Arlington Heights declares Tuesday ‘Stranger Things’ Day, when local teen actor will be honored

Tuesday is “Stranger Things” Day in Arlington Heights, the hometown of a budding actor who stars in the hit Netflix show.

The declaration will be officially recognized by the mayor and trustees at a village board meeting Tuesday night.

Thomas Middle School eighth grader Jake Connelly will be honored for his “professional and creative work as an actor (who) has brought positive attention” to the village, according to a proclamation issued by Mayor Jim Tinaglia and village board members.

Connelly, 13, plays the role of bully-turned-ally Derek Turnbow in the show’s recently concluded final season.

The character “begins as closed off to others, combative … but whose story ultimately becomes one of trust, personal evolution and courage,” the proclamation notes.

Derek eventually “rises to the moment when it matters most; and celebrates the message at the heart of this story — that people can grow and choose a better path — proving that anyone can become ‘Delightful,’ according to the proclamation, a nod to his nickname.

It’s been a whirlwind for Connelly, who only had a Feldco TV commercial and a few Arlington Heights Park District musicals under his belt before landing the role as Derek on the popular show.

With his mom Kerri, the young actor relocated to Atlanta for 11 months in 2024 while the series was being filmed.

Since he got back and the final season was released last November and December, Connelly has been in the national spotlight, including a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Connelly’s next project is an indie feature film that begins shooting this month in northern Illinois.

The village board recognition will be at the beginning of the meeting that starts at 7:30 p.m. at village hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road.

· Daily Herald staff writer Barbara Vitello contributed to this report.