6 to be inducted to Morris Community High School Education Foundation’s Hall of Distinction

The Morris Community High School Education Foundation will be inducting six people into the Hall of Distinction at 6:30 p.m. Friday before the varsity basketball game.

Here are the six inductees:

Kim DesLauriers

“Mr. D.,” as he’s known by the students at Immaculate Conception School, graduated from Kankakee High School in 1964. He was an honor student and captain of the bowling team. DesLauriers knew he wanted to become a teacher early on, continuing his studies at Olivet Nazarene University and Northern Illinois University. He graduated with a focus on education and went on to have a 39-year career as the principal at Immaculate Conception School. He works as a teacher and fundraiser there into his retirement. According to a Monday news release, DesLauriers loves Morris and being part of the community. His wife, Trudy, and his children are graduates of Morris Community High School. DesLauriers also is active in the Immaculate Conception Church, and is an avid biker, skater and runner. He’s seen around 800 Immaculate Conception School students graduate from Morris High School.

“His impact on students has been immeasurable with many of his former students still proud of his relationship from their time at ICS,” according to the news release. “Kim encourages students to be proud of their school.”

Col. William Fruland

Fruland graduated from Morris Community High School in 1970, participating in football, cross country and basketball. He was on the Student Council, in the Spanish Club and the National Honor Society. Fruland attended the Air Force Academy where he was a distinguished graduate in Astrodynamics and Orbital Sciences. He earned his master’s degree in government policy from Georgetown and a master’s in national security studies from the Naval War College. Fruland retired after 40 years in the space and satellite operations career field. As an Air Force officer, he was awarded nine medals in recognition of significant contributions to a space mission’s success. This includes the Aerospace President’s Award for a project that focused on reducing the risk of death by friendly fire. His favorite hobby is being a grandpa.

“Don’t shirk responsibility, but accept it and own it,” Fruland said.

James Feeny

Feeney graduated from St. Bede Academy in 1961, where he played baseball and football. Feeney said in the news release that his education at St. Bede prepared him for college and his future role in the world and the church. Feeney graduated from the College of St. Thomas in 1966 while majoring in history. Feeney wanted to teach kids through textbooks and life skills, and how to be a good person and role model. After graduating, he became a fifth grade teacher and eighth grade basketball coach at St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Pontiac. After teaching, he took over the family business, Feeney Package Liquor, as a third-generation owner and operator. He continued helping kids by serving as the Athletic Director and basketball coach at ICS for more than 20 years. Feeney was an active member of the Morris community by serving on the school boards of both ICS and MCHS. He also was the president of the Morris Building and Loan Board and president of the Morris Football Club. As a result of Feeney’s dedication and service to ICS and Church, he received the first-ever ICS Distinguished Graduate Award.

Delight Belt

Belt graduated from Morris High School in 1958. She was involved in cheerleading, band, chorus, musicals and the Stephen Foster Singers. Belt also was named Homecoming Queen at Morris. Following high school, she studied music at the Eastman School of Music in New York, San Jose State University, and the College of St. Francis. Music was Belt’s passion and employment for most of her life. Belt was the director of music at the First Presbyterian Church in Morris for 24 years and directed church choirs for three additional churches in Joliet and Coal City. She taught music at ICS in Morris and taught privately in her home for many years. Belt performed in several operas and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She was also able to perform as a soloist with several big band groups, including the Johnny Kay Orchestra. Belt and her husband, Jerry, formed a swing band that performed locally for over 30 years. Her impact on the music community and the Morris area remains immeasurable.

Ed Spiezio

Spiezio graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1959. During his high school years, he stood out on the basketball court and baseball field for all four years. Following high school, Spiezio studied accounting and played baseball at the University of Illinois and Lewis University. He was the MVP of the 1962 NAIA World Series. Spiezio took his baseball talents to the next level and became a 9-year Major League Baseball veteran. During his career, he played for the Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox. His baseball career was highlighted by winning two World Series titles with the Cardinals in 1964 and 1967. Following his baseball career, he was inducted into the Joliet/Will County Hall of Fame, Lewis University Hall of Fame, and NAIA Hall of Fame. Spiezio has been a part of the Morris community for more than 50 years watching all three of his children excel at Morris High School. He is the owner of Spiezio Enterprises and encourages everyone to believe in themselves and reach for their dreams.

Scott Spiezio

Scott Spiezio graduated from Morris High School in 1990. He excelled at golf, basketball, and baseball being named to the All-State Team and Conference MVP. After high school, Scott Spiezio continued his baseball career at the University of Illinois, where he majored in finance. Scott Spiezio went on to play in the MLB for 12 years, where he hit 119 home runs. His career was highlighted by winning the World Series in 2002 with the Angels and again in 2006 with the Cardinals. During his career, he received the 1997 Dave Stewart Community Service Award and was a 2003 Roberto Clemente Award nominee. Scott Spiezio is a member of the Joliet/Will County Hall of Fame. Following his retirement from baseball, Scott Spiezio has continued to be active in his community doing philanthropy work for many organizations, including Mercy Health Foundation, Brace for Impact and Operation St. Nick, among others. He also still enjoys playing golf, working on his music and training athletes in his free time.