Mundelein alums celebrate past, present for school's 50th

Suzie Marshall remembers when Mundelein High School was one small, narrow building — decades before a natatorium was added, a gymnasium built and a second story attached.

Marshall, who now lives in North Carolina, attended Mundelein High School in the early 1960s and returned to the school Saturday to celebrate the school's 50th anniversary. Hundreds of former and present students, teachers and administrators paid tribute and participated in the rededication of the school to the community.

“The school has changed tremendously,” said Marshall, 64, who was a member of the first graduating class that attended Mundelein High School all four years. “The auditorium was still there, but there was no swimming pool or media room. That is all just fabulous — impressive — and the library is amazing.”

The school had undergone more than a half-dozen additions and renovations since Yami Gutierrez had returned to her alma mater about 38 years ago. Visiting for the first time in almost four decades revived many memorable moments.

Gutierrez was the first foreign exchange student at the school. She spoke very little English and the Costa Rica native had never seen snow before.

“I built up some great relationships in the last 48 years and kept in touch with many of my classmates,” said Gutierrez, who last saw many of them in 1973 for their 10-year anniversary. “They taught me my first words of English here. They gave me a special dictionary all about dating.”

The Mundelein High School Community Education and Alumni Foundation arranged for Gutierrez to attend the events, including a homecoming parade on Friday night.

“I wanted to see all of my friends that I haven't seen in many years,” Gutierrez said. “I am glad I came.”