January/February 2026
Message from the Superintendent
DearCommunityStakeholders,
HappyNewYearandbestwishesaswebegin to welcome students and staff back for a stron semesteratOakLawnCommunityHighSchool.
We are pleased to share that the new fieldhou to progress as planned. Construction is movin andwelookforwardtounveilingthecompleted project reflects a significant investment in community and will provide expanded oppor come.
Weareincrediblyproudofourstudents,whocontinuetoexcelboth academically and through their participation in extracurricular activities. Their dedication, combined with the commitment of our staffandthecontinuedsupportofourfamilies,makesOLCHSatruly exceptionallearningcommunity.
Over the past year, we have seen tremendous growth in key areas aligned with our strategic plan. In student growth and learning, more students are taking advantage of early college credit and Advanced Placement opportunities. This past year, 51% of our studentsearnedearlycollegecredit,upfrom42%thepreviousyear.
We have also experienced improvements in student attendance andincreasedparticipationinextracurricularactivities.
In addition, we are proud to announce that 36 students from the Class of 2026 have been named 2026–27 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, recognizing their chievement.
Warmregards,
Dr.ShaheBagdasarian Superintendent
citingspringsemeste accomplishments e.
OLCHSAnnounces2026/27Illinois StateScholars
OakLawnCommunityHighSchoolisproudtoannounce that 36 students from the Class of 2026 have been named 2026–27 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois StudentAssistanceCommission,recognizingoutstanding academicachievement.
Principal Dr. Lauren May shared, “I am very proud of our Spartan seniors who were named Illinois State Scholars. Their academic achievements are a testament to their hardworkanddedication.”
CongratulationstoourIllinoisStateScholars:
Sara Abdelrahman, Mustafa Adam, Amena Akili, Khaled Almatahen, Daisy Barrera, David Bush, Lisbeth Carrillo, HenryEvers,MoatazFarraj,ShaylaFranco,GiannaGolden, Isaac Gracia, Mohammad Hamad, Mya Hilaris, Maryam Hussein,DawidKomperda,EliKulpinski,SebastianKurnyta, Abigail Leeds, Charles Levora, Emiliano Lopez, Michael Lopez, Nader Maezouk, Vincent McBrien, Belal Moutaquakkil,MohammedNaser,NathaliaNavarro,Kailee O’Connor, Alyssa Paplawskas, Faris Qutanani, Isaac Roche,OmarSaleh,AidanSchopper,IwonaTurza,Virginia Whitener,andIvanZamora.
Spartans in the News!
Mr.EricKallenborn
WGNTeacheroftheMonth
Mr EricKallenbornwasrecognizedasWGN(Channel9) TeacheroftheMonthforDecember Hewasnominatedby SpartanalumniMadisonMartin(’22)andWillMartin(’25),who highlightedhisabilitytomeetstudentswheretheywere,keep themengaged,andserveas“alisteningear,”alongwithhis knowledgeofmanga,comicbooks,andanime AQRcodeis includedtoscanandreadthefullstory
Coach Ryan Pattison
Chicago Bears High School Football Coach of the Week
HeadFootballCoachRyanPattisonwasnamedtheChicagoBears HighSchoolCoachoftheWeekfollowinganominationaftera strongstarttotheSpartans’season Afterfinishingacombined1–17overtheprevioustwoseasons,theteamopenedthisyearwitha 7–2record TherecognitionhighlightedCoachPattison’s leadershipandcommitmenttobuildingapositivefootballculture atOakLawnCommunityHighSchool.
Operation Santa Claus
SALT and Student Council Spread Holiday Cheer!
WewereproudtowelcometheWGNToyDriveTrolleytoour campusandshowcasethespiritofourSpartancommunitylive onthenews.ThankyoutoDr.LaurenMay,EllenKruger,andour studentleadersfromSALTandStudentCouncilforrepresenting OLCHSsowell.AQRcodeisincludedtoviewthesegment.Events likethishighlightedthegenerosity,leadership,andpridethat makeourschoolcommunitysospecial.
Spartans in the Community!
Bowling for Bolivia Tech
Oak Lawn High School hosted the “Bowling for Bolivia” fundraiser in support of Spartans Without Borders, part of ongoing efforts to raise $40,000 to help build a hospital in Bolivia. Students demonstrated their commitment to global service, and staff, families, and community members contributed to making thenightasuccess
Together: Students Helping Seniors
Our Spartan community came together in a big way during the Gold Out football game! Our Football and cheer teams, along with our fans,raised$5,068forCal’sAngels,supporting childrenandfamiliesbattlingpediatriccancer Thank you to everyone who wore gold and helpedshowwhatSpartanPrideisallabout!
OakLawnHighSchool’siTeamhostedaspecial eventwelcomingseniorcitizensintothebuilding toreceivehands-onhelpwiththeirtechnology, highlighting students’ leadership, patience, and commitmenttoservingthecommunity.
