It's Back for 2025
The Peoria High Alumni Association
Golf Outing!
Save the Date!
June 6, 2025, Open at 11:30am
Tee off 1:00pm, Range available
Weaver Ridge Golf Course
More information to follow soon
Honoring Coach Mike Lawless and his years of service to PHS!
Art Oakford
Peoria High School Class of 1949:
A family history of Community Service
If you have lived in Peoria, IL most of your life...you most likely know Art Oakford (and his wonderful family). Art has been a major player in the world of Community Service. Not only a family man, veteran, businessman and Rotary Club President, but an individual who has served the community in immeasurable ways. His family lineage goes back to the early days of PHS when his grandfather, Aaron Oakford attended PHS in 1860 and went on to be a very successful business man in Peoria. The apple doesn't fall from the tree when it comes to Art. Scouting was a major part of his life growing up in Peoria. The scouting oath and disciplines learned stayed with him through PHS and college. As the Crest from 1949 states: "Always Active in Everything!" Peoria is lucky to have him!
This article was reprinted with the permission of the author.
The event honoring Art Oakford occurred December 19, 2024 at the Pere Marquette in Hotel in Peoria, IL. We are reprinting it in honor of Art and his service to the community. Art graduated from PHS in 1949.
Noted philanthropist to be honored by Scouting America later this month
by: Andy Kravetz
Posted: Dec 3, 2024 / 04:27 PM CST
Updated: Dec 3, 2024 / 04:28 PM CST
Photo courtesy of Over the Edge
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Noted philanthropist Art Oakford will be honored later this year by the area’s Scouting America council for his years of community service and work with others.
The W.D. Boyce Council, which has its offices in Peoria’s North Valley, will honor the 93-year-old Oakford with its Distinguished Citizen Award during a dinner on Dec. 19 at the Hotel Pere Marquette in Downtown Peoria.
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and lasts until 7:30 p.m.
Scouting America is the new name for the Boy Scouts, which has rebranded itself twice after accepting girls into its ranks a few years ago.
From Boy Scouts of America to Scouting America, What does the name change mean?
The award is given each year in “recognition of noteworthy and extraordinary leadership, significant contributions to the growth and vitality of Central Illinois, and commitment to values expressed in the Scout Oath and Law.”
Past recipients have included Dr. Stephen and Patti Bash, Barton Family Foundation, Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, and Gordon and Jean Ann Honegger.
The local Scouting Executive, Ben Blumenberg, said he was honored to honor Oakford, a fellow Eagle Scout, for his years of service to the community.
Dozens of local scouts prepare to leave for National Jamboree in West Virginia
Tickets for the dinner can be purchased online on the council’s website, which is www.wdboyce.org. Opportunities to support the event through sponsorship are also available. All proceeds benefit the W. D. Boyce Council programs and mission to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices by teaching them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Pictures from the event
photo credit: Stephanie Bartman Photography and Oakford family
Below is a copy of the write-up for the program honoring Art Oakford, '49.
Congratulations Art and thank you for your service to our Nation, State and Community!
Alumni News (or soon to be Alumni)
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Some of our soon to be Alumni sign Letters of Intent- Congratulations!
Here's another great story by Tracy Riebel, '87, on some of our Peoria High School couples. Many PHS classmates met, dated and married. I've known many in my life. It's great to hear about those couples. We want to hear your story if you care to share it with our Alumni. If you have any other worthwhile stories you would like to submit or have us take a look into...please let us know.
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Established in 1856, Peoria High School is the largest oldest high school
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