In Month of ‘Tragic Loss,’ Manhattan School District Mourns Students and Former Board Member

Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | November 12, 2025

Article Summary:
Manhattan School District 114 is grieving the recent deaths of two junior high students, Danny Bayles and Chance Hunnicutt, and former board member Scott Mancke. At its meeting, the board held moments of silence, established a memorial fund for the students, and thanked the surrounding community for its overwhelming support.

Community Grief Key Points:

• The Board of Education held moments of silence for students Danny Bayles and Chance Hunnicutt, and for Scott Mancke, who served on the board for 38 years.

• The board formally approved the establishment of the “Bayles Hunnicutt Memorial Fund” as a new student activity account to accept donations.

• Officials expressed deep gratitude for the support from numerous neighboring school districts, including Lincoln-Way 210, New Lenox, and Frankfort.

• Board President John Burke and Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne praised the district’s principals and staff for their leadership during the difficult time.

MANHATTAN – The Manhattan School District 114 Board of Education on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, began its meeting on a somber note, acknowledging what Board President John Burke called a “month of tragic loss” for the community.

Burke led the board and attendees in separate moments of silence for two junior high students, Danny Bayles and Chance Hunnicutt, who recently passed away. He then held a third moment of silence for Scott Mancke, a former board member who served the district for 38 years and passed away a few weeks ago. Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne noted Mancke’s legacy includes involvement in the construction of three of the district’s four schools.

“It’s been rough for our community,” said Junior High Principal Ryan Picollo. He expressed his appreciation for the support received from surrounding communities and said the school is working with the families on how to permanently memorialize the boys.

Later in the meeting, the board unanimously voted to formally establish the “Bayles Hunnicutt Memorial Fund,” creating a new student activity account to manage donations. Dr. Aherne stated that anyone interested in contributing to the fund can contact the junior high or the district office.

Superintendent Aherne extended his thanks to the numerous area school districts that provided support, including Homer Glen, Frankfort 157-C, New Lenox, Mokena, Lincoln-Way 210, and Manteno, among others. “It’s just an incredible outpouring of support and we could not have done it without everybody,” he said.

Burke specifically thanked Picollo and Assistant Principal Ryan McWilliams for their leadership in navigating the crisis. “How difficult this last month must have been on both of you navigating the loss of students, the emotional well-being of the other students and your staff,” Burke said. “You guys are the right people at the right time for this tragic loss.”