In 2012, the MCHS Board of Education approved the formation of the MCHS Hall of Fame. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to honor and recognize Marengo students, staff members, teams, and supporters who have demonstrated excellence and commitment. Inductees are chosen by a selection committee of ten people, including MCHS staff, Board members, and community members. Inductees are chosen from one of the following categories: Service, Personal Achievement, Extra-Curricular Achievement, Commitment, Friend of Marengo, and Teamwork. The first group was inducted into the Hall of Fame in February of 2013.
After a 10 year hiatus, we are very excited to announce we will be inducting six individuals into the MCHS Hall of Fame for the Class of 2026. The inductees for the class of 2026 are the following: Roger Cannon, Becky Weinhandl, Jerry Trickett, Roger Volkening, Kathy (Dennison) Carlson, and Cora W. Pingel.
MCHS will honor and recognize the inductees at the Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Joe’s Place (19716 E Grant Hwy, Marengo, IL 60152). More information regarding the Hall of Fame banquet will be released at a later date. Furthermore, the public will be welcome to attend.
The public is encouraged to submit nominees for future consideration for the Hall of Fame by completing a nomination form, which can be found on the www.mchs154.org website, scanning the QR below, or contacting us at (815) 568 - 6511, ext. 1602, or via email at halloffame@mchs154.org.
Congratulations to the following 2026 Inductees:
Roger Cannon (Commitment Category)
Roger Cannon served as a Physical Education/Driver’s Education teacher at MCHS from 1970 to 2022. During that time, he coached football, basketball as well as boys' and girls' track. In three years as a varsity basketball coach, he was 70-16 with two Regional Championships and one Sectional Championship. As an assistant basketball coach, he was part of 16 Regional Championships, 4 Sectional Championships, and 1 Super-sectional Championship. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame last May.
As basketball was his passion, Coach Cannon enjoyed coaching track and football. He was always working on getting his “meal ticket” to the state track meet every year and only missed one football game in his teaching career.
Marengo athletics were a family affair for the Cannons: his wife, Sherry, worked at MCHS and could be found selling tickets or in the stands cheering on the Indians; their daughter, Michelle (class of 1988), kept the book during basketball during her junior and senior year and competed in varsity tennis; their son, John (class of 1991), was lucky enough to play basketball while he was an assistant varsity coach.
After retirement, you could find Coach Cannon at many of MCHS’ sporting events. He was lucky enough to be able to watch two of his grandchildren, Brady (class of 2020) and Madison (class of 2024), play sports at Marengo. If he wasn’t at a Marengo game, he was at Sycamore watching his granddaughter Emily perform in the orchestra.
Unfortunately, Roger passed away last March, but he would have been humbled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He would for sure mention that none of this would be possible if it weren't for the great staff that he worked and coached with and all of the athletes that played for him. He never forgot them and always had a story to tell about each of his teams or athletes he coached over the years.
Becky Weinhandl (Commitment Category)
Becky Weinhandl served the MCHS community for over 33 years, from 1979 to 2012. During her time, she served as athletic director for 13 years (1999 - 2012) and as a physical education teacher. Becky coached four varsity sports while at MCHS: girls' basketball, softball, track, and tennis.
During her time as athletic director, she was able to establish a girls' and boys' bowling, bass fishing, and chess teams. She developed a coaches manual and evaluation program. Becky also began our annual senior athletic banquet, held in the spring to recognize our senior athletes and their accomplishments. Furthermore, during her tenure, she was able to develop the Castle Bank Challenge (now known as FNBO Challenge), which has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Marengo’s and Harvard’s athletic programs.
As a coach, Becky coached the first girls' basketball team in school history to win a regional championship, and continued to coach four more regional championship teams. Furthermore, she coached the only tennis team that won a sectional championship in school history.
Becky stated, “It is truly an honor to be inducted into the MCHS hall of Fame. Marengo High School is a very special place. I always felt so blessed to be a part of such a great institution, with great administration, faculty, coaches, and athletes. I loved my time at MCHS and have such great memories. I will always bleed Maroon.”
After her time at MCHS, Becky coached basketball at Zion for two years before moving to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2016. In Knoxville, she has volunteered as a coach, in the local elementary school physical education department, with the youth program in her church, and in a local food pantry. When not volunteering, she spends time with her four grandchildren, watching them in their sports or hiking the trails in the Smokies.
Becky is married to Rich and has two children: Josh (Class of 2001) and Megan (Class of 2007). She and Rich live in Corryton, TN, where they are both retired and enjoy hiking and spending time with their grandchildren.
