Kewanee High School is honoring four remarkable individuals as this year’s Honorary Boilermakers. Tim Atwell, a beloved teacher and coach known for his vibrant orange attire and uplifting spirit, is celebrated for decades of mentorship and dedication as he prepares to retire. The district also recognizes Dave Spets, a multi-generational Boilermaker whose career included coaching, teaching, and supporting students across roles, leaving a powerful legacy within the Kewanee community. Dave Bryner’s contributions continue through his commitment to school activities and his reputation for kindness and sportsmanship. Finally, Kirk Fristad is honored for his 28 years of shaping students’ lives as a teacher, coach, and mentor—exemplifying Kewanee pride. Congratulations to the 2025 Honorary Boilermakers!
Kewanee High School recognizes a lifetime of dedication as Tim Atwell is named this year’s Honorary Boilermaker. A 1984 Geneseo graduate with deep farming roots, Atwell’s journey led him from coaching youth wrestling to earning his degree at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, where he supported the wrestling team and later earned a scholarship for leadership. Since joining KHS in 1998, Atwell has taught, coached, and captured countless memories through photography. Known for his school spirit, mentorship, and generosity, Coach Tim Atwell is known for teaching driver’s education and coaching wrestling, football, and track. Atwell also captured school spirit with his photography and trademark orange attire. Beyond roles and titles, his genuine care has touched students, colleagues, and the entire Boilermaker community. As Atwell prepares for retirement, the school celebrates an unmatched legacy of encouragement, kindness, and unwavering service.
Kewanee School District will bid farewell to a local legend as Mr. Dave Spets announces his retirement, effective October 15, 2025. Spets has been a cornerstone of the district since 1990, taking on roles as teacher, coach, bus driver, and scoreboard operator. Generations of Boilermakers, including his own children and grandchildren, have benefited from his unwavering commitment. With deep roots in the community, Mr. Spets leaves an indelible mark on Kewanee schools, their students, and families. A lifelong connection to Kewanee lies at the heart of one man’s remarkable legacy. With both parents and siblings graduating from Kewanee High School, he continued the tradition by raising three children—Jackie, John David, and Jennifer—who all became Boilermakers. His influence reaches even further, as his daughter Jennifer now teaches at Central Junior High, and Jackie supports students as a district social worker. Proud grandfather to five, he cherishes family ties with Kewanee schools.
Dave Bryner’s commitment to the Kewanee School District shines well beyond his years of professional service. A 1968 graduate of Kewanee High School, Dave Bryner has become a true cornerstone of the Kewanee community. After nearly three decades with the U.S. Postal Service and years driving buses for local schools, retirement only opened the door to more service. Bryner’s dedication began as a student-athlete at Kewanee High School, and it never stopped. For 15 years, he’s managed the clock at home games and announced basketball and volleyball events, even helping at cross country and golf meets. Known for his steady presence and kind spirit, his legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren. From his days as a student leader and golf team captain, Bryner has inspired generations with his dedication and good sportsmanship—values he passed on to his own family of KHS graduates. His story, punctuated by a joint sportsmanship award shared with his daughter, Brooke, stands as a testament to his influence. Admired as “Papa,” who always fixes what’s broken, Bryner’s legacy is etched in local hearts.
Kirk Fristad, Class of 1982, has been named this year’s Honorary Boilermaker. Fristad was active in golf and choir during his years at Kewanee High School, attended Black Hawk College, and later earned degrees from Illinois State University and Olivet Nazarene University. His teaching and coaching career spanned 28 years, with the majority of his time spent at Central Junior High in Kewanee. Fristad has coached several sports, guiding many athletes to state competitions. From golf and cross country to baseball, his leadership guided many athletes to state-level competitions. Now retired from full-time teaching, he remains a fixture at local schools, teaching health and supporting events. Fristad comes from a true Kewanee legacy, with both parents and numerous family members graduating from KHS. His wife, Susan, their children, and even extended family have all walked Kewanee’s halls. Continuing the family’s deep ties, daughter Julie now teaches at the school, while son Nate is actively involved in coaching athletics. Away from school, Fristad cherishes family trips to the Wisconsin Dells, golf outings, and precious moments with grandchildren Sawyer, Owen, and Finn.
