Ross Shellenberger, as student and teacher left his mark
• The following is part of an ongoing series of articles in celebration of Libertyville High School's 100th anniversary.
Ross Shellenberger is a 1954 Libertyville High School graduate and a long time LHS art teacher. When Shellenberger was growing up in Libertyville, he knew he had artistic talent but had no interest in cultivating it until nearing the end of high school. Growing up and throughout high school, his interests were in hunting, fishing and singing. Singing was the only school activity Shellenberger took part in during his time at LHS.
Shellenberger attended Northern Illinois University where he earned a fine arts degree. It was there that his talent in all phases of art developed. Following graduation, Shellenberger spent six months in the army. After the military, an art teaching position opened up at Highland Middle School in Libertyville. Shellenberger stayed in this position for nine years.
Shellenberger left Highland for an LHS Art Department teaching position in the fall of 1969. He stayed at LHS for 28 years retiring after the 1997 school year.
Of the switch to high school, Shellenberger said: "I felt I could go much further in developing the high school students' talents."
Because of his teaching skill and easygoing demeanor, Shellenberger's LHS art classes were quite popular. Many who have used the skills they developed in his classes to lead them into future careers, including current LHS art teacher Ray Gossell.
Deb (Heber) Zare, another student in several of Shellenberger's classes, who then came back to teach art at LHS with him for 10 years, had this to say: "Ross was certainly the reason I went into art education. He was a real mentor to me. His passion for teaching and his exceptional abilities as an artist were beyond reproach."
Former student Terrill Janssen said: "Mr. S had an ability, through art, to bring out the best in a great number of students. For me, he is one of the greatest influences in my life. My entire career has been about creativity and innovation. I still accredit this to Mr. S."
For many years in early December, Shellenberger hosted a party at his home where his art collection was on display and for sale. Many community members have his works in their homes, including former student Randy Blum.
"We lived for several years across the street from Ross," Blum said. "He was hysterically funny and a great artist. My home is filled with Ross's works that I inherited from my parents."
In the second half of his teaching career, Shellenberger began running a charter fishing boat on Lake Michigan called "The Red Baron," where he could put his lifelong passion for fishing into action. He operated the boat for 27 years, late into his final years.