Costello presents city, CHS band with signs commerating state championship

State Rep. Jerry Costello II of Smithton made a special appearance at the June 12 Chester Muni Band concert to present the Chester High School Music Department with road signs to commemorate their huge achievement last spring.

The CHS Concert Band, Swing Choir, Jazz Band and Concert Choir accumulated the most points of any other music department in the state of Illinois in the Class C IHSA Music Sweepstakes in 2018. For their accomplishment, Chester High School was recognized as the 2018 State Champions.

Costello topped off the round of accolades by presenting Colonel and the students with the bright green state of Illinois road signs which will be placed at two of the entrances to the city of Chester, recognizing Chester as the home of the State Champion IHSA Music Sweepstakes class A winners.

The signs will remain at those locations for one year after which one will be permanently attached to the wall outside of the CHS Band Room in Colbert Gymnasium. The other sign will be given to Mr. Colonel and he will keep it at his residence in Chester.

"Congratulations to Mr. Steve Colonel and the Chester High School Music Department. Whether it is singing or playing an instrument, music is something a person can enjoy for a lifetime," said Costello. "The Chester music students and staff invested hours of hard work and practice, including time outside of the classroom, to prepare themselves for this contest. Their dedication and determination is recognized by bringing home this State Championship."