Over 105 student leaders attended the annual Student Leadership Conference on November 14, 2013. This year's theme was "Leadership Starts With an Attitude!" 

All club presidents and vice-presidents, varsity team captains, select members of Student Council & National Honor Society, and Freshmen Academy students were invited to the conference. Students had the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills by participating in numerous small group discussions and activities. Sam Glenn, commonly referred to as "The Chalk Man" by many on the OLCHS campus, was a special guest speaker for the event at an all-school assembly. After creating an amazing work of art from chalk on-the-spot and in mere minutes, Glenn stressed the importance of courage and perseverance in today's leaders.

Conference attendees also earned 1.5 hours of community service at their choice of various locations. Some created an art mural, some volunteered at Park Lawn, some cleaned up Wolfe Wildlife Refuge. Others created over 20 soldier care packages or collected and distributed 55 meal baskets for the annual Thanksgiving food drive. <<read more>>

OLCHS adopted two new ways to share what's happening around the school: Facebook and Twitter. Student Activity Secretary Jill Malkowski enjoys updating the Facebook page with pictures, alumni events, athletic events, student achievements, and all things Spartan. Be sure to "Like" our page. Twitter is gaining popularity as well. "There are several sports, clubs, activities and groups, such as softball, girls' cross country, boys' basketball and the counselors, utilizing Twitter this year," said head softball coach Brian Frangella. "It's great because coaches and sponsors can pass along information to students regarding activities, coaches can praise players for solid efforts, and they can generally make the student body more aware of what is going on in the school. I really think it helps celebrate the successes of the students and allows coaches to interact with students on a level with which they are comfortable. We had to move into the 21st Century to keep up with these young people and their methods of communication."

According to Assistant Principal Joseph McCurdy, "Facebook (Oak Lawn Community High School or www.facebook.com/OLCHS.Spartans) and Twitter (@OLCHSNews) are just two of the upcoming technology tools designed to engage parents, students, staff and community members into the school's communication network. The school expects to release a mobile app by the first of the year. The app will provide easy access to school documents and event information from mobile devices such as iPhones and android devices. Additionally, the Skyward Family Access interface will soon be used to share more parent-related information and highlight upcoming school events."   <<read more>>

Got a great photograph? Now, you have the ability to get it in the yearbook with 'ReplayIt'. Jostens, the Oak Lawn Community High School yearbook publisher, has implemented a feature called Jostens ReplayIt. ReplayIt is an app available at the Apple Store, Google Play, and from the http://www.replayit.com/r/ website. The app allows anyone to upload pictures from sporting events, student activities, classroom projects, field trips, etc. Basically, all students, parents, community and staff members are able to assist the yearbook staff in getting the best photographs possible for the yearbook. The ReplayIt site is monitored by Josten's for school appropriate material and pictures are not posted for at least four hours. Yearbook Adviser Patrick DiFilippo encourages everyone to download the app today and begin uploading images.  <<read more>>

Prom is expensive, and many families have more pressing priorities in this economy. That's why Oak Lawn Community High School will offer Cinderella's Closet, a program designed to help our female students get prom gear at rock-bottom prices. All proceeds will help fund a bus for the SADD Post Prom party. So clean out those closets to help make a girl's wish come true.

Cinderella's Closet is a collection of lightly used formal dresses, shoes, accessories, and unopened make-up for girls in need. All styles, sizes, and colors are welcome. Donations can be dropped off in the OLCHS District Office 123 during business hours (7:30 - 3:30 p.m.) through January 17, 2014. If you are not able to drop off dresses during this timeframe, please contact Maria Vanderwarren to make other arrangements. A tax form is available for all donations. The boutique will be open to the public on Saturday, January 25, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  <<read more>>