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Website will be updated soon as Veterans Day approaches! Stay tuned!
The 1856 Campaign is still on and there's time to donate!

Meanwhile....Lions are in the playoffs

The Alumni Association accepts donations throughout the year. For those that have donated, we thank you so very much. We hope you can do so again. Our final campaign runs from September 2025 to January 2026. It's purpose is to continue the Alumni Association programs and support to those students continuing to pursue vocational and undergraduate degrees.

Join the 1856 Campaign: Honoring the Legacy of

Peoria High School

On May 5, 1856, Peoria High School opened its doors and began a tradition of excellence that has endured for over a century and a half. As the oldest high school in Illinois, Peoria High has stood as a pillar of education, resilience, and achievement, shaping the lives of generations of students who went on to make lasting contributions in their communities, throughout our state, and across the nation.

Now, the Peoria High School Alumni Association invites you to honor that proud history and help secure its future through the 1856 Campaign.

Why the 1856 Campaign?

The campaign name reflects more than just the founding date of our historic school—it represents a living legacy. For over 165 years, Peoria High graduates have distinguished themselves as leaders, innovators, and citizens who embody the values of hard work, service, and integrity. From local community builders to national figures, our alumni have carried the Peoria High spirit into every walk of life.

The Alumni Association exists to preserve this legacy, strengthen connections among graduates, and support current students as they pursue their own paths to success. But to continue this important mission, we need your support.

How Your Gift Helps

Your contribution to the 1856 Campaign will:

Support Alumni Programs – Strengthening the bond between generations of Lions.
Preserve History – Ensuring the stories, traditions, and pride of Peoria High live on.
Invest in the Future – Helping the next generation of Peoria High students carry forward the school’s tradition of excellence.

Be Part of the Legacy

When you give to the 1856 Campaign, you’re not just making a donation—you’re investing in a legacy that began nearly 170 years ago and continues to thrive today. Every dollar honors the past, enriches the present, and inspires the future.

We invite all alumni, families, and friends of Peoria High to join us in this important effort. Together, we can ensure that the roar of the Lions will be heard for generations to come.

Donate Today

Join us in honoring the proud legacy of Peoria High School. Make your gift to the 1856 Campaign and help write the next chapter in our school’s remarkable story.

1856 Campaign QR Code

Totals as of 1 Oct 2025 that include checks received at Office-
Combined Cash/Check Donations and PayPal

$10326.07
Thank you to those Alumni who have mailed checks! Our goal was $10,000.00 with a few months to go. Com'on Lions...Let's push this campaign to new heights! We hope all of you consider donating!

Mail a check to:

Peoria High School Alumni Association

1615 N North St

Peoria, IL. 61604

PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – EIN: 37-1267248

Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Established in 1856, Peoria High School is the largest oldest high school

in continuous operation West of The Allegheny Mountains

Rod Guthrie, Class of 1956
We know him for his mural in the cafeteria!

It's still there and looks fantastic!

Maybe a little "disruptive" but meant to be an inspiration for a positive attitude for others,

the inspiration came from an art teacher and football coach!

Photo from the Peoria High School Cafeteria, Aug 2025

From 1956 Crest

Rod Guthrie, Class of 1956, left a mark on the school that students would see to this day. The mark he left came from the encouragement of Lyle Suffield, his art teacher, and head football coach Tony Juska. That mark became a mural on the cafeteria wall. Rod played sports and was a fine athlete in basketball, football and baseball. He played along side some famous graduates from PHS that include Ralph Lawler, who became the voice of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The mural in the cafeteria depicts different periods throughout time of people preparing food to eat. I can remember walking into the cafeteria and seeing it everyday. I always wondered why he painted it....as his name was on the mural. So a little explanation appeared in the 1996 All-School Reunion Booklet. It gave a brief explanation that he was encouraged to paint it. He must have had a natural talent! His life after PHS was filled with a love for art. He and his wife Carol participated in many art shows. Carol was extremely talented artist with a degree from the College of Art in Boston, MA. She also had a BA from the University of Massachusetts. Rod studied art at Bradley University , the Art Institute of Chicago and at Oxbow. He liked working in the acrylic medium. Carole Guthrie said, " Rod uses fragments of forms and objects to create an abstract painting. Things are missing m the picture....there are only parts of a chair or a leg, for example. It's up to the viewer to fill in the blanks. His work evokes a quality of mystery with its lyrical use of form and color."

