High School: Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
College: Marquette University ‘22, University of Iowa College of Dentistry ‘27

As a first-generation student, the importance of education was always stilled in Jessica Gomez by her parents, and in 2022, she was the first in her family to graduate with a bachelor's degree. She credits her teachers and experiences at D123 for fueling her love and passion for learning and education as well as today’s accomplishments. During Gomez’s time at Marquette University, she studied psychology in the honors college and presented her research at the American Association of Biological Anthropologists annual conference in 2022. She also had two pieces published in “Today’s Inspired Young Latina” and “Hispanic Stars Rising.” Gomez is currently attending dental school at the University of Iowa for a doctorate in dental surgery, realizing her dream of becoming Dr. Jessica Gomez DDS. She plans to serve underrepresented and Spanish-speaking patients. Jessica Gomez practicing her dental speciality. zoom_out_map

"I want to be the doctor that they deserve … Today, around 5% of practicing dentists are of Hispanic/Latinx descent. I am proud to be one of those very few Hispanic dentists, but most importantly, I am proud to be a D123 alum,” Gomez said in her D123 4WARD submission.

During Gomez’s 8th-grade year at D123, she was presented with many leadership opportunities, which created excitement for her years ahead in high school and college. She enjoyed learning from social studies teacher Sofia Georgelos and her student teacher at the time, Vince Mamollela.

“Knowledge is power, and I would like to thank them for believing in me and showing me what I can obtain when I put my mind to it, and what I can achieve when I finally force myself to sit down and study after a long day of learning how to drill and fill cavities!” - Jessica Gomez

High School: Harold L. Richards High School
College: Florida College

While in high school, Jason Mallo found a passion for public speaking and competed on the speech team. He went on to claim IHSA State Runner-Up in 2016. In 2017, he was the International Champion while competing at the collegiate level. Also while in college, Mallo formed a student-led improv comedy team, which still tours the nation to this day. After college, he started a branch of one of the most successful food tours in Nashville, the Underground Donut, and currently works as their Operations Manager. Mallo also coaches speech and theatre at Richards High School, giving back to his alma mater. Starting in June, he will perform his first paid acting gig in Kentucky.

“My love for performing and bringing joy in front of a crowd was formed and highly encouraged at D123 … I was lucky enough to have encouraging and passionate teachers, coaches, and directors from D123 and beyond that I wanted to provide the same type of guidance to others,” Mallo said in his submission.

Some childhood memories just stay with you into adulthood, and Sward’s 5th grade Field Day has been just that for Mallo. He recalls spending the whole day with friends playing bean bags, Mario Kart, and board games. Mallo even remembers the pizza served and how this final day of grade school stuck with him well past college.

High School: Oak Lawn Community High School
College: Moraine Valley Community College

Throughout his high school years, Nicholas Paluck obtained Eagle Scout status through Troop 619. He is now proud to share that he works for Heidelberg Materials as a millwright at the Thornton Quarry, located under I-294 near the Illinois-Indiana border. Spanning 1.5 miles long, 0.5 miles wide, and 450 feet deep, this is one of the largest aggregate quarries in the world.

“It's the coolest place to work at and has been an incredible experience seeing all of the fossils and cool materials in the stone that we mine. It's always fascinating seeing the massive haul trucks and loaders drive by that make me feel like an ant,” Paluck said in his submission.

Paluck thanked his teachers and staff at Covington for unforgettable core memories and their everlasting impression on his life.

High School: Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
College: The University of Chicago

After four years at the University of Chicago studying biological sciences, Frannie Kobiernicki worked in a clinical genetics lab for three years. She then completed four years of medical school at Marian University of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis before matching into a pediatric residency program at Advocate Children’s Hospital. Since graduating from residency in 2022, Kobiernicki has worked as a pediatrician for Advocate in an office attached to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. She also received a teaching reward from residents during her first year as an attending. During this time, she is proud to say she met her husband, another physician, and had a small wedding during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“It meant so much to be able to care for patients from my community,” Kobiernicki said in her 4-WARD submission. “I love my job and am so grateful that I achieved my dream! I knew I wanted to be a doctor ever since I was in 7th grade at McGugan when my sister was diagnosed with diabetes. I love being able to support families during difficult times and teach patients and parents how to make healthy choices!”

