The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) paid H-F a visit for their board meeting on Oct. 15.
Representatives from ISBE toured the campus that morning, exploring highlights of H-F’s facilities, including the broadcast studio and the new science building.
The Board visits schools around the state at least twice a year to remain accessible to the public.
“Just to be visible in the public and to see what’s actually happening in the schools that our board serves,” said Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois State Superintendent.
Not only was the choice to visit H-F a “great honor” and opportunity for Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Norrell to showcase H-F and the work she’s done thus far, the visit was also special for former H-F educator and State Vice Chair Dr. Donna Leak.
“I wouldn’t be sitting here today if it was not for my experiences as a staff member here at Homewood-Flossmoor,” she beamed.
After the tour, the meeting began with comments from the public. Then Norrell and a team of H-F administrators, Carla Erdey, Dr. Clinton Alexander, and Dr. Lisa Marie Dallacqua were given the chance to present what H-F does best.
They showcased a CBS news package about Dad Squad, highlighted senior and Voyager Opinion Editor Bryce Barnett for his podcast series and laid out their plan for H-F to join the International Baccalaureate (I-B) Career Program.
Students further wowed ISBE representatives at an afternoon luncheon in the Viking Room. Outstanding students, from athletes to artists, were selected to attend the luncheon to mingle with ISBE representatives and provide entertainment.
Senior Annabelle Rudan played guitar and sang, concluding her set with a duet with junior Marcus McGhee. Senior Speech Team member Makayla Scales gave a speech on rejecting stereotypes.
The board representatives were quite impressed with what they saw throughout the day.
“Today was fantastic,” said ISBE Chair Dr. Steven Isoye.
“One thing that really stood out was the number of students that greeted all of us and said hello,” he added. “It’s just a very welcoming and friendly place.”
“The number of things that this district is offering to make sure students feel that sense of belonging is why I think you’re seeing such success,” said Sanders.
Leak was proud to see her alma mater dazzle her peers, and said the place hasn’t changed a bit.
“The expectation of excellence, no matter what, you can feel it in this building,” she said, “It is still the same place that it has been in terms of high-achieving excellence.”
Norrell was happy to see H-F receive such high praises.
“This was a huge opportunity for Homewood-Flossmoor not only to shine, but to have an opportunity to form a relationship with the Illinois State board,” said Norell, “I was most excited for them to see our young people and our staff.”
