Description

Former Students from the 1960s to Honor Beloved Physical Education Teacher & Coach Tony Kambich on His 90th Birthday
Deerfield, Illinois – On October 18, 2024, a group of former students from the 1960s will gather at Shepard Middle School in Deerfield, Illinois, to celebrate and recognize the remarkable impact of Tony Kambich, their beloved physical education and sports coach. This event, marking Tony’s 90th birthday on November 1st, will honor the lasting influence he has had on his students' lives, spanning more than six decades.
Tony Kambich made a profound impression on grade and middle school students over 60 years ago, igniting a lifelong interest in physical education, sports, and health in many of them. His time with District 109 began in August 1960, during a period of significant growth in the number of young students in Deerfield. Throughout his tenure, Tony served as a Physical Education Teacher at Deerfield Grammar School, Kipling School, Walden School, and Maplewood School. He was later appointed as the supervising head of the District 109 PE Staff and became the Head PE Teacher at the newly opened Alan B. Shepard Jr. High School.
While employed at District 109, Tony worked evenings, Saturdays, and during summer vacations for the Deerfield Park District, leading and developing activities for adults and youth. During this period, he also fulfilled his military obligation, serving 2-3 weeks each summer until 1966. After his tenure with District 109, Tony transitioned to full-time employment with the Deerfield Park District as Recreation Director. He also served as a founding volunteer board member, along with his wife Carolyn, of the new Deerfield Montessori School, which is located in Trinity United Church of Christ and remains there to this day.
Tony and his wife Carolyn raised three children, Lisa, Tony, and Douglas, all of whom attended the Montessori Preschool, then Walden School, Alan B. Shepard Jr. High School, and Deerfield High School. 

Tony Kambich Recognition
October 18, 2024  3:30 p.m.
Shepard Middle School also known 60 years ago as Alan B. Shepard, Jr. Junior High School
440 Grove Place Deerfield, Illinois 60015
 3:30 p.m. Say Hello To Tony at entrance to school
-          Greetings From Past Students Randy Berning, Scott Ascher & Pam Ascher & More
-          Welcome from Dr.  John Filippi, Assistant Superintendent for Operations for District 109
-          Congratulations Tony – SHAPE America Society of Health and Physical Educators®
-          Tour of Shepard, the old the new and lots of changes since 60’s
5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.  Italian Kitchen 648 Deerfield Road
-          Video by Scott Ascher Flashbacks
-          No-host dinner, each person orders and pays for their dinner


"We're in our 70s now, but the lessons Coach Kambich taught us have stayed with us all these years," said Randy Berning, one of Tony's former students. "He instilled in us an early appreciation for the benefits of exercise, both physically and mentally. For some of us, his encouragement went even further, inspiring us to achieve more than we ever thought possible."
The group of former students invites the community to join them in celebrating Tony Kambich's 90th birthday and honoring his incredible legacy. They would greatly appreciate having Tony Kambich recognized as an educator, a veteran, and a community volunteer who has dedicated many decades to serving the community.
For more information about the event, please contact Randall Berning at [email protected] or (312) 953-8399
About Tony Kambich
Tony Kambich is a retired physical education and sports coach who spent years shaping the lives of young people through his dedication to physical fitness, sportsmanship, and character development. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, he also completed graduate studies in School Administration and Athletics Administration. Tony enlisted in the US Army in January 1960. He completed honorably his a six-year obligation that included active duty and reserve service. His passion for teaching, military service, and volunteer community involvement has left a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Randall Berning
(312) 953-8399 – Please text or leave a voice mail