Published on May 20, 2025 8:21 am
Last Updated on May 20, 2025 8:21 am
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is proud to announce its 10th class of recipients of the IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award.
The 2024-25 honorees encompass three active media members who include Western Illinois newspaper staple Shelby Burget, veteran Chicagoland prep writer Mike Clark, and the sports editor of the Mendota Reporter since 1984, Kip Cheek. In addition, two retired prep sports legends will also be honored in Taylor Bell and Barry Temkin, who enjoyed decorated careers with the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, respectively.
The IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award was created to recognize media members who have covered high school sports and activities in Illinois for a significant period of time, while maintaining perspective on the amateur events they report on. See past winners by clicking here.
“Congratulations to each of these gentlemen on this well-deserved honor,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Their contributions to high school sports in Illinois, and to their communities, is immeasurable. We know they are beloved figures within the areas and communities they provide coverage and look forward to having a special moment to honor each during the 2024-25 school year.”
IHSA member school personnel and veteran media members in the state are eligible to nominate individuals for the award. Beginning in 2024, the IHSA is seeking to honor at least one retired media member as a part of what is traditionally a class of four honorees.
“The IHSA Distinguished Media Service Award is only 10 years old, so we recognize that there are many deserving individuals who were retired by the time it came into existence,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Matt Troha. “We wanted to start the process of trying to recognize at least one of those individuals each year. Barry and Taylor actually tied in the voting, so we felt there was no reason to wait any longer and look forward to honoring both this year.”
The IHSA’s media advisory committee, and a select committee of veteran media members in the state voted on the nominees. Each winner will be honored at a high school event of their choosing during the 2024-25 school year.
“A vital element of this award is the recognition within the community,” said Troha. “We look forward to seeing this year’s winners being recognized in front of the students, coaches, and communities they have impacted with their exceptional work.”