Kobiernicki loved her time attending school in District 123 and has many enjoyable memories from band, art club, cheerleading, cross country, track, the math team, and French Club. One highlight was her French Club trip to Quebec during Easter 2004. The one memory that stands out, however, was Pizza with the Principal at Sward Elementary, and she even won this coveted Bingo Night Prize twice.

“I would like to thank all of my teachers/coaches at Sward and McGugan for developing my love for learning inside and outside the classroom,” Kobiernicki said.

High School: Oak Lawn Community High School
College: Governors State University

Latifa Ali is proud of her involvement in many clubs and after-school programs such as the National Honors Society, SADD Club, International Club, Student-Helpers, Soccer, and Badminton. She was also in the first International Talent Show where she debuted the first Dabke, a Palestinian Folklore Dance with her friends.

Ali recalled that the principal of McGugan Junior High at the time was retiring, and wrote how she would make an effort to remember every student’s name and made sure to welcome her by name when they crossed paths in the hall. Ali also loved her experience with technology while at D123. It’s where she learned how to type and how to use different software and apps while using dial-up internet.

“There wasn’t Wi-Fi at that time, but it was cool to experience new technology for the first time! I’ve always said OLHMS/ McGugan has the best technology enrichment programs,” Ali stated in her submission.

High School Oak Lawn Community High School
College: Illinois State University

For Abby Bone, her greatest success was having the opportunity to return to District 123 as a 2nd Grade teacher at Covington Elementary. She enjoyed being a part of the D123 family again for two years while meeting amazing students, families, and community members.

“I will always feel grateful for the experiences I had and all the knowledge I gained as a teacher while working there,” Bone wrote to D123 4-WARD.

Bone’s favorite experience while attending D123 was her participation in the theatre programs at Sward and OLHMS.

“Joining the drama club in 4th grade allowed me to find my love of theater, which followed me all throughout my life,” Bone wrote about the program’s impact.

High School: Oak Lawn Community High School
College: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Thomas Herrera graduated from Oak Lawn Community High School in 2018 with high honors, was named an Illinois State Scholar, and received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. While in high school, he was involved in Mathletes and Chess Club.

In 2022, Herrera graduated from UIUC with a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering and a concentration in design for manufacturability and material testing. While in college, he was a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and was on the high school outreach committee. Once a semester, they would organize a 4-day trip for Chicago high school students to attend the engineering college as guests to learn more about the STEM majors offered. Later, he worked as a peer mentor/course assistant for Engineering 199, a course designed to help first-year engineering students transition to the college’s rigorous academics.

Currently, Herrera is a manufacturing engineer in Los Angeles, California, at Precision Castparts Corporation, an Aerospace and Defense Manufacturer.

Looking back at his time in District 123, his favorite memory is his 8th-grade graduation.

“The excitement and joy were unmatched as we gathered in homeroom with our robes before we walked over to the gym. At that moment, we were all close like family.” - Thomas Herrera.

High School: Harold L. Richards High School
College: Saint Xavier University-B.S. (2011); Lewis University-M.A (2015).; National Louis University-Ed.D. (Current)

During her undergraduate career at Saint Xavier University, Kaycee Sakal became an orientation leader working with incoming first-year students. This unlocked her passion for higher education, as she later enrolled in a Master’s program at Lewis University studying organizational leadership with a concentration in student services. While taking a break from higher education to raise her family (her four children and fiancé) she worked at universities helping first and second-year students transition into college life. Sakal also enrolled in a Doctor of Education program at National Louis University. Additionally, Sakal has raised over $10,000 for the cystic fibrosis foundation after her oldest son’s diagnosis in 2014.

