On Monday, July 11, 2016 the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (PACVB) held its annual awards and recognition program in Peoria, where a pair of individuals with strong ties to the IHSA were honored. Chris Perry (pictured right) and Ron McGraw (pictured left) were both recognized for their efforts related to IHSA events in the Peoria area.

Perry, a long-time dean and athletic director at Peoria High School, was named the PACVB’s Volunteer of the Year for his efforts as the tournament manager of the IHSA Cross Country State Finals at Detweiller Park in Peoria. Additionally, Chris has been heavily involved in the IHSA Boys Basketball Tournament since March Madness came to Peoria over 20 years ago, including continuing to coordinate awards and other aspects of the state tourney.

Ron McGraw, who retired last month after serving as an IHSA Assistant Executive Director for the past 12 years, was in attendance to support Perry, when he was surprised by being presented with the Steve Kouri MVP Award by the PACVB. Steve Kouri is a long-time Judge in Peoria who was instrumental in first bringing the IHSA Boys Basketball State Final tournament to the city. During his time at the IHSA, McGraw worked closely with Peoria area officials as the administrator of the IHSA Cross Country state meet, as well as IHSA Scholastic Bowl, which holds its state final event at the Peoria Civic Center.