2017 Hall of Fame Inductees

The inductees are:

• Community Service: Helen Hawkins, 87, of Granite City
• Education: Lou Henson, 85, of Champaign
• Performance/Graphic Arts: Carol Schempp, 73, of Springfield

Ms. Hawkins has consistently shown tremendous support for community-based programs in her area. She has chaired special projects for the organizations she is a member of such as the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, AmVets Ladies Auxiliary and VFW Women's Auxiliary in addition to many others.  Hawkins has shown her commitment to her community by providing aid to victims of area flooding, improving cemetery grounds and supporting our troops away from home.

Illinois Basketball Head Coach Mr. Henson, spent over 41 years of his career motivating young adults in academics and competitive excellence.  Among his many accomplishments over the years, Mr. Henson was named a Sports Illustrated Top 20 Coach, ESPN National Coach of the Year and was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.  Notably, Mr. Henson founded the nationally known student run organization, Orange Krush.  The Orange Krush Foundation collects the membership entry fees from all members and in turn allocates the money into the community to deserving groups such as soup kitchens, children's homes and after school programs.

As a Senior Olympian, Ms. Schempp prides herself on her commitment to health and promotion of well-being for individuals of any physical ability.  She uses her fitness skills to promote safety and wellness amongst her peers, such as volunteering as a life guard.  Ms. Schempp is an advocate for exercise and encourages others to recognize the importance of having a regular fitness regimen at any stage of life.

For more information on the Senior Illinois Hall of Fame, contact the Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine.