Established 1945

Congratulations to Shepard junior Trent Dixon on his selection as the new Command Chief of the U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program, and to Shepard junior Jocelyn Anaya on her selection as the new Commander of the U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps for the 2020-2021 academic year. 

Dixon and Anaya earned this massive honor, which comes with huge responsibility, by distinguishing themselves in the eyes of Major (ret.) Dan Johnson and MSGT (ret.) Chris Saberniak with their leadership, discipline, and dedication to JROTC at Shepard.  

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Shepard staff members welcomed the Class of 2020 with safely-distant smiles and signs of celebration for curbside pickup of caps and gowns last month. District 218 is tentatively planning a graduation ceremony for late summer.

Teachers decorated their vehicles with banners, signs and balloons, letting Seniors know that they were missed and that teachers were very proud of their accomplishments.

In addition to their caps and gowns, seniors received yard signs to display, celebrating their graduation. 

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Senior students at Alan B. Shepard High School will finish their last day of remote learning on May 8. District 218 officials are planning a traditional graduation ceremony between July 6 and July 11. The district will consider other options in the event that social restrictions are still in order. Scholarship recipients will be sent a viewable link during the week of May 26 for a virtual awards ceremony, as well as a commemorative program, award letter and information on scholarships in the mail.

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The strange days of isolation due to COVID-19 have denied people the social interactions everyone needs. Heading to work, seeing neighbors, visiting with family, or just going out to a restaurant comprise important elements of daily life and mental health.

Leaders at Richards High School understood this.  

Recently, they took time to drive to the homes of all staff members to deliver lawn signs as a reminder of their value – and very simply that they’re missed.

In addition to Principal Dr. Mike Jacobson, staff members Alison Wilde, Beth Janus Doyle, Cora Umecker, Courtney Easter, Caroline Mesaf, Deb Swanson, Danielle Krawisz, Janeen Abdelhadi, Kelly Fleming, Kelly Lucca, Kirstin Cucio, and Sarah Szczepkowski delivered signs.

Their friends appreciated the effort.

“I’ve worked for several districts and this is the one that feels like home. Through every challenge in life I have felt tremendous support from everyone in 218. This sign was a reminder that we’re still all in this together. It also was necessary comic relief and I’m grateful for that!” said Spanish teacher Alexis Morford.

Science teacher Stan Natonek summed the gesture succinctly. “Leadership isn’t about talking it’s about doing,” he said.

Richards planned the outreach as a surprise. 

Full story available in the Alsip Express