While at D123, Sakal recalled attending the Challenger Space Shuttle experience with her Sward class as her favorite memory.

“This experience taught us how to work collaboratively towards a common goal, and learning that at such a young age prepared me for collaboration throughout my education and career,” Sakal included in her submission.

High School: Marist High School
College: Illinois State University

Katie Klockow was heavily involved in the band program at Marist and has many fond memories of her time playing the euphonium and trombone. With the band, she marched in several parades, went to Disney World, marched through Universal Studios, and traveled to Ireland to march in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Klockow received the “Block M” award during her senior year at Marist and is currently a freshman at Illinois State University, where she is majoring in Elementary Education and involved in the University Band, College Mentors for Kids, and InterVarsity.

“Even when it was freezing outside and I couldn’t feel my fingers or toes, being surrounded by my friends in the band made it all worth it,” Klockow said of her high school band experience. “I had experiences and made friends that I will remember for my lifetime. I look forward to the wonderful opportunities I will have at Illinois State, creating more great memories that will become part of who I am.”

Her favorite D123 memory is the walk-a-thon held in honor of Abby Wujcik, a Kolmar student who passed away from a pediatric brain tumor at 8 years old. Klockow was on the Live Like Abby Committee at OLHMS, where she helped plan the first LLA walk-a-thon.

“I was in her 1st-grade class the year she was diagnosed with cancer. We took dance classes together, were in Girl Scouts together, and went to birthday parties together. Our Girl Scout troop planted 2 lilac trees and Kolmar put a bench between them,” Klockow recalled. “The walk-a-thon was such an amazing day, and I loved seeing everyone support the cause. It made me realize just how much of an impact Abby left on me, my teachers, D123, and the Oak Lawn community."

High School: Harold L. Richards High School
Colleges: Northwestern, DePaul, Northeastern, Purdue, and Lewis universities

The Spedale siblings all graduated from D123 and Richards High School before each receiving a full tuition Chick Evans Caddy Scholarship. Peter attended Northwestern and DePaul universities, Daniel went to Northwestern and Northeastern universities, and Mary attended Purdue and Lewis universities.

Mary Spedale is currently a Nurse in the Cancer Center at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical. She is in the process of receiving her Nurse Practitioner degree through Lewis University.

Daniel Spedale noted in their combined submission that the kind and helpful teachers offered the perfect blend of challenge and support. They learned the basic skills of organization and time management, along with putting forth a good work ethic in anything that they did. This foundation prepared them well for success in high school. Their achievements in high school enabled them to choose from a variety of postsecondary options through scholarship attainment, strong academic grades, and a robust resume of extracurricular activities.

"Family Fun night at Hannum was my favorite day of the year, as it brought the Hannum faculty and student community together in a fun and wholesome way," Mary stated in a separate submission. "I still remember being able to play games in the hallway and see teachers in their regular clothes!"

While discussing their favorite D123 memory as a family, the siblings decided it was simply how it set them up for "a life full of opportunity and experiences that allow life to be enjoyed rather than just endured. Thank you D123 for the foundation we needed!"

After attending Sward Elementary and Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. Eddie Condon went to Brother Rice High School, where he played football for four years and was a three-year rugby starter. Condon currently attends Western Michigan University and plays rugby. Looking back on his years at D123, his favorite memory was Sward's 5th grade picnic.

After Graduating from Western Illinois University, Charles Suchy became a U.S. Government Special Agent (INS/ Homeland Security). He specialized in Counter Terrorism and Counter Espionage. Additionally, Suchy had other desks at Chicago FBI and CIA. Looking back, he had a great high school experience, which included wrestling and great friends, some of which he still has today. Suchy added the he remembers having wonderful teachers while attending school in District 123.

