Education in the News

Eisenhower art show at Franklin Framing

by Bob McParland, Community Dist 218

Teachers, administrators, parents, local residents and artists gathered at Franklin Framing in Blue Island on Saturday, April 5 for a reception celebrating a weeklong exhibition of art designed by Eisenhower High School students.

Franklin, located at 13019 S. Western, featured more than 50 pieces of original art by Eisenhower students this week. Students developed their creations in classes taught by teachers Julie Fox, Jim Hart, and Bridget Scales.

“We really appreciate the support from Greg (owner Luchow), Fran (Blouin) and Julie (Sklom). This exhibit carries great meaning for all of us, and especially our kids. When students see their art displayed in a local business and experience an event celebrating their work, they leave with a sense of validation and the confidence that their voice matters,” said Lori Szeszycki, curriculum director for foreign languages and art.

More than 75 people attended the reception.

Photo L - R: (front row), Franklin Framing's Julie Sklom, Eisenhower High School students Taylor Burmeister, Rut Avalos, Dulce Gonzalez, Mariela Oliva, Mayra Rosales, Karen Lopez, (back row) District 218 Board of Education member Karen Burmeister, Franklin owner Greg Luchow, district curriculum director for art Lori Szeszycki, student Alex Tobias, Eisenhower art teacher Jim Hart, Principal Joe Fowler, and art teacher Julie Fox.

Candlelight Bowl for DDE

by Bob McParland, Community Dist 218

The Music Boosters for Eisenhower High School will host a candlelight bowling fund raiser on Saturday, May 3 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Blue Island Eagles, 2427 Grove Street, Blue Island.

Tickets are $25 and include three games of bowling, shoe rental, snacks, and hot food. A cash bar also will be available. To order tickets, please call Claudia Kovach at 708-389-3126.

Candlelight bowl also will feature raffles, door prizes, and split-the-pot. Those attending must be 21 years of age or older. Proceeds will benefit the choral and instrumental music programs at Eisenhower.

Photo L - R: Karen Burmeister and Laura Vance, members of the Eisenhower High School Music Boosters, will help host the candlelight bowl.

DDE yearbook earns top honors at NISPA conference

by Bob McParland, District 218

The 2008 edition of Crest, the yearbook for Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, won the Golden Eagle Award for Overall Excellence in the Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association competition.

On a scale of 200, the Eisenhower yearbook scored 180. In addition to receiving a best in class, the staff also received Blue Ribbon Awards for coverage, layout/design and theme; and Honorable Mention Awards for photography and copy. English teacher Nicole Sherrick serves as faculty sponsor for yearbook.

Photo L-R: Eisenhower High School yearbook staff members (back row) Jaime Valadez, Paola Olvera, (middle row) Aundra Hull, Maribel Hernandez, faculty sponsor Nicole Sherrick, (front row) editor Ofelia Fernandez, Junior Editor Priscilla Esparza, and Melissa Martinez.

Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army. -Edward Everett