QHS Alumni Spotlight: Q&A with Bo ’94 & Erin ’97 Knapheide

Meet Bo and Erin Knapheide, proud Quincy High School alumni and this year’s Honorary Campaign Chairs for the Quincy Public Schools Foundation Annual Campaign! As lifelong Blue Devils and parents of three current and former QPS students, they are passionate about supporting the future of Quincy Public Schools. Read on to hear about their experiences, their vision for this year’s campaign, and how you can help make an impact!

As the honorary Campaign Chairs for this year’s QPSF Annual Campaign, what motivated you to take on this role? 

We are both proud Blue Devil Alumni and parents of one recent Blue Devil Alum. Our daughter Lauren graduated QHS last year and is now a freshman at the University of Kansas, Libby is a Junior at QHS and Henry is in 7th grade at QJHS. We have had such a positive experience with QPS as both graduates and as parents of QPS students.  We understand the importance of a quality, well-rounded educational experience and want to help ensure that same high-quality experience for current and future students. We have a passion to see QPS be as successful as it can be and help as many students and faculty as possible.

As alumni of Quincy High School, how did your experiences at QHS shape your careers and values as community leaders? 

Bo:  Quincy Public Schools offered me a very well-rounded experience academically, athletically and socially. The opportunities, successes and challenges I faced helped prepare me for the real world. I learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork, which I have applied throughout my life.

Erin: At QHS, I was an A-building kid where I was able to cultivate my love of performing and entertaining. The opportunities QHS provided led me to a very fulfilling career working for the Walt Disney Company Radio Network, Radio Disney. I still use the skills I learned in theater, show choir, and the classroom today as a stay-at-home mom, community volunteer and a hostess at various Knapheide company events.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at QHS? 

Bo:  My favorite memory from QHS was being a part of the QHS basketball team.  There is truly nothing like being a blue devil!

Erin: My friendships that I made at QHS will always be at the very top of my favorite memories. Also, the wonderful teachers, directors and coaches that influenced me to be the best version of myself. I loved every minute of the musicals in the fall, New Faces in the spring, music department trips, being a football trainer for the Coach Face and cheering on my friends on the basketball team.

Why do you believe it’s important for yourselves and fellow alumni to support the Quincy Public Schools Foundation and its initiatives? 

The Foundation helps to ensure the highest quality educational experience for every student in our town. The Foundation amplifies the school district’s mission and invests in our kids for a better community today and tomorrow.

Knapheide Manufacturing has a long history in Quincy. How do you see the relationship between local businesses and the success of the public school system? 

We believe the strength of a public school system is directly connected with the success of local businesses.  The more we can help create an environment to inspire kids to grow and achieve great things, the more our community and businesses will grow and thrive.

What do you hope to achieve during this year’s campaign, and how can the community help make this vision a reality? 

We hope to knock it out of the park! The sky is the limit this year! We hope the community will match our excitement to give freely and generously. The community can help by giving to the campaign, donating to the Night To Dream Big, Coming to the Night to Dream Big and encouraging others to donate and get involved.  

What are some of your hobbies and interests? 

We love watching our kids in any and all of their sports and activities. We also love visiting our oldest daughter at KU. We are fanatics about the Jayhawks and Chiefs! And love cheering on the Blue Devil teams!

Do you have any advice for current students?  

Get involved!! There is no excuse not to get involved at QHS! If a sport or music isn’t for you, join a club, start a club.  Make long last memories and friendships.  And most of all, share your Blue Devil pride!

Each year, the Quincy Public Schools Foundation holds an Annual Campaign, with the mission of raising funds to support the Quincy Public Schools in the areas of curriculum, technology, fine arts, and athletics. Funds raised during the annual campaign also go toward the work done within the Quincy Public Schools Foundation, helping to expand the Foundation’s capacity and grow its impact.