Rod had his own company called, "Rod Guthrie Design Associates, Inc", located in Monson, Massachusetts. His firm primarily designed and developed products for toy companies. Rod was hired by Lionel Trains. He was at the time in charge of designing and developing the layout for the Lionel Trains exhibit for for the 1991 annual Toy Fair in New York City. He also did work for Milton Bradley. So all of you train enthusiasts from PHS take note that Rod Guthrie may have designed that model of the Lionel Train you own!

Rod had other interests as well. He loved poetry. Rod was a member of the 9th Mass Battery in Northampton for Civil War re-enactment; he was an avid gunsmith and marksman and a historian particularly for Civil War and Vietnam War eras. He was a lifelong sailor in Michigan and New England.

Rod passed away in 2006 but his legacy and art beginnings live on in Peoria High School. Rod would have loved to be a part of the Peoria High School - Progressive School for the Arts that has classes at the school.

Excerpt from 1996 All-School Reunion Program

From 1956 Crest

Class Reunions

The Alumni Association visited a few reunions this weekend. We enjoy the opportunity to take a few minutes to say what the heck we are up to! All of you are the backbone of this Association and we always need your dedicated support. Check out a few photos from the weekend. Class of 1985 and 1995 were the first reunion classes to tour the building after a few areas were remodeled. The Main Gym and the Auditorium were updated. The new basketball hardwood looks great. We also visited 1975, 1980 and 1955! Thanks to all of you and we hope you all had a great reunion! Let me say thanks again from the Association for letting us say a few words at your reunions! We will continue with your help to build the Alumni network! Thanks Bill Robertson, '78

The Class of 1985 held its 40th reunion on September 27th. Sixty-five alumni participated in reunion activities including a tour of the school hosted by Robbie Robertson (‘78) and Tracy Riebel (‘87). An event was held that evening at Raber’s Packing Event Center for drinks, dinner, lots of stories and reminiscing! Cheers to the Class of ‘85!!

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Class of 1985 in newly finished PHS gym on Sep 27, 25

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Class of 1985 at Raber's enjoying their reunion

Class of 1995 also attended the tour with '85. Great to have all our Lions there to see the building! Thanks to you all for coming.

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Class of 1995 joined '85 for a tour of Peoria High on Sept 27, 2025.

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Class of 1980 came together Oct 4, 2025 at the Lariat Club for dinner and rekindling friendships and memories. Over 125 classmates attended.

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Class of 1975 enjoyed a weekend of reliving those great PHS days. Rick Simpkins emcee'd the event with over 125 in attendance. A great turnout and a lot fun that was had by all! We even re-lived that game-winning play against Manual. QB Jesse Lopez lateraled the ball to Dan Ruffin who threw the John Vespa for the catch and a sprint to end Zone. We can't forget that stop by Sam Goe at the end of the game to lock up the victory. Estimated 10,000 fans attended that game. It was one for the books for sure.

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Class of 1955 celebrated their 70th reunion with several classmates. Some '56 alumni also showed up to include Coach Joe Suffield and Steve Swank. Owen Ackerman led the event and several class members spoke about their experiences at Peoria High. Brock Hessing talked about the scholarship given in the name of Coach Tony Juska to those students who receive it during Honors Day. The 1954-55 football team established the scholarship following the passing of Coach Juska and has maintained it ever since.

Save the Date:

Peoria High School
Athletic Hall of Fame
April 25, 2026
PHS Foyer
More info coming soon!

Alumni News:

Three Peoria High Coaching Legends return to be honored

Three coaching legends returned to Peoria High to meet and greet with former athletes, family and friends on Oct 1, 2025. Mike Lawless, Bob LaCroix and Phil Salzer were on hand to a reception in the PHS Foyer. Over 100 attended. Many stories were told and fun was had at the event. It was great to see all the athletes and friends of PHS back in the school. These three coaches have trained some of the finest athletes at PHS. Their coaching records are a testament to their skill and love for the student athletes. Many Th banks to the PHS Staff and Shawn Stever for making this happen.

