Cornerstone Elementary Honors Phil Senger with New Book Collection

Phil's daughter Susan, his wife Sharon, and Cornerstone Librarian Cheryl Bailey proudly pose with the Phil Senger Book Collection (photo S Jason Cole).
Phil’s daughter Susan, his wife Sharon, and Cornerstone Librarian Cheryl Bailey proudly pose with the Phil Senger Book Collection (photo S Jason Cole).

Cornerstone Elementary School proudly announced the opening of the Phil Senger Collection, a collection of books that celebrates the life and interests of the late Phil Senger. The collection was created through donations from Mr. Senger’s family and friends, including his wife Sharon, who served as a reading teacher for many years in the Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD).

Donation tag inside the covers of the books in the Phil Senger Collection at Cornerstone Elementary in Excelsior Springs
Each book in the collection has a bookplate commemorating Mr. Senger’s life (photo S Jason Cole).

Phil Senger was born in Rock Island, IL in 1943 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in English from Iowa State University and his Master’s degrees in both English and Business Administration from Kansas State University. He had a wide array of professional experiences, including working for the Social Security Administration, the Missouri Division of Employment Security, and as a substitute teacher for the Career Center.

Phil was not only successful in his careers but also an active member of the community. He attended high school events, supported local theater productions, and sang in the choir at the Barbee Presbyterian Church. His passions included hunting, photography, current events, world news, reading, and travel. He had the opportunity to travel to many states in the country and even to China and Great Britain.

The books in the Phil Senger Collection have been carefully selected to reflect his diverse interests. From hunting and photography to singing and travel, the collection provides a window into Phil’s life and the things he loved. Some of the books include: “Deer Hunting,” “Photography: From Then to Now,” “Newspapers Throughout American History,” and “Follow Me Around the United Kingdom.”

Phil Senger family
Left to right: Mark, Kurt, Erik, and Susan Mason. Phil and Sharon Senger. Steven Senger, Xime Uribe, and Luka Alfaro (submitted photo).

The Phil Senger Collection will be on display through February 28th, 2023, and will be available for Cornerstone students to check out starting March 1st. The collection is a testament to Phil’s love of learning and his commitment to supporting and inspiring his community. Cornerstone Elementary School is honored to have the Phil Senger Collection as a resource for its students and as a way to remember and celebrate the life of this special man.


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