Bremen HS Honors 2014-15 Hall of Fame Inductees

Congratulations to the 2014-2015 Bremen High School Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, Dennis Day (Class of ’62), Brian Kohlstedt (Class of ’93), and Chris Abeyta (Class of ’03).

Sergeant Major Dennis Day enlisted in the U.S. Army, active duty, after graduating BHS. While serving in Vietnam he was awarded the U.S. Army Commendations Medal with “V” for heroism (valor) for his actions on February 12, 1966. During a combat mission Day risked his life for the benefit of others. He finished his military career in 1996 as part of the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring after 20 years as a Sergeant Major, E-9 (the highest rank of a noncommissioned officer). In addition, Day was awarded the Air Medal (17 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and several other awards.

Mr. Kohlstedt, along with five other classmates, began the Bremen High School Alumni Association in 2008. Kohlstedt currently serves as the Vice President of the Alumni Association. Besides social events to bring alumni back together the Alumni Association has raised more than $30,000 for Bremen seniors; Kohlstedt has been a major part of that. The Alumni Pride Scholarships have gone to ten Bremen Athletes of the Year. For these efforts, the Bremen High School community is forever grateful!

Sergeant Christopher Abeyta is the last of the three alumni inducted into the Bremen High School Hall of Fame this year. After graduating from Bremen Abeyta went on to the Illinois National Guard to defend our country’s honor. Abeyta was a member of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Team. Sergeant Abeyta came back to Bremen on several occasions to talk to students about defending our country’s honor and stressing the importance of planning for a successful future. Not only did he mentor in the school but Abeyta also mentored many people in the community about the importance of giving back. In March 2009 Abeyta lost his life while in Afghanistan. Sergeant Christopher Abeyta is a Bremen hero. Both of his parents Paul and Barbara Abeyta where honored with their son’s award during the homecoming pep assembly held at Bremen on September 12, 2014.

Pictured (L to R): Principal Dr. Dave Kibelkis, Hall of Fame Inductees Brian Kohlstedt, Dennis Day, and parents of Inductee Christopher Abeyta, Paul and Barbara Abeyta.

To learn more about the Bremen High School Hall of Fame or the individuals and their accomplishments please contact Principal Dave Kibelkis at (708) 371-3600 or dkibelkis@BHSD228.com.