I am honored and excited to be the principal of Okawville High School, a school with big time pride and big time trophies. However, this school’s success is not just on the court. Our students and staff are also doing great things in the classroom. It is a joy to lead a school with such persevering students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community. Education matters OHS!
Looking back, my career started in 1999 as a teacher. Before I reached the classroom, my education started with academic athletic scholarships at Kaskaskia College and Quincy University where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While working hard on my studies, I played baseball at both institutions and was later selected to be in both the KC and QU Hall of Fame. After college, I was selected in the 1997 Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres and played three years professionally. My baseball experience sent me all over America. I lived or played baseball in Phoenix, Arizona, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Clinton, Iowa, Rancho Cucamonga, California, and St. Charles, Missouri. The road trips, flights, and people I met highlighted a wonderful life experience. These experiences enhanced my education. It guided me to view education as a life-long process and I expect that I will continue to learn more about the uniqueness of both our wonderful world and Okawville High School.
Following baseball, my first teaching job was at Centralia Jr. High. After two years in Centralia, I was hired to teach at Aviston Elementary. Along with teaching social studies and government, I was also the athletic director, dean of students, head junior high baseball coach, assistant junior high basketball coach & head high school baseball coach. During my time at Aviston, I also earned by Master’s Degree and an Education Specialist Degree at Lindenwood University. After ten years in Aviston, I moved to Bond County Unit 2, in Greenville to become a principal. I was principal for eleven years in Bond County.
On a personal note, I met my wife Colette during my final days at Quincy University. We were married in May of 2000 and reside on the family farm near Aviston. Our first child, Easton James Rakers, was born on November 15, 2003. Our second child, Aubrey Nicole Rakers was born on October 17, 2007. Easton loves sports and plays college baseball at Lindenwood University where he majors in Business. Aubrey is a student at Central High School and loves to read and do all things related to school. I love spending free time and traveling with my family.
Most importantly, I bring a belief to OHS that students are at the core of my student-centered approach to school. All decisions support our students and their futures. The relationships between families and the school are also key to the success of our Rockets. I encourage you to become involved in every way possible. I look forward an ‘O’wesome experience continuing the great traditions set by the West Washington Unit 10 School District. Go Rockets!
