Dear Herrin Families, Friends, and Alumni,

As we approach the start of another school year, this special alumni edition of Stories and Stripes offers us a meaningful pause—to reflect on the journeys that began right here in Herrin and have since unfolded into lives of impact, leadership, and purpose.

This issue celebrates the Tigers who have gone on to build remarkable careers and lives, yet whose roots remain firmly planted in the values they learned in our schools, homes, and neighborhoods. You’ll meet Rodney Smith, now Vice President and Administrator for SIH Herrin Hospital, who once rode his bike through town in search of pudding cups and now helps shape the region’s healthcare landscape. And Julie Christ, co-owner of Louie’s P&R, who returned to carry forward a beloved local institution, ensuring that Herrin’s flavors and traditions remain as vibrant as ever.

You’ll read about dedicated public servants like Paul Haynes and Johna Schullian, and community-minded entrepreneurs like Chad Skaggs and Kyle Borders. There’s Marlee Burkitt, who brings the heart of Herrin into her work on the Illinois Appellate Court, and Kerri Blaylock, whose storied career in collegiate softball coaching traces directly back to her formative years in Herrin. These stories are as varied as they are inspiring, but all share one thing in common—a deep sense of gratitude for where it all began.

Many speak with reverence about their teachers, mentors, and the steady presence of family and community. Their achievements remind us that education is not just about curriculum—it’s about culture, connection, and the belief that our young people are capable of great things.

As we welcome a new generation of students this fall, I hope you’ll find inspiration in these stories. They affirm something we’ve long known in Herrin: the work we do here matters. It lasts. And it launches.

With Tiger pride,

Nathaniel Wilson, Superintendent
Herrin CUSD 4