Ron Raglin's Legacy Lives On
Ron Raglin, born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, attended William Shakespeare Elementary School and was involved at the Sue Duncan ‘center.’ He later went on to Martin Luther King Jr. High School, where he played basketball for the Jaguars, graduating in 1979. As a successful high school player, he competed against notable players like Isaiah Thomas, Mark Aguirre, and Doc Rivers. His basketball talents took him to California, where he joined the Blue Devils at Merced Community College, playing in the 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons. The 1979-80 team achieved the distinction of being CC State Champion Runner-up. He earned his AA in 1981.
Ron continued his basketball career at Sterling College, a Christian institution in Kansas, playing for the Warriors during the 1981-82 and 1982-83 seasons. As an Elementary Education major, he graduated with a BA in 1984. It was during this time that he met Tena Powles, and they were married on December 17, 1983.
Ron received numerous accolades throughout his life.
Ron dedicated his 35-year career to public education, serving as both a teacher and coach. He spent 7 years in Dos Palos, CA, followed by 11 years in Merced, CA, where he also coached. Later, he transitioned to administrative roles, spending 10 years within the Chicago Public Schools system and 7 years in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs’ U-46 School District. There, he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Support Programs and Alignment, as well as the AVID District Director. Having been an AVID teacher and administrator for over 20 years, Ron impacted thousands of students. He was a passionate advocate for justice and equity, striving to ensure that all students were given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Preaching as a lay pastor was another joy in Ron’s life, allowing him to share his faith and his beliefs.
“If we have money we will help send students to college.”
In 1978, he was named MVP at the Jerry Sloan Summer Basketball Camp. In 1998, he was honored as one of the 35 Outstanding Merced College Alumni at the institution's 35th Anniversary. That same year, he received the Community HERO Award from the Merced Sun Star and Save Mart. In 2019, Ron was awarded the 34th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award of Elgin, IL.
Ron was a devoted member of Willow Creek Community Church, serving as a church deacon and elder, and was active in various community organizations. Ron Raglin passed away at the age of 58 on August 26, 2019, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago due to complications following surgery on August 23.