Kewanee High School recently honored two remarkable individuals with the Honorary Boilermaker Award, celebrating their unwavering support of the local educational community. Dr. Chris Sullens, a dedicated educator and former superintendent, has been instrumental in implementing significant infrastructure improvements across the district, enhancing educational facilities to benefit future generations. Meanwhile, local businessman Rick Johnson has made quieter contributions, notably through his consistent support to the student body by providing attire for school events and fostering a strong sense of community spirit. These two alumni exemplify the profound impact that dedication and service can have on a community, shaping a brighter future for Kewanee’s students.
Dr. Chris Sullens Biography:
The Honorary Boilermaker Award is given to an individual or business that has given countless support to the Kewanee School District community. Often, these individuals or businesses go unnoticed but are vital to the success of the students in our district. Without this support, our district would look very different.
This year’s Honorary Boilermaker is a graduate of the KHS class of 1980. While in high school, he played football as a quarterback for 2 years and wrestled for 4 years; he won 28 matches his senior year. He was involved in Key Club and worked at Midland Country Club while attending high school. He earned a prestigious award for having perfect attendance for 13 years.
Upon graduation, he attended Northern Illinois University, where he found his interest in Industrial Education. He received his Bachelors in Education in 1984. He continued his education as a Huskie and received his Master’s in 1986. After subbing in the Kewanee School District, he was employed as an Industrial Arts Teacher at Galva High School. While at Galva, he coached Volleyball and Wrestling. In 1998, he was hired as
Principal at Neponset High School and later became the Superintendent/Principal. During that time, he earned his doctorate in Education through the Nova program in Chicago. During his tenure at Neponset, he was an integral part of the Neponset School District, combined with the Kewanee School District through an annexation process.
In 2006, he was hired as the Superintendent of Kewanee Community Unit School District 229. In his 18 years as Superintendent, he oversaw many initiatives and improvements that have made the District simply the best.
His ultimate goal was and still is to make sure that our students have the best education and that every single student has something in our District to be a part of.
He made sure to give all our students at Kewanee District 229 opportunities that other students didn’t have in 2005. For example, in 2007, the KHS Stadium Restrooms were built. In 2009, KHS got a Greenhouse and the KHS Stadium Lights. In 2011-2012, the Golby Student Center was built along with the parking lot by Central Field. In 2014, the KHS Science and Art Rooms Expansion, the Central Steamer Gymnasium, and the Lyle Addition were completed. In 2015, the District bought the Old Moose Building and remodeled it into the Professional Development and Administration Office. In 2018, Belle Alexander was expanded to include a new classroom, offices, restrooms, and a new library. In 2019, the KHS Biology and Fine Arts Addition, the Administration Office Addition, and numerous Solar Projects were completed. In 2020, the Secure Entrance at Central was built, the KHS Home Economics Addition was built, and the Teachers Lounge and AD Room were remodeled. In 2021, he continued improvements and innovations through the KHS Cafeteria Expansion and the Great Dane Welding Expansion. In 2022, the District’s major projects were the KHS Football and Soccer Turf Field, the KHS Ag Science Center, the Belle Classroom and Gymnasium Addition, the Neponset Classroom Addition, and the Irving Secure Entrance. In 2023, his work continued with the addition of the new Cernovich Fieldhouse, the new Lyle Physical Therapy and Speech Room Addition, the Irving Parking Lot, and the new playground.
This Boilermaker has a total of 38 years in the educational sector. He retired on June 30, 2024, and will enjoy his retirement with his wife, Kristine, and his daughter, Chloe, who is also a KHS graduate. Although he is now retired, you will still find him running around in the KHS halls giving the Class Reunion tours.
Rick Johnson Biography:
The Honorary Boilermaker Award recognizes individuals whose dedicated support has made a significant difference in the success of Kewanee’s students and programs. This year’s recipient prefers to stay out of the spotlight, quietly contributing in ways that have a lasting impact on the community.
Rick Johnson, a proud graduate of Kewanee High School’s Class of 1971, has deep roots in Kewanee. While at KHS, Rick was involved in many activities, including basketball, football, cross country, Key Club, student council, and track, and he even served as Sophomore Class President. Rick worked for his family’s business outside of school, helping open a young men’s retail store in 1970. After high school, he attended Black Hawk East College before transferring to Bradley University, where he earned his degree in Business in 1975. His education prepared him to take the reins of his family’s business eventually, Johnson’s Hub Clothing & Formalwear, which is now a 105-year-old, fourth-generation establishment.
Rick and his wife Jackie are proud parents to two daughters, Amanda Minx (husband Mike) and Valerie Karasek (husband Doug), both KHS graduates. He is also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren—Henry, Ralph, and Rory—with another grandchild on the way.
As the owner of Johnson’s Hub, Rick has become a pillar of the community, providing quality clothing for generations. Each year during Homecoming, Rick generously donates tuxedos to the Homecoming court, free of charge, supporting a beloved local tradition. Over the years, he’s also contributed formalwear for school plays and other events, helping students shine in every sense.
Rick’s love for Kewanee extends beyond his business. As a devoted father, he took great pride in watching his daughters play sports at Kewanee High School, always on the sidelines, keeping their stats with pride. That same passion for the Boilermakers endures, as Rick continues to follow the local teams, tracking their stats and cheering them on. He always enjoys it when current KHS students stop by Johnson’s Hub, encouraging them and sharing in their accomplishments.
Though Rick shies away from recognition, his steady and quiet contributions have been vital to the district’s success. He’s spent years helping young men look their best for dances, dates, proms, and interviews, and he’s thrilled when they return to him for their weddings. His support has influenced countless lives in Kewanee, a true testament to his deep commitment to the community that he has always called home.
