Meet our 2020-21 Home & School Association
Principal - Nick Blackburn
President - Roxann Blankenship
My name is Roxann Blankenship and I was born and raised in Warrensburg, IL. I graduated form Warrensburg-Latham High School and Western Kentucky University with a Pharmacy Tech license. I currently work at Macon Resources as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Assistant (PRA). In 2010, I met my soulmate, Jeremy Blankenship, and not long after we were married. We have three wonderful children Skye, Gage, and Raylan. Raylan is a third grader at St. Patrick School. I love being a part of the St. Patrick Home & School Board. It has been a great opportunity to give back to the school that has given so much for its students. |
Vice President - Kandace Contreras
Hi, my name is Kandace Contreras. I grew up in the middle of nowhere between Greenview and Mason City, Illinois and I graduated from Illini Central High School. I moved to Decatur in 2010 and my husband and I have been married for almost ten years. Our oldest son, Aiden is in 8th Grade and Mateo, our youngest, is in the 2nd grade at St Patrick School.
After high school I was offered an internship at a local top 40 radio station. Shortly after my internship, I took a position as an on-air talent with another local rock station for three years while going to college. I later started my career working with kids and adults with disabilities, managing and teaching at community-based programs. I was also a Special Olympics coach for five years. When our youngest son was born seven years ago, I became a stay at home/work from home mom. I enjoyed being there for our boys, helping them grow. I was also blessed to be able to help take care of other children for working moms and dads during that time. This fall, you will see me assisting in the lunchroom and with extended care, as a new addition to the St. Patrick School staff. In our spare time we enjoy being outdoors, cooking and baking, watching our boys play in their sports, going to baseball games, taking trips to visit family, volunteering for Special Olympics, and so much more. I enjoy helping at our great school any chance I can. Our school has given our kids so much its not just a school or church to us, it’s our second family, our home away from home. |
Secretary - Dr. April P. Bogan
I'm Dr. April P. Bogan and this is my son, Gabriel Waller. I was born and raised in Decatur, IL. The daughter of Dr. Priscilla Palmer, who was an educator in the Decatur School System and currently works for Richland Community College and Granddaughter of Y. T and Edna Palmer, also of Decatur, IL. I graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1993 and attend Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. After receiving my Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy in 1998, I went on to receive my Doctoral degree from Utica College in Utica, NY in 2012. I was also blessed with my wonderful bundle of joy that year, Gabriel. Gabriel and I resided in Atlanta, Ga, until this past year, when we moved back to Decatur, IL to be closer to family. In searching out schools, for Gabriel, we decided that St. Patrick’s School was definitely the right choice for both of us. In our spare time, we enjoy playing in the sun with our multiple “critters” and staying active. We also believe it is of the utmost importance to give back to the community and serve those who are unable to do for themselves. |
Treasurer - Michelle Gillespie
I'm Michelle Gillespie and you may recognize me as the Secretary at St. Patrick School. I have three daughters and three beautiful grandchildren. My wonderful husband is a Laborer out of Local 159. Our baby, Marshawna, has been at the school since the 1st grade and she is now going into 6th grade. I have been Blessed to work at St. Patrick School, first in the lunch room for one year and then as the School Secretary for one year. This will be my third year coming up. I am a very family-oriented person and I love to volunteer anytime, anywhere. |
General Chair - David Auburn
I'm David Auburn and this is my son, Matthew. I grew up in Chattanooga, TN and I’ve been a single dad for the last ten years. Matthew has attended St. Patrick School since Pre-School and he will be an 8th grader this fall. I work at Bob Brady Auto Mall and spend my free time with family and friends. I am honored to volunteer to help out with our school and families as a dad of a St. Patrick School student. Father John Burnette, at St. Patrick Church and School, has been a big part of our positive experience and encouraged me to get more involved at our school. St. Patrick School is great and I really feel like it’s a place where all are welcome. |
General Chair - Jessica Clarkson
I'm Jessica Clarkson and I was born in Virden, IL and attended Sacred Heart Church as a child. I met my husband, Andrew, while a graduate student at University of Illinois- Champaign. He became Catholic in 2005. We got married at St. Patrick Church in Decatur, IL and have attended mass since our marriage in 2006. We live in the family farm house in Oakley. I am a school social worker at Arthur Grade School. Andrew and I have one daughter, Anna. She just finished her kindergarten school year at St. Patrick School. |
*Photo Compliments of Chris Felter, Whistleville Pics
General Chair - Erica Johnson
Hi, my name is Erica Johnson! I'm from Southern California, but mostly grew up in Illinois. I have a BS in business administration, and a BA in theological studies. My parents are Marine Veterans, so honor and faith is deeply rooted. I have two daughters that attend St Patrick's school: Charlotte is in 4th, and Olivia is in 2nd. Both of my younger siblings used to attend St. Patrick's, so there was no question where my children would go! The best thing about having my daughter's attend St Patrick's, is that they are being educated and building relationships with children from different backgrounds! Giving them a deeper understanding of "We are family". I volunteer as often as I can, and love to offer ideas for our school and community! TRRFCC |
General Chair - Jessie Knotts
Hi, I'm Jessie and I was born in Clinton, IL and raised in Decatur, IL. I’m a homemaker and love everything to do with my family and our faith in Christ. I have four beautiful children also three beautiful grandchildren. I’m Blessed to be an adopted fur mom too.
My youngest son, Drazzie has been at St. Patrick School for seven years. My husband Darryl works for Kelly Construction Company as a General Foreman. My passion is family, including our school families too. I love meeting new faces and greeting your children at our school. I enjoy helping others, supporting our school and parish and their goals, and I spend lots of time volunteering. Our St. Patrick children are the hearts of our amazing school and our school families, staff and parish. I strive to see all of those smiles and I love to send out nothing but positive vibes. My hobbies are faith, cooking, gardening, crafts, spreading tons of love and always laughter, music, plus spending time with my family making memories. |