Joyce Kabbes (Alumni)
Joyce Kabbes, a 1957 graduate of St. Anthony Grade School and High School, has devoted a lifetime of service to St. Anthony Parish and the Effingham community. As a student, she was active in cheerleading and band at a time when girls’ athletics were not yet offered. For 67 years and counting, she has been a member of the church choir and has faithfully served as cantor, lector, rosary leader, and communion minister to nursing homes. She served on the pastoral council, including two years as president, chaired the parish picnic craft stand, and spent 15 years as a cherished RCIA leader. Alongside Judy Willenborg, she co-founded the Resurrection (Funeral) Choir, a ministry serving the parish for more than 25 years. Married to fellow St. Anthony graduate Ron Kabbes for 65 years until his passing in 2025, Joyce is the proud mother of four sons, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of 20. Her life reflects steadfast faith, humility, and quiet dedication to family and parish.
Don and Twila Wente (Alumni, Faculty, Staff, or Coach)
Don and Twila Wente have been devoted members of the St. Anthony Parish community for more than five decades. A 1966 graduate of St. Anthony High School, Don earned a Sociology degree from Quincy College in 1970. After ten years with the Illinois Department of Corrections, he began a 37-year career with Dust & Son Auto Supplies in sales and management. In 2023, he was inducted into the Quincy College Hall of Fame. He has also served the Knights of Columbus as a board member and activity coordinator. Twila, a 1966 graduate of Neoga High School, earned her degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1970. After teaching in Neoga, she joined St. Anthony School in 1983, where she dedicated 30 years—primarily teaching fifth grade—before retiring in 2013. Married in 1970, they raised four children, all St. Anthony graduates, and are blessed with 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They have faithfully served through parish ministries, fundraising committees, parish projects, and as Eucharistic Ministers to the homebound.
Gene and Rhonda Fearday (Friends of St. Anthony)
Gene and Rhonda Fearday met while attending Lakeland College and have called Effingham home since being married nearly 50 years ago. Dedicated members of St. Anthony Parish since 1986, they raised four children—Ryan, Darin, Ashley, and Bryce—who attended St. Anthony Grade School and graduated from St. Anthony High School. Today, they treasure time with their eight grandchildren. Both have given generously of their time and leadership to support St. Anthony’s growth and success. Gene served as Booster Club President and has been a member of the Booster Club Advisory Board since its founding in 2013. He played an instrumental role in the design and construction of the baseball and softball fields, as well as the pavilion behind the high school. Rhonda previously served on the St. Anthony School Board and Stewardship Committee and continues to serve the community through Meals on Wheels. Together, they have been dedicated leaders in fundraising efforts and remain loyal supporters and familiar faces at Bulldog events.
Michelle (Valenti) Bolliger (Fine Arts)
Michelle is a St. Anthony Grade School alumna and 2005 graduate of St. Anthony High School. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Millikin University in 2009. From an early age, she immersed herself in dance, voice, and drama, performing in numerous musicals throughout high school, with the Little Theatre in Sullivan, and in MainStage and student-run productions during college. Following graduation, she toured the western United States with Missoula Children’s Theatre, teaching and performing musical theatre while mounting full productions in just one week with casts of up to 80 children. She later spent three years as a resident performer at the Renaissance Center in Tennessee, performing on the MainStage and in dinner theatre productions while teaching voice and fitness classes. Since settling in the Chicagoland area in 2013, she has continued performing and volunteering with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. In 2023, she received a Lou Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Ilona in “She Loves Me.”
2000-2010 Women’s Tennis Teams (Athlete or Team)
From 2000–2010, the St. Anthony Girls Tennis program produced one of the most dominant decades in Illinois high school tennis history. Each team finished undefeated, compiling a perfect 104–0 record and contributing to a 144-match winning streak, with more than 90 percent of matches won 9–0. The Bulldogs captured ten consecutive sectional championships, each by margins exceeding ten points. Competing in a single-class IHSA format against schools with enrollments over 2,500 students, St. Anthony—then the smallest school in Illinois to offer girls tennis—was the top-finishing small school at state eight times, placing in the top 20 five times and top 10 twice, achievements unmatched by any small school in state history. At the State Tournament, the Bulldogs accounted for 102 of the 208 total points scored by all small schools during the decade. The teams also excelled academically, earning the school’s highest team GPA award nine consecutive years and producing five valedictorians and three salutatorians. Eleven players earned IHSA All-State honors, five multiple times—an extraordinary mark of sustained excellence.
For more information about the St. Anthony Hall of Fame, including a list of current of Hall of Fame members, or nomination information, visit StAnthony.com/HallofFame
2025 Booster Club Member of the Year – Gary Greene
Gary Greene exemplifies the true spirit of service and dedication that defines the St. Anthony community. His commitment goes far beyond what is expected, leaving a lasting impact on students, coaches, families, and programs throughout the school. Gary generously served two full terms as a Booster Club officer—an extraordinary demonstration of leadership, reliability, and Bulldog pride. His willingness to step up not once, but twice, reflects his deep commitment to supporting St. Anthony and its mission. In addition to his officer service, Gary continues to give his time and energy as a member of the Advisory Board and a dedicated leader in the transportation program. Whether behind the scenes or on the front lines, Gary is someone the community can always count on to get things done. Making him a truly deserving recipient of the Booster Club Member of the Year Award.