Oak Lawn High School’s Choir delivered a wonderful performance at the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce December luncheon, providingfestivemusicthathelpedsetthetone forthemeetingandshowcasedthetalentofour studentmusicians.
Athletics Update
Boys Bowling
Oak Lawn Boys Bowling continued its run of excellence by capturing its fifth straight conference championship, with the JV team also earning a conference title this season. Leading the way, Justin Canvin was crowned the Varsity Individual Champion, while Zach Shane claimed the JV Individual Championship and rolled a perfect 300 game along the way. An outstanding season that showcased the depth and talent of Spartan bowling.
Girls Basketball
Over winter break, the Spartans captured the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational Championship with a 50–45 victory over Sunlake High School. L. Perry led the scoring with 17 points and 4 rebounds, while Tournament MVP Bianca Fleitas filled the stat sheet with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. S. Abdelrahman knocked down four three-pointers, and M. Hussein anchored the defense with 10 rebounds. The title game also marked a major milestone, as the win gave Coach Sevedge his 200th career victory in Florida, highlighting the commitment and excellence he brings to the Spartans program.
Both JV and Varsity Cheer competed at the ICCA State Championship, marking a major milestone for Oak Lawn Cheer. Their appearance on the state stage reflected the hard work, discipline, and dedication these athletes showed all season long. By earning the opportunity to represent Oak Lawn at state, our cheerleaders continued to raise the standard of excellence for Spartan athletics.
Cheerleading Dance
The Spartan Dance Team earned 2nd place at the Maine East Invitational, which qualified them for the IDTA AAA Jazz State Competition on February 14. The team also recorded a seasonhigh score in the 2A IHSA division, reflecting their continued growth and dedication. With Conference on January 16 and Sectionals on January 24 ahead, the Spartans are building momentum heading into the postseason.
Boys Basketball
The Spartans boys basketball team has been playing excellent basketball this season, led by senior Jack Dempsey, who reached the 1,000-point milestone in December. The team has posted a 12–6 record, highlighted by impressive wins over Oak Forest, St. Rita, and Tinley Park, as the Spartans continue to make their mark on the season.
Focused on the Future!
Oak Lawn Community High School offers specialized dual enrollment pathways in high-demand technical and healthcare fields through its partnership with Moraine Valley Community College. These programs allow students to earn college-level certificates and credits while still in high school, traveling to MVCC campuses in the afternoons for hands-on lab work.
Healthcare & Public Service Pathways
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Prepares students for the State of Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam, with 64 hours of classroom lecture and 40 hours of clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Students enroll in EMS-101, an 8credit-hour course that lays the foundation for becoming an EMT-B, including clinical rotations at sites like Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.
Industrial & Technical Pathways
Welding: Students earn certificates in techniques such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Multi-Process Welding, gaining hands-on experience in TIG and MIG welding to prepare for careers in manufacturing and construction.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning): Training focuses on automotive, residential, and commercial systems, offering credentials such as Basic Air Conditioning Technician and practical experience in installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
This year, 24 OLCHS students participated in dual enrollment courses, including 11 in the CNA program, setting a new high for aspiring Spartan nurses!
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Apple Distinguished School
Oak Lawn Community High School is proud to be an Apple Distinguished School, a designation given to innovative schools recognized for leadership, creativity, and excellence in teaching and learning. This honor reflects Oak Lawn’s 1:1 Apple device program, deep integration of technology into the curriculum, and commitment to personalized, student-centered learning that empowers students to think critically, collaborate, and create in meaningful ways.
PLTW Distinguished School
Oak Lawn Community High School is proud to be a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School, recognized for providing students with realworld, hands-on learning experiences that develop in-demand skills for life beyond the classroom. This distinction highlights Oak Lawn’s commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in PLTW programs, empowering students to take ownership of their education and prepareforfuturesuccess.
AP School Honor Roll Bronze Medal
Oak Lawn Community High School was named to the College Board’s AP School Honor Roll for the 2024–25 school year, recognizing the school’s commitment to expanding access to Advanced Placement courses and supporting student success. The honor reflects strong participation and performance in AP coursework that prepares students for college-level learningandfutureachievement.
Principal Dr. Lauren May shared, “Our AP program provides students with college-level experiences in high school as well as the opportunity to earn college credit, which often reduces college costs. I am proud of the work of our students, their AP instructors, and all our staff members who support them.”
VISION AND MISSION
Our mission is to foster a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where all students develop the skills, knowledge, and character to graduate and succeed in a global society
Our vision is to cultivate a community where every student exemplifies Spartan PRIDE
Personal Responsibility
Respect
Integrity
Dedication
Excellence
Through these values, we aim to prepare our students to lead with purpose and make a positive impact in the world.
