at the time. This qualification brought him to Franklin County in 1979 as a principal in Thompsonville.

After serving in administrative roles at Logan Grade School and Akin Grade School, Metzger advanced to superintendent positions in Thompsonville and then Johnson City, where he spent a decade before retiring. Throughout this career progression, education remained at the center of his professional life.

It was during his time as an administrator that Metzger moved his family to Benton in the late 1980s, wanting his sons to attend Benton High School rather than the smaller Thompsonville High School. Though not born in Benton, Metzger has now called the community home for nearly four decades.

In 1999, encouraged by then-Superintendent Brent Clark (who had previously served on Metzger's board in Johnson City), Metzger joined the Benton Grade School Board. That relationship came full circle, as Clark is now a prominent figure in Illinois education, serving as administrator of the Illinois Association of School Administrators in Springfield.

Metzger's approach to board service is straightforward: "The superintendent should have the freedom to run the district with the consent of the board and the advice of the board," he explains. "I've always looked at it that way, and I've tried to help the superintendent in his role."

This philosophy has contributed to the board's remarkable stability. Metzger has worked with several superintendents during his tenure, including Brent Clark, Rick Cook, Scott Govel, and current superintendent Steve Smith, whom he describes as "one of the finest superintendents I've ever worked with."

Beyond his school board service, Metzger's commitment to the community extends to his active participation in veterans' organizations. He holds offices in both the American Legion Post 280 and the VFW in Benton, continuing his lifelong dedication to service.

Through these organizations, Metzger helps coordinate valuable programs for Benton students, including the American Legion School Award presented to graduating eighth-graders at Benton Middle School, Akin Grade School, and Ewing Grade School. The award, which has a history spanning nearly 90 years, is voted on by students based on criteria Metzger and other veterans explain during school visits.

Additionally, he helps organize the VFW's Patriot Pen program, which encourages students to write essays on patriotic topics. "We've had students get up into the state level before," he notes proudly of the competition that advances from local to district to state and national levels.

Last month, Metzger's quarter-century of service was recognized with the Legacy School Board Award from the Illinois Association of School Boards, an honor that requires at least 25 years of board service. It's a fitting tribute to a man who, though not a Benton graduate himself, has dedicated decades to ensuring Benton's students receive the best possible education.