They say it takes a village. And as I speak with Hugh Frailey and he reflects on his success as a longtime State Farm Insurance agent in Benton, he doesn't hesitate to credit his village. "Any good stuff that I've done in my life, I trace back to the grace of God, a great family, and the Benton school system," says Frailey, whose connection to our community spans four generations and counting.

Born and raised in Benton, Frailey represents the second generation of his family to attend our schools. His father, Kenneth Frailey, was educated in the Benton system, while his mother, Betty, grew up in nearby Herrin. That connection blossomed into a remarkable educational legacy that now includes his children and grandchildren.

Frailey experienced Benton's neighborhood school model firsthand, attending kindergarten at Grant School, first grade at Logan School, and second through sixth grades at Lincoln School before moving on to Benton Junior High. He recalls his kindergarten teacher, Norma White, as particularly influential, along with other teachers like Mrs. Van Leer, Mrs. Doty, Maxine Lewis, Denzel Franklin, and Robert Monday.

"I got a very good start with many wonderful teachers and students," Frailey says. "It was a great experience for me and kind of got me on the right foot for the rest of my life."

The values instilled during those formative years continue to guide him today. "Good work ethic—all the teachers and coaches were very willing to help if you were having a problem in a class," he explains. "I learned work ethic, leadership in sports, how to be a good teammate, and how to compete. Just a lot of good life stuff that I've used every day for the last 50 or 60 years."

Athletics played a significant role in Frailey's education. Though he describes himself as "never the star player," he competed alongside exceptional athletes, including four all-state players and future NBA star Doug Collins, who was two years ahead of him. His junior high basketball team placed third in the state tournament, and his high school team won 30 games his senior year.

His athletic prowess on the golf course earned him a scholarship to Southern Illinois University, where he earned a business degree. After graduation, Frailey worked as a loan officer at Bank of Zeigler for five years before establishing his State Farm Insurance agency in Benton—a business he has operated for an impressive 44 years and counting.

"I actually own my business, but I have a contract that says I'll only sell State Farm Insurance," he explains, noting that he still enjoys coming to his North Main Street office, located just two blocks from his home.

The Frailey educational legacy extends well beyond Hugh himself. His wife Robin (née Hefner), also a Benton graduate, taught for 35 years at Akin Grade School, continuing a family tradition of educators that began with Hugh's mother, who taught at Benton High School.

The couple's three children—Jordan, Drew and Breane (twins)—all attended Benton schools. Breane Brady followed in her grandmother's and mother's footsteps by becoming a teacher, even spending a year teaching at Benton Grade School before moving to her current position at Vienna Grade School. The family connections extend further: Jordan's wife, Wendy Frailey, works at Benton Middle School, and five of Hugh's seven grandchildren have either graduated from or currently attend Benton schools.

Now 72, Frailey remains active in the community that has always been his home. He serves as an elder and board member at First Christian Church and has supported the school system both financially and through volunteer work. In his younger days, he coached Little League teams and grade school basketball, and his 44-year membership in the Chamber of Commerce reflects his commitment to Benton's business community.

While Frailey admits to feeling nostalgic for the neighborhood school model of his youth—he enjoyed the basketball, track, baseball, and even marble tournaments between the five grade schools—he appreciates the modern K-8 facility. "I guess I'm old-fashioned," he says with a smile, "but I know times have changed, and I think what we have now is great."

As he considers his lifetime in Benton, Frailey expresses nothing but gratitude. "It was a blessing to grow up here in Benton. The teachers and coaches all the way through were in teaching for the right reason—they were trying to help kids. I feel very blessed to have grown up here and grown up in the Benton school system."