PHS News-

History made: Turner becomes first PHS boys sectional golfer in 16 years

By Kyle Daubs

As a Cubs fan, Michael Deg knows all about breaking curses.

The boys golf coach remembers the 2016 World Series like it was yesterday, but like all winners, the coach got to see the development of his young sophomore sensation break another curse.

It’s been 16 long years since a boys golfer has qualified for the Sectional golf tournament, but Turner took care of business at the Class 2A Peoria Notre Dame Regional to qualify as an individual by making it as the 9th overall individual.

Turner turned in a performance that won’t soon be forgotten at Metamora Fields, which was the location of the golf course despite Notre Dame playing host.

After a rough start, shooting nine over par through his first six holes, Turner showed resilience and composure that ultimately carried him to the next level of competition.

Turner put himself into a hold by posting a 45 on the front nine, but rallied on the back with a stellar 39, securing his spot in the IHSA Sectional Playoffs. Turner’s overall score of 84 was just one stroke above the 10th individual qualifier, Cayden Fogo of Eureka.

It’s the first time since 2009 since a PHS boys golfer has made the sectional tournament. Breighton Bardezbanian and Abrin Schaad qualified for the Lions at Emerald Hills in Sterling with 50-degree weather. Longtime coach Matt McCaw was the coach at the time and Bardezbanian missed going to state by three strokes.

Deg could not have been more proud of how Turner was able to show grit and mental toughness in the face of early adversity.

“There was a point in the round where Kayden was beating himself up,” said Deg. “He had to realize that the game of golf will do that to you. You have to battle the ups and downs and power through. He was able to park it and refocus, and he ended up going on a scoring run. He let the field fall back to him as he played well the last nine holes and came back to qualify for sectionals. I am extremely proud of him and can’t wait to see what he can do at sectionals.”

Turner will represent Peoria High at sectionals on Monday in Bloomington, aiming to continue his remarkable postseason run. Washington High School won the Regional, while Metamora and Morton also qualified as teams to the sectional.

Advancing Individuals

Another great article at PJStar.com by Adam Duvall- Read it at PJStar.com

High-octane Peoria High football has another prolific runner putting up video game numbers

Adam Duvall

Peoria Journal Star

PEORIA — Peoria High has become Running Back High.

Over the last decade, the Lions have produced several of the area’s most prolific tailbacks. From nearly 3,000-yard rusher Geno Hess to former Journal Star players of the year Eddie Clark and Malachi Washington, the Peoria High backfield has been home to several standout high school careers.

Now, Detaurion Pollard is looking to put his name on that modern-day Mount Rushmore of Central halfbacks.

“It’s really the lineman, for real,” said Pollard, who rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns all in the first half to beat Richwoods 80-30 on Friday, “but it’s a great experience to be a running back from Peoria High.”

The 5-foot-10, 188-pound senior had a coming out party in 2024. He rushed for 1,598 yards to go with 20 TDs and was named all-Big 12 Conference second-team offense.

This year, it’s been more of the same for Pollard. He boasts 972 yards and nine TDs on 117 carries through six games behind the offense line of Jaquarius Green, Kemari Jackson, Gabriel Sims and Hayven Kennedy.

“Last year, he announced himself onto the scene,” Peoria High coach Aaron Montgomery said, “and this year it’s kind of the continuing on … and be able to turn around and hand it ‘0’ is definitely a good feeling.”

Clark, though, has proven to be the biggest inspiration for Pollard. As a junior, Clark was named the 2020 JS offensive player of the year, then combined to run for 2,851 yards with 38 total TDs over two varsity seasons.

The pair are cousins, with Pollard admiring the way Clark worked hard and dedicated himself to always improving.

“Seeing him doing great,” Pollard said of Clark’s impact on him. “Seeing him put up stats. Cheering his team on and being a great teammate.”

Speed and agility training, while living in the weight room were offseason staples for Pollard, noting he runs a 4.6-second 40-yard dash. That and making sure he’s remained on the same page as quarterback Breon Greene.

Pollard and Greene have played together since JFL and developed great on-the-field chemistry.

