Madelaine Gerard, Staff Writer

618-465-9850 ext 235

Madelaine Gerard is a Staff Writer and Photographer for RiverBender.com.

Born in Alton, Gerard has always been a native of the Riverbend. After attending Bethalto Community District No. 8 schools, she went on to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she received her BA in Mass Communications. She is currently working toward her Master's degree.

In her free time, Gerard loves to binge-watch television shows on Netflix, go to the movies, and look at funny cat pictures on the Internet.

She currently resides in Cottage Hills, Illinois.

	National Hunting & Fishing Day at Nilo Farms 2015 September 26 2015 2:10 PM \| comments Nilo Farms celebrated the 44th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day on their beautiful land on Satutday, Sept. 26.

	"OUR KIDS DESERVE THIS": CM celebrates 5-0 win streak after game against Mascoutah September 26 2015 1:45 AM \| comments BETHALTO - Victory is a sweet thing, especially for the talented group of athletes and coaches of the Civic Memorial High School Eagles football team . With a 5-0 record for the first time since 2001 , the Eagles are inching their way closer and closer to a playoff appearance. ...

	Alton Redbirds endure fifth loss of season against O’Fallon Panthers September 26 2015 12:59 AM \| comments ALTON - Public School Stadium was covered in a sea of red as the fans were excited for their team’s homecoming Friday night. A win may have made the evening more magical for the students; however, they simply walked away with a 42-7 loss to O'Fallon instead of their first win. ...

	CM Eagles vs. Mascoutah Indians 9-25-15 September 25 2015 10:27 PM \| comments The Civic Memorial High School Eagles football team took on the Mascoutah High School Indians on Friday, Sept. 25 in Bethalto.

	Alton Redbirds vs. O'Fallon Panthers 9-25-15 September 25 2015 10:20 PM \| comments The Alton High School Redbirds faced off against the O'Fallon High School Panthers in their game on Friday, Sept. 25 at Public School Stadium.

	Marquette defeats EAWR, Litchfield, Roxana in golf match at Belk Park September 25 2015 9:13 AM \| comments WOOD RIVER - Student athletes from Marquette Catholic, East Alton Wood River, Litchfield and Roxana High Schools all came out around 3:30 p.m. to the back nine of Belk Park Golf Course to participate in a regular season golf match. Many of the athletes on all teams were concerned...

	Waterloo, Mascoutah, CM grabs top spots in MVC Golf Championship September 24 2015 8:01 PM \| comments WOOD RIVER - All six Mississippi Valley Conference competitors came out to Wood River this Thursday morning to play 18 holes at the Belk Park Golf Course for their annual MVC Golf Championship . Athletes from Civic Memorial, Jersey Community, Highland, Triad, Waterloo and Mascoutah...

	Alton Redbirds prep for Friday’s homecoming game against O’Fallon Panthers September 24 2015 8:00 PM \| comments ALTON - The Alton High School Redbirds football team and the O’Fallon High School Panthers have the same goal for this Friday’s game; secure their team’s first win of the season. With identical 0-4 records for the season, both the Redbirds and Panthers have struggled...

	EDUCATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Shannan Norris, shares love of art as teacher at Alton High School September 24 2015 12:09 PM \| comments ALTON - The Alton School District does an excellent job at giving their students numerous opportunities to express themselves. Through athletic, musical and artistic means, the teachers of Alton High School are assisting in the goal of creating a quality education for their students. For ar...

	CM Eagles shapes up for Friday’s match against Mascoutah Indians September 24 2015 1:35 AM \| comments BETHALTO - The Civic Memorial High School Eagles football team are eager to make this season the year of the Eagle. Under the leadership of Head Coach Justin Winslow , the team has maintained a 4-0 win streak over the past month of play. The Eagles have displayed their talent as an offensive...