Join in District 214 Centennial celebration
For three days in February, High School District 214 will welcome the community to a free celebration of a century of academic, arts and athletic excellence.
The festivities, running from Thursday, Feb. 5 to Saturday, Feb. 7, are part of the district's yearlong centennial observance. From a special reception honoring student academic achievements to a walk-through historical display, an arts showcase and a daylong basketball event, the district will recognize its past and look to its future.
"What better way to celebrate our centennial than through the talent of our students," said Dr. David Schuler, superintendent of High School District 214. "We are so excited to welcome our community to these events to recognize together the impact of this district, all that's been achieved by our students, staff and graduates and all that we have to look forward to in the next century as we prepare students for their future."
Several past superintendents, principals and board of education members are scheduled to return to help commemorate student and district achievements.
"I have always been impressed with what District 214 has done in education. We're at the forefront of everything," said Bill Blaine, a former board member who served for 14 years and will travel from his home in Virginia for the celebration. "It feels great to have been a part of this outstanding place and celebrate this major milestone."
All events are free and will be held at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, in Arlington Heights.
For details, visit www.d214.org/100years.
Academic Showcase: Thursday, Feb. 5. The celebration will kick off with a 6 p.m. reception prior to the board of education meeting. Guests, including former board members, principals and superintendents, will tour the historical display and, during the board meeting, celebrate 100 years of excellence in academics. Note: The reception is not open to the public.
Fine and Performing Arts Showcase: Friday, Feb. 6. The talents of District 214's fine and performing artists will take the spotlight at an arts showcase featuring award-winning vocal, instrumental, dance, speech and drama performances and visual arts displays. Performances will run from 5 to 9 p.m., allowing attendees to observe multiple brief acts in one night. Limited refreshments will be provided by Buffalo Grove High School culinary arts students.
Centennial Classic: Saturday, Feb. 7. The varsity boys and girls basketball teams from every District 214 school will compete in a daylong, high-energy competition. Pep band music and a video tribute to a century of athletic excellence will be part of the event. Games start at 10:30 a.m.; the final game is at 7:15 a.m. Admission is free; paid concessions are available.
Historical Display: Friday, Feb. 6 -Saturday, Feb. 7. Guests can walk through District 214's story at a celebratory historical display. Beginning with the 1914 ballot proposition that forged the way for the district's creation and the school that started it all - Arlington - the interactive exhibit will include yearbooks, memorabilia, artwork and other items that collectively and chronologically paint the District 214 picture. Every school and program will be represented, and staff members will be on hand to answer questions. The display will be open from 4:30-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.