Community    |     Parents/Families     |     Students     |     Staff Portal     |     Foundation     |     Careers     |     Titan Tech     |     Contact

Achievement 

​

Sarah Kocher, PhD '01

A distinguished scientist and pioneering evolutionary biologist, Sarah Kocher, PhD., has dedicated her career to understanding the genetic and environmental factors that shape social behavior. A proud graduate of Glenwood High School’s Class of 2001, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2005 before obtaining a Ph.D. in genetics from North Carolina State University. She then continued her postdoctoral training at Harvard University, further honing her expertise.

​

Kocher is now an Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University’s Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, where she leads the groundbreaking Kocher Lab. Her research focuses on how complex social behaviors arise and evolve, particularly in socially variable bees. By integrating genomics, neurobiology, and field ecology, she has advanced our understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms that shape social evolution.

​

Her contributions to science have been widely recognized, earning her numerous prestigious awards, including the 2019 New Innovator Award, the 2021 Packard Fellowship, the 2022 Pew Scholarship, and the 2023 Freeman Hrabowski Scholar distinction. Her extensive body of published work has made a lasting impact in the fields of genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

Kocher’s passion for discovery and commitment to scientific advancement continue to inspire future generations of researchers. Her trailblazing work stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and innovation.

 

 

Service

​

Tom Johnson

Since 1980, Tom Johnson has been a fixture in the Chatham community as a physical education teacher for thirty-three years but perhaps known best for leading the Glenwood High School boys soccer and wrestling programs.  

 

Johnson’s first season at the helm of GHS boys soccer finished up with a losing record, but the program did not have a losing season for his remaining 19 years on the sideline. He led Glenwood to six IHSA Regional titles and two Sectional crowns. Over 20 seasons, Johnson compiled an impressive mark of 259-125-38 and is still the all-time winningest head coach in GHS boys soccer history.

 

The Glenwood wrestling program also needed a leader, and Johnson was the man for the job, leading the way from 1980 to 2006. Under Johnson’s tutelage, GHS wrestling put together 24 consecutive winning seasons while he totaled a career coaching record of 388-155-2. His wrestling squads won eight straight Regional titles and 12 conference championships. Tom coached 37 state qualifiers and six state placers. Just like boys soccer, Johnson is the all-time winningest coach in GHS wrestling history. 

 

After stepping down as head coach, Tom continued as an assistant coach with both programs. Tom has been married to his wife, Barb, for 46 years and is forever grateful for her sacrifice to him and their entire family.

​

Individual Athletic Accomplishments

​

Sinta Seiber '93

A tenacious presence in the circle against opposing hitters, Sinta Seiber shattered previous program pitching records from 1990-93. Seiber was one of the first in a long line of incredibly successful softball pitchers at Glenwood High School. 

 

As a sophomore in 1991, Seiber had a statistically stellar season in the circle while Glenwood earned its first softball Regional title in school history. During that 1991 campaign, Seiber struck out 267 batters and compiled a minuscule 0.32 earned run average. If you thought that ERA was impressive, Seiber bested it the following season with an ERA of 0.28 which was the program record until 2002. 

 

She still owns the program record for career strikeouts (940) and ranks second in career wins (70). 

 

Upon graduation, Seiber held the record for career ERA (0.45), which is now the second lowest in school history. Three of Seiber’s season strikeout totals rank in the Top-10 in the GHS softball record book. 

 

Northern Illinois University took notice and offered an athletic scholarship to Seiber where she contributed to the Huskie softball program for four years.

​

Skip Clayton '99

A fierce competitor, a leader, and a champion—Skip Clayton’s impact on Glenwood athletics is forever cemented in history. Clayton left an indelible mark on Glenwood High School athletics upon his graduation in 1999. A four-year starter on the baseball team and a three-year starter on the football team, Clayton played a pivotal role in securing state championships for both programs. His dominance on the field made him the only male athlete in Glenwood history to win state titles in two different sports.

​

Clayton’s talent was evident from the start, becoming the first freshman in school history to start on a varsity team. His football prowess was undeniable, setting a record for the most tackles in a state championship game with 14. On the baseball diamond, he was a force at the plate and on the bases, leading the conference in batting average, home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases for two consecutive seasons. His excellence earned him All-Conference honors three times in both football and baseball, and he capped off his high school career as an All-State selection in baseball his senior year.

​

Continuing his athletic journey, Clayton played college baseball at Three Rivers College and later at Springfield College before injuries cut his career short. Though his time on the field ended earlier than expected, his legacy remains as one of Glenwood’s greatest multi-sport athletes.

​

Team

​

2015 Titan Fever Show Choir

Glenwood High School’s Titan Fever made history in 2015, capturing the Show Choir National Championship Series Title and solidifying their place as one of the premier high school show choirs in the country.

 

Under the direction of Director Jeff Gemar, Assistant Director and Costume Designer Mary Gemar, Combo Director Tom Myers, Choreographer Heath Gemar, and Music Arranger Heath Ewing, Titan Fever delivered powerhouse performances that combined exceptional vocals, dynamic choreography, and electrifying stage presence.

 

Competing against top-tier ensembles from across the nation, Titan Fever’s 2015 season was defined by precision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their journey to the championship showcased months of rigorous rehearsal, teamwork, and a shared love for music and performance. The group’s ability to blend intricate harmonies with high-energy movement captivated both judges and audiences alike, earning them top honors on the national stage.

​

Beyond the trophies and accolades, Titan Fever’s victory in 2015 symbolized the strength of Glenwood High School’s music program and the supportive community that helped foster their success. The legacy of this championship-winning ensemble continues to inspire future generations of performers, proving that dedication, artistry, and a relentless pursuit of greatness can lead to national recognition.

Titan Fever’s 2015 National Championship remains a defining moment in Glenwood High School’s proud tradition of musical excellence.​​