Elk Grove High is marking its 50th anniversary
Elk Grove High School is celebrating its 50th anniversary this school year with several events, the first of which is occurring at this Friday's homecoming celebration.
The events, which will continue through the school year, are meant to engage alumni and highlight the school's rich history of fine and performing arts, athletics and school spirit.
The school opened in 1966 as Northwest Suburban High School District 214's fifth school, originally serving only Elk Grove Village. Robert E. Haskell was the first principal and held that role until 1974. The school's football stadium is now named in his honor.
When Forest View High School in Arlington Heights closed amid declining enrollment just more than two decades later in 1986, Elk Grove's attendance increased by more than 900 students.
Today, the school annually prepares nearly 2,000 freshmen through seniors for future success from Elk Grove Village, Des Plaines and a portion of Arlington Heights.
Events to mark the anniversary include:
• Homecoming celebration, Friday, Sept. 30. Elk Grove High School invites alumni to celebrate its 50th year at the homecoming football/soccer game. There will be an alumni tent in the end zone with artifacts and yearbooks celebrating the school's history. Commemorative 50th year apparel will also be on sale.
The schedule is: 5 p.m. Alumni Tent opens/varsity soccer begins; 6:30 p.m. tour of Elk Grove High School by Elk Grove administration; 7:30 p.m. football game
• Booster Golf Outing, Saturday, Oct. 1. Elk Grove Athletic Boosters are putting on a golf outing celebrating 50 years of Elk Grove High School, with proceeds going to Elk Grove athletics. Staff, alumni and parents are invited. For details, visit http://tinyurl.com/eghs50golf.
• ABC 7 Flyover Feature, Friday, Oct. 21. Students will head to the stadium and spell out "EG50," with the event aired on the ABC 7 morning news.
• 50th Year Performing Arts Celebration. In late May, Elk Grove's performing arts students will hold a concert honoring the school's 50 years. Details are still being determined.
For details about Elk Grove's 50th anniversary, contact Assistant Principal for Student Activities Robert Murphy at robert.murphy@d214.org or (847) 718-4418.