IMSA celebrates 25 years of learning in Aurora

Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora will celebrate its 25th anniversary Wednesday with a theme of going “Beyond Knowledge.”

An event during the school day will give students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni the chance to reflect on the school’s quarter century in science, math, engineering and technology-focused education, spokeswoman Brenda Sotern said.

Student Council President and IMSA senior Aadi Tolappa will begin the event at 11:30 a.m. by welcoming speakers, including Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, IMSA Founding President Stephanie Pace Marshall and current President Glenn W. “Max” McGee.

After a brief ceremony of speeches, students can participate in games letting them take a swipe at a dodecahedron (12-sided) piñata or attempt to pin a sock on Principal Eric McLaren, whom Sotern said rarely wears socks following an old habit from his days as a swimmer.

The academy educates 10th- through 12th-grade students with a residential, college preparatory program and focuses on science, math, engineering and technology. It was established by the state and enrolled its first class in 1986.

While Wednesday’s celebration is geared toward faculty, staff and students, other events throughout the year will allow the broader IMSA community of alumni and supporters to come together and celebrate the academy’s past and present, Sotern said.