On Thursday, October 23, the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Educational Foundation brought the celebratory Balloon Brigade back to D123 to recognize the creativity and dedication of educators across the District. To celebrate recent mini-grant recipients, members of the Ed Foundation and District administration made surprise visits to classrooms with festive balloons and oversized “big checks.” The Foundation’s mini-grant program supports innovative educator-led projects that enhance student learning and engagement.

The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) awarded the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Board of Education the 2025 IASB School Board Governance Recognition. This honor recognizes boards that demonstrate exemplary commitment to effective governance, continuous improvement, and service to students and the community. This marks the 5th District 123 Board Governance Award in the last 10 years. (2015, 2019, 2021, 2023, & 2025)

This summer was bursting with energy as Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 welcomed more than 600 students from Pre-K through incoming 8th graders across public, private, and parochial schools. The programs were designed to spark curiosity, fuel creativity, and sustain academic growth — all while providing students with exciting opportunities to explore new interests and develop lasting skills.

Friends, family, and District 123 staff gathered to celebrate the Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School Class of 2025 on June 5. We wish these graduates all the best as they continue their academic journey in high school and beyond. Congratulations, OLHMS Class of 2025!

At the Helen Whalen Higher Education Annual Scholarship Dinner, three outstanding graduating high school seniors and Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 alumni were honored for their hard work and service to the community.

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and talent, the annual Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Art Extravaganza transformed the Middle School gymnasium and media center into a mesmerizing art museum on Thursday, April 24. The event showcased an array of artworks from each elementary school and masterpieces crafted by middle school students throughout the year.

The Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School gymnasium was transformed into a multicultural festival with food from different countries and attendees dressed in traditional attire. There was dancing to a mariachi before dance troops and OLHMS students took center stage for their performances.

As a District, we love hearing about all of the extraordinary achievements our graduates have accomplished over the years, and D123 4-WARD gives us the opportunity to share these amazing alumni success stories with our community. Feeling inspired after reading? The 4-WARD submission form will remain open all year for D123 graduates to share their journeys post middle school graduation. 

In partnership with Feed6-Outreach, Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 hosted its 11th annual meal packaging event at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. Events like this help local families, kids, veterans, and senior citizens.

The annual Community Leaf Raking Day took place on Saturday, November 16th. Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 was pleased to host about 90 volunteers who raked about 60 yards.