Arlington alumni took an all-classes picture in front of their former high school. More than 750 Cardinals attended the homecoming event.
Courtesy of District 214
The Arlington High School homecoming last Saturday drew more than 750 alumni from 12 states to celebrate the school's rich history and reunite with classmates and former staff.
Throughout the day, alumni participated in a sock hop, all-class pictures, tours and a ceremony recognizing former staff and students. Northwest Suburban High School District 214 students volunteered in several roles, such as helping register and guide participants, offering face-painting for children, baking and serving authentic Arlington cookies, and playing a basketball game in Arlington colors.
The event was held at the old school building on Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights. Arlington High School closed in 1984 amid declining enrollment after educating generations of Cardinals.
At the homecoming, the District 214 Education Foundation formally launched The Cardinal Fund to carry on the legacy of Arlington High School and support District 214 students' pursuit of college and career success.
The fund, named for the mascot of Arlington High School, will directly support Advanced Placement tests for students who cannot afford them, opening the door to early college credit and thousands of dollars in college tuition. It also will support credentialing fees for District 214 students who complete career credentials while still in high school, positioning them for future success.
AP tests cost approximately $100, and credentials can reach $300. In a time when more than 25 percent of District 214 students live in poverty, a single gift to The Cardinal Fund can have a significant impact on a student's future.
The fund was created with the goal of an eventual endowment; Arlington alumni have issued a challenge to raise $500,000 for the fund toward that goal.
The District 214 Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting innovation, student success and lifelong learning across District 214. Contributions are tax-deductible.
Martie Preissing Weber, '71, her husband Mike Weber, '70, and Brad Somers, '67, chat during the Arlington High School all-class homecoming, held at the former school building, which is now Christian Liberty Academy.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Cathy Rowe Casey, Class of 1969 and daughter of former Arlington High Principal John Rowe, decorates a chicken-wire block "A," reminiscent of old parade floats, in the cafeteria.
Courtesy of District 214
Toni Masala Sparks, left, Tom Van Deren and Ryan Petersen, all from the Class of 1962, have a conversation during the Arlington High School all-class homecoming.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Athletic uniforms are displayed during the Arlington High School all-class homecoming, held at the former school building, which is now Christian Liberty Academy.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
A sign displays the years of Arlington High School's existence in the foyer outside the gymnasium, now owned by Christian Liberty Academy.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Laura Weber Wendell, '75, views a letter "A" decoration being made by Dee Meacham Koontz, '72.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Arlington Heights resident Rick Watson, right, and Ted Reineking, a member of the Class of 1962 now living in Schaumburg, view memorabilia during the Arlington High School all-class homecoming.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
A letter jacket was among memorabilia being displayed during the Arlington High School all-class homecoming.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Mike East of the Class of 1964 puts on his varsity sweater during the Arlington High School all-class homecoming.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
Sue Liljeberg Thoms of the Class of 1979 chats with Debbie Vaughan, '79, and her sister, Christy Vaughan, '82, during the Arlington High School all-class homecoming.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
From left, Arlington Class of 1978 graduates Linda Craig and Jamie Ruggeri look through Arlington yearbooks in the hallway.
Courtesy of District 214
Arlington coach Bob Hammerl, Class of 1957, chatted with District 214 athletes who played in a basketball scrimmage during the event.
Courtesy of District 214
Jack Cutlip served as a coach for various sports at Arlington High School and attended the homecoming event.
Courtesy of District 214