VanSchaick

Chief Credit Officer, Spring Valley City Bank

Loving life in the Illinois Valley

Corey VanSchaick is a lifelong resident and big supporter of the Illinois Valley. Raised in Spring Valley and having graduated from St. Bede Academy, he attended Illinois Valley Community College and then Roosevelt University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an accounting major. Now, at age 36, he works at Spring Valley City Bank and lives in Oglesby with his wife, Courtney, and their two dogs.

“The Illinois Valley is a great place to live and work because of the people, businesses, and the amenities this area has to offer. There are many local businesses that when I visit them, it feels like going to see family versus going to just dine or shop. It is this essence that sets our community apart and has kept me here,” he said.

VanSchaick believes that, with enough effort, the Illinois Valley is poised for growth.

“The Illinois Valley has yet to achieve its full potential,” he said. “We are situated at one of the most attractive transportation corridors in the country at the intersection of I-80 and I-39. It is my hope that the potential of this area gets used to its fullest potential in order to attract industrial and commercial developments that can bring more employment opportunities to the area. If we succeed in attracting these developments, I believe it would bring more amenities, shops, and restaurants.”

VanSchaick loves that his job allows him to help make other people’s dreams come true.

“I am lucky to work in the financial service industry for a community bank that provides key funding for local businesses and consumers; this affords me the opportunity to work alongside many local business owners and service providers,” he said. “In this capacity, I am able to use my experience in financial analysis and loan structuring to help others in the community to achieve their goals and dreams.”

Clayton Theisinger Superintendent, Putnam County CUSD #535 An advocate for public education

As superintendent of Putnam County CUSD #535, Clayton Theisinger helps ensure all students have the chance to receive an excellent public school education, just as he did. This 35-year-old LaSalle resident was born in Peru and graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School in 2006. He then attended Bradley University, majoring in special and elementary education.

“I was provided many opportunities upon graduating in 2010, but I wanted to come home and give back to the community that gave so much to me. I was honored to be a special education teacher at LPHS for five years and eventually transitioned to an administrator role (Director of Teaching and Learning) in 2015-2016. After one year in that position, I accepted the role as Principal at Putnam County High School, which I proudly served in for five years,” he said. “With a firm belief in the critical role public schools serve for children and communities, I became Superintendent of Putnam County CUSD #535 in fall 2021 and continue to serve in the role.”

Theisinger and his wife, Alison, have two children, and he has earned more degrees since graduating from Bradley, including a master’s in special education from Illinois State University, a master’s in education administration from the University of St. Francis, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Nebraska.

“I am a staunch advocate for public education and schools in general. I think the Illinois Valley area has had a pattern of growth and success with its schools for many, many decades. However, I see this pattern as only the beginning and the foundation to greater things to come for our children and communities,” he said. “I think the dynamic of our schools is going to vastly change in the next few years by transitioning from a traditional, industrial model of schooling to one focused on the individual academic, social, and transitional needs of children. I want to be part of and help lead that effort with the amazing teachers, staff, and families in our communities.”