District 214 seeks ideas, help from alumni

On the heels of its yearlong centennial celebration, High School District 214 is launching a district-wide alumni survey and forming a district-level Alumni Advisory Council to formally drive engagement in the next century.

The survey is available at www.d214.org/alumni through Friday, Aug. 14. Those without internet access can call (847) 718-7708 to complete the survey. Feedback will be used to gauge alumni opinion and direct alumni initiatives, from potential networking or recognition opportunities to enhanced opportunities to pair alumni with current students as mentors.

The Alumni Advisory Council will comprise two representatives from each of the district's eight original comprehensive high schools, including the now-closed Arlington and Forest View high schools. The district is seeking a wide range of ages, careers and interests for the group, which will meet four to six times a year and advise on building and furthering relationships that foster engagement and partnerships that enhance learning. Interested alumni should email foundation@d214.org or call (847) 719-7708 for information or an application.

"District 214's tradition of success was built in part by its alumni, who have accomplished tremendous things and who often still remember that influential teacher or class that made a difference in their life," said Deborah A. Nelson, a 1986 John Hersey High School alumna and Alumni Advisory chairman for the District 214 Education Foundation. "We're eager to reconnect with graduates and create new opportunities that benefit everyone involved."

Alumni outreach is a key goal of the District 214 Education Foundation. Many District 214 alumni already actively serve as career coaches, mentors and foundation board members. The Alumni Advisory Council will not replace school-level alumni activities, but will formalize alumni relations district-wide, identifying opportunities to strengthen engagement.