Schlarman names two to Hall of Fame

BY ANNA HERKAMP
Commercial-News

DANVILLE October 10, 2008 12:11 am

— Tonight’s Schlarman High School homecoming football game serves not only as a gathering for past and future Hilltopper graduates, but also as an opportunity honor generous volunteers.
This year’s Schlarman High School Hall of Fame awards go to Susan (Graham) Farren, class of 1975, and Raj Karinattu.
Both women have sent their children to the school.
Inductees to the hall are chosen based on their accomplishments at Schlarman, their professional achievements, community involvement and support of the school.
“I think they breathe Topper pride and tradition,” said Schlarman Principal Bob Rice of the 2008 inductees.
Rice said the two volunteers emanate a quality he tries to inspire in his staff: making a lasting difference.
Susan (Graham) Farren
In 1974, Farren moved from the east coast to Danville after attending three other high schools. Her father, James Graham, was employed with Gannett, which owned the Commercial-News.
James was eager to get back to the Commercial-News, where he served as publisher, because the paper was the first place he worked after he graduated from the University of Illinois.
“I grew up traveling, because my father was with Gannett. I went to a number of different high schools before I was at Schlarman for a year and a half. This was the one school I went to where I felt like I really fit in,” she said.
Although she was only a student at Schlarman for a year and a half, she felt that she’d finally found a place where she belonged.
She and her family later moved away from the area for 13 years, but chose to come back because she believes in Schlarman’s mission and atmosphere.
“It’s like family here,” she said. “I always felt like there was somebody to talk to if you needed somebody.”
Farren is recognized for being both an alumna and a current teacher at the school. She teaches business and social studies classes.
She and her husband, Sam, who also teaches at the school, have given financial support and volunteered for many years.
As an “amateur photographer,” she photographs Schlarman activities for the yearbook and supports the school’s annual raffle.
She’s also former member of the St. Paul’s School Commission and former member of the board of directors of the Danville Light Opera. She serves on the Vermilion County AIDS Task Force.
The Farrens’ son, Sam, graduated in 1999 and their daughter Cassie also attended Schlarman.
The Farrens reside in Danville.
On being selected as an honoree this year, she said, “I’m very honored. You never think you do enough. I was just very surprised.”
Raj Karinattu
Raj Karinattu, like many Schlarman supporters, grew up in Catholic schools, but her background contains one special tie to the religion.
She’s originally from the Indian state of Kerala, where the apostle St. Thomas established churches beginning in the year 52 A.D.
She and her husband, Dr. Joseph Karinattu — who also attended Catholic schools, knew sending their children, Jeffery Karinattu, class of 1987 and Jennifer (Karinattu) Ward, class of 1990, was a good choice.
“Students from Catholic schools are always good kids; they turn out well and get a good education. They become responsible adults for their communities,” Karinattu said.
Although fundraising is such an integral part of any parochial school’s success, Karinattu doesn’t see it as an obligation.
She’s been involved in Schlarman fundraising for 25 years.
“I get to work with a lot of different people, so I enjoy it,” she said.
The success of a school is determined in large part by its parental involvement, she said.
She’s looking forward to this weekend’s homecoming events, although she was surprised to learn she’s being honored.
“I’m very humbled and feel honored to receive the award,” she said.
Karinattu is a retired sociology instructor from Danville Area Community College and volunteers at many other organiza-tions around Danville including the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation HALO Project, the Danville Symphony Orchestra Board, the Danville Garden Club, the Clover Club, the Vermilion County Medical Society Alliance, the Center for Children’s Services, the Laura Lee Fellowship House and the Vermilion Heritage Foundation.
She’s served on the Schlarman Foundation Board since 1992 and served as vice president from 1998 to 2006.
The Karinattus reside in Danville.