News

QPS Foundation Awards Over $80,000 in Teacher Grant Awards in Support of Quincy Schools The Quincy Public Schools Foundation has announced its latest round of grant funding, approving more than $80,000 to empower educators, elevate student experiences, and ignite creativity across the Quincy Public School District. This grant cycle, the Foundation’s Grants Committee approved 17…

QHS Alumni Spotlight: Brooke Trantor ’07 By: Katie Rodemich ’02 When Brooke Trantor returned to her hometown of Quincy, she brought more than ambition—she carried a story only this community could inspire. From her early days on the Quincy Community Theatre stage to nearly fifteen years in Los Angeles filmmaking, her journey has come full…

Celebrate the pride and tradition of Quincy High School with these limited-edition holiday ornaments, available only this year and while supplies last. Each ornament is thoughtfully illustrated by local designer and QHS alumna Laura Wright, founder of LOinLONDON. Choose from three exclusive designs, each capturing the bold spirit and history of the Blue Devils. Whether…

A Legacy of Tradition: Celebrating Four Fine Arts Legends of Quincy Public Schools By: Katie Rodemich ’02 For generations of Quincy High School students, A Building was more than classrooms and rehearsal halls. It was where voices found strength, where spotlights revealed hidden confidence, and where music and performance transformed strangers into family. Together, Clyde…

QHS Alumni Spotlight: Michèle Crider 1977 From Quincy’s Choir Room to the World’s Great Opera Houses By: Katie Rodemich ’02 Sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin in the most familiar places. For Michèle Crider ’77, that place was Quincy—where a family of singers, a church choir, and dedicated teachers first nurtured her gift. From those…

Michèle Crider, internationally acclaimed soprano and Quincy Senior High School alumna, will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award by the Quincy Public Schools Foundation at the organization’s signature gala, A Night to Dream Big, on Friday November 7, 2025. Crider first discovered the magic of music as a young child—a spark that would ignite…

Tom Burnett served as QHS Theater Director and English teacher from 1973 to 2010, inspired generations of students through his creative vision and unwavering dedication to mentorship. He cultivated both confidence and community, creating a stage where every student could shine. Alumni often reflect on the lessons they carried beyond the A-Building—crediting Burnett’s influence for…

Les Fonza is a proud 1963 graduate from Quincy High School. Returning in 1986 to lead the band program, he elevated the Marching Blue Devils and concert ensembles to new heights of excellence. Known for his powerful “Voice of God” at basketball games and QHS performances, he became a fixture of Blue Devil Pride. His…

Dan Sherman directed the Quincy Senior High choir and choral programs from 1969 to 2009 and built a tradition of vocal excellence recognized across Illinois and beyond. Under his leadership, QHS choirs consistently earned top honors, and countless students credit him as a formative influence in their musical journeys. Support A Night to Dream Big!…

Clyde Bassett joined Quincy Senior High in 1989, directing both the school orchestra and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra until his passing in 2005. A passionate educator, he revitalized the string program and inspired countless students with his love of performance. Bassett’s gift for connecting school and community musicians-built bridges that enriched Quincy’s cultural life and…