“It’s just natural now,” Pollard said

Peoria High is regrouping following last week’s 43-38 loss to Normal West. That’s the second one-score defeat suffered by the Lions this season.

Pollard says it was a tough week of practice, but the Lions still have their sights set on making a deep playoff run.

“Be focused,” Pollard said of this week’s message. “Stay disciplined. Listen to the coaches and just be coachable. … It’s easy to slack off on things and not being focused.”

As for the future, Pollard has been talking with coaches across all levels of college football. He holds a scholarship offer from Division-II Quincy University and recently has heard from Western Illinois.

Ultimately, he aspires of playing in the NFL like future Hall of Fame running back Marshawn Lynch, his "favorite running back of all time."

“My mentality of not going down is my 'Beast Mode',” Pollard said, “and it’s going to take way more than one person to put me down.”

How Peoria High got back to its winning ways

The Class 5A ninth-ranked Lions (4-2, 4-1) scored 80 points for the first time since Week 4 of last season. Peoria High tallied 616 scrimmage yards (358 rushing, 258 passing) and had six different players score a TD.

However, no one had a more impressive night than Dereon Mays. The senior wide receiver/cornerback found the endzone four different ways against Richwoods (1-5, 1-5).

Mays had a 77-yard punt return for a score followed by a 69-yard pick-6 and a 24-yard TD catch to help put Peoria High up 60-10 at halftime. He then completed the quadfecta with a 76-yard kickoff return for a score early in the fourth quarter.

“He’s a jack-of-all-trades,” Montgomery said. “That Swiss Army knife kid — offense, defense, special teams and then he also has an IQ for the game, which is even more of a plus.”

Greene threw for 165 yards and two TDs, while rushing for 116 yards and a pair of scores all in the first half. He found Jaylen Rayford for five catches and 66 yards with two TDs.

Wideout Kyiron Woodard added 101 receiving yards and a TD with Melvin Jenkins chipping in a rushing score.

Richwoods got a pair of rushing touchdowns by Micah Hunt (82 yards) to go with two TD pass from Eli O’Donnell (50 yards on 3-of-8 passing). Jasmine Bisping kicked a 24-yard field goal.

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

Three PHS teachers awarded $1,000 grants

By PHS Editorial Team

Three instructors at Peoria High School were awarded $1,000 classroom grants. Visual arts teacher Meredith Popp, band instructor Maura Shepherd, and French/Co-Op instructor Kathryn Rodolfi were each rewarded for their hard work and will use their funds for upcoming projects in the classroom.

Take a look at what each grant will be used for down below.

SEL Sketchbook (Popp)

This project will give every visual arts student a personal sketchbook to explore the 7 Mindsets through weekly art prompts. Grant funds will provide high-quality sketchbooks and materials like collage supplies, pens, and paints. Students will connect personal experiences to social-emotional themes through creative expression, with select works displayed to inspire empathy, resilience, and community connection.

Developing Essential Employability Skills through Work-Based Learning (Rodolfi)

This grant will help students see real-worlds applications of course concepts, our work-based learning project will use grant funds to purchase durable goods like electric turkey roasters for classroom ventures. Students will take on roles from writing formal emails and designing flyers to managing costs in Excel and producing food products such as lemonade slushies. These pop-up projects give students hands-on experience, build practical skills, and provide opportunities to both help others and develop new strengths.

Band Kits for Belonging Empowering PHS Musicians Through the 7 Mindsets (Shepherd)

With this grant, we will purchase personalized Band Kits tailored to each student’s instrument, including quality mouthpieces, protective bags, labeling tags, and care cloths. These kits will not only improve ton and responsibility but also serve as tools for social-emotional learning through the 7 Mindsets, helping students set goals, build pride, foster community, and take ownership of their growth. By connecting music education with SEL, the project empowers students to care for their instruments while developing accountability, gratitude, and confidence.

Want to help out PHS Students and their classes...

Want to help out the students directly? Here’s your chance to help out in the classes just a little bit. It will go a long way! They need supplies to get them started off running! The Alumni Association is dedicated to helping students go beyond High School but we also agree we need to help future Alumni. The links will take you to Amazon where it is easy to order. It goes straight to PHS.

Help the PHS Band