Jerry Trickett (Commitment Category)
Jerry Trickett, a former Superintendent of Marengo District 154, will be inducted into the District’s Hall of Fame. His 40-year career in education and administration began in 1970 when he joined Marengo Elementary School District 140 (now Marengo-Union District 165) as a science, health, and physical education teacher. In 1977, he was appointed Assistant Principal at Marengo High School District 154.
During his tenure, Trickett successfully overcame a deficit and led the district through the first Education Referendum. In 2001, he secured a competitive State of Illinois grant of $11 million. This grant, along with the passage of a $22 million Building Referendum, resulted in the construction of a new high school designed for 1,200 students, which opened in 2004.
Trickett was actively involved in the community, serving as a commissioner on the Economic Development Committee for the City of Marengo, as a President of Zion Lutheran Church, and an officer on the Community Education Recreation Service Board (CERS). He also served as Summer Parks and Recreational Director and represented the MCHS District in McHenry County by serving as President of the McHenry County Superintendent’s Association. After retiring from MCHS 154, he served as the part-time Superintendent of Riley Community Consolidated School District for 10 years.
Trickett is married to Katherine St. George Trickett. He has two daughters Sarah Trickett-Stuart (MCHS 2000) and Jennifer Trickett-Ligocki (MCHS 2004). Trickett has five grandchildren: Leigha Trickett-Ligocki, Leo Ligocki, Cole Trickett-Stuart, Maddux Trickett-Stuart, and Crosby Trickett-Stuart.
Roger Volkening (Friend)
Roger Volkening is being inducted into the MCHS Hall of Fame for his years of participation in serving as one of our Board of Education members, and more specifically, as its president. He served on the MCHS Board of Education for over 20 years. Roger was instrumental in passing four referendums. He presided over the construction of the new high school in 2001 and assisted in obtaining the $11 million grant for the new building construction.
Fellow Class of 2026 Hall of Fame inductee, Jerry Trickett said, “If I were to summarize his leadership on the Board of Education, the words of 'good judgement', 'fairness', 'respect for all', and 'tireless work' showed him to be an invaluable asset to the District.”
Roger said, “Amazing and excited about what we all did together! Working with such great people. Best times that I can remember being on the Board.” Roger had the ability to listen first before reacting, as he had to deal with all stakeholders including teachers, administrators, public, and other individuals and groups. He provided exceptional leadership and support for the people whom he was associated with during his tenure. Roger was a friend to many people throughout the Marengo - Union communities.
Roger has been a staple in the farming community for over 58 years.
Roger has been married to his wife Catherine for the past 58 years. They have two sons, Roger ll and Peter, and a daughter, Kimberly. Roger and Catherine have eight grandchildren: Shauna, Ava, Greata, Roger III, Corey, Payton, Jessica, and Jackson. Roger is a 1963 graduate of Palatine High School and has a degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Kathy (Dennison) Carlson (Extra-Curricular)
Kathy Dennison graduated from Marengo Community High School (MCHS) in 1985, where she participated in volleyball, basketball, and softball throughout her high school career. Softball was the sport that she flourished in. According to long-time Marengo Union Girls Softball director Mary Simons, “Kathy was the best hitter in the history of MCHS Softball and the best catcher in our area.” Kathy holds two records for our long storied, successful high school softball program: the highest batting average in a season was of .655 in 1985, and runs batted during the 1984 season were 69 RBIs in 23 games.
During her time at MCHS, Kathy Dennison participated in the CWT Program. Her first paying job was at the Marengo Greenhouse & Florist, where she met the love of her life, Dean. You could always find Kathy on the softball field, on the basketball or Volleyball court.
Kathy stated, “With shock being an understatement, this very special occasion has given me the opportunity to reflect my time at MCHS. It gives me the honor to share it with fellow inductees.”
After her time at MCHS, Kathy entered into the work force. Shortly thereafter, she joined the Marengo Rescue Squad. Kathy is married to Dean Carlson and has three children: Zach, Brittany, and Taylor. She is the proud grandmother of six. Kathy’s mom is Joan Isaacson.
Cora W. Pingel (Friend)
Upon her death, Cora W. Pingel instructed the executor of her will to open 'The Edward H. Pingel and Cora W. Pingel Education Fund.' The fund was opened in July of 1989 with a balance of $213,700. The intent of the fund was to award loans of $2,000 per year to two students wishing to secure a higher education. A selection committee reviews applications and awards loans at a fixed 4% rate. More than 80 MCHS students have benefited from Cora W. Pingel’s generosity. The fund balance keeps growing to give more students the opportunity for post-secondary education.