James "Poppy" Crow (1946-2024): Rockford teacher at Wilson Middle School and Auburn High School where he established the Creative and Performing Arts Program. Served on the board of Directors of the Art Council. Was Artistic Director of Creative and Performing Arts School for the Rockford Board of Education.

Craig Cutbirth (1948-2022): Life Member of ISTA. Served at least 8 years as ISTA’s Journal editor between 1986 and 2008. At ISU, he was DOF off and on from 1980-2003. Sandford Award recipient. Obituary

John Davis ( -2024) President of ISTA, 1987-88. 1987 Convention Theme: "Sharing the Past--Serving the Future." Treasurer, 1983-84. SCOTIE Chair, 1981-82. 1999 Sandford Award recipient. 1991 Harrod Award recipient.

Marion Kleinau (1926-2024): President of ISTA, 1986-87. Theme for her Convention: “Educational Reform” (1985). Executive Vice-President, 1979-1980. Higher Education Chair, 1988-89. Sandford Award recipient. Obituary.

Marvin Kleinau (1929-2021): President of ISTA, 1968-69. Secretary-Treasurer, 1956-1957 and again 1963-1964. Sandford Award recipient. Obituary

Robert Neileub (1942-2023): Executive Secretary of ISTA/ICTA, 2005-2012. Sandford Award recipient. Obituary

Tom Pace (1929-2024): President of ISTA, 2000-2001. Theme for his convention: “2000: Working Together to Exceed the Standards” (2000). Harrod and Sandford Awards recipient. Obituary.

Dan Sackett (1956-2023): Teacher at Carl Sandburg High School for 33 years. Head Speech Coach; Theater Director.

Jim Schiferl (1962-2024): Coached at Hersey High School.

Bill Semlak  (1946-2023): President of ISTA, 1990-1991. Theme for his convention: “How We Teach Creativity and Critical Thinking” (1990). He was DOF at ISU 1974-1977, and served as an administrator for decades before retiring in 2001. Obituary.

Doug Springer (1945-2024): President of ISTA, 1975-1976. Executive VP 1999-2001. Debate (SDTC) Chair 1988-1989. Harrod Award and Sandford Award recipient. Obituary.

Donald Tantillo (1944-2023): ISTA Debate (SDTC) Chair, 1998-2000. Thirty-year career teaching and coaching debate. Started and coached a girls’ golf team at Wheeling High School. Obituary.

Homer Thomas (1946-2024): Taught at Richards High School in Oak Lawn. He became the Head Speech and Debate Coach. He also coached Track. He was the first African-American Teacher there.

Many thanks to Megan Koch, Kevin Martin, Barbara Hall, and BJ Lawrence for sharing names and information with us. We regret any unintended factual errors.