Lateefah Williams was the valedictorian of her 2015 class at Little Black Pearl Art & Design Academy High School. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master's in Veterinary Medicine with a concentration in Veterinary Forensic Science from the University of Florida. Her favorite memories while at D123 were receiving multiple Student of the Month Awards and being a part of the National Junior Honor Society at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School. "I enjoyed the time I spent while at OLHMS and am forever grateful that it was a firm foundation for my future educational endeavors," Willams said.

While at Oak Lawn Community High School, Melissa Welter (formerly Neumann) played in the upper-level band starting her freshman year, which she credits to the middle school’s music program. She is proud of her invitation to perform with the Moraine Valley Community College band starting her junior year of high school. After holding management positions within the automotive parts industry, Welter is now the successful business owner of Peaches and Clean Detail. Her favorite memories while attending school in D123 include the inflatable obstacle course on field day and playing with the middle school band at the elementary school. She remembers the excitement of the younger kids when they saw the size of her Contra Alto Clarinet.

Collin attended St. Rita High School and was an Illinois State Scholar in 2023. He also received a 4-year full scholarship for football at Fordham University. MaryGrace attended the Nazareth Academy and went to Iona University in New York for nursing. She received the Iona University Presidential Scholarship and was admitted to the honors college. Both siblings enjoyed the costume parade at Sward Elementary, where MaryGrace dressed up as the principal.

Matt Lukens said he may not have been the best student throughout his academic career, but he always worked hard. He attended many before and after school tutoring sessions in order to succeed in his classes, leading him to graduate from Western Michigan University and landing a job prior to graduating college in 2016. He lived with family and friends for the first 8 months after starting his first job and eventually saved enough to purchase his first home. "I am very proud of where I am 10 years after graduating college. My biggest advice to a D123 student is to put in effort and be a positive, kind person. Even if you may struggle in school, effort, kindness, and positivity go a long way," Lukens said in his 4-WARD submission. His favorite memory from D123 was Kolmar recess, and even mentioned that "Wall Ball" built a lot of character.

While attending Oak Lawn Community High School, Isabella Smykowski was the drum line leader, commencement speaker, 2022 Speech Team MVP, President’s Award recipient, Illinois State Scholar, President of the Yearbook Club, Social Media Manager for SADD club, a member of the FBI Explorer’s Program in Chicago, and she hosted a toy drive for Chicago’s Child Link. She will be graduating from the University of Tampa in 2025, a year early for the most credit heavy degree offered: Forensic Science. She is a Licensed Home + Auto insurance producer in Illinois and is going to have an internship next school year with a state forensic laboratory in Florida.

Molly Sheahan graduated third in her class at Harold L. Richards High School. She was also a Helen Whalen Scholarship recipient, drum major, the President of Leo Club, VP of Tri-M Music Honor Society, an Illinois State Scholar, and was on the softball team. During her time at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, she was a member of the Marching Illini, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, the Marching Illini Advancement Committee, and had an Actuary Internship. Her favorite memory from D123 was finding a love for music through Ms. Lyons and Mr. Kehl.

Cassidy McCormick graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2023 Magna Cum Laude from Texas Christian University. In 2024, she graduated with her master’s degree Summa Cum Laude. Both degrees are in Deaf Education, and she accepted her first teaching position for the 2024-25 school year. She will be teaching in a deaf kindergarten class in Texas. McCormick is grateful for the D123 teachers who helped shape her into the person she is today by showing their passion for teaching each day.

Jacob Canvin is most proud of his golf MVP status the past two years and receiving the sportsmanship award for baseball while going to Oak Lawn Community High School. He will be attending Trinity Christian College this fall. Canvin's favorite memory from attending school in District 123 was getting to know people who he is still friends with today.

During Tommy Theiss's sophomore and junior year at Oak Lawn Community High School, he was the basketball manager for the men's basketball team, and he was awarded Outstanding Senior in his class. He is thankful for his D123 teachers and friends for always supporting him and helping him become a stronger person after graduating eighth grade.

While at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, Kaitlin Lara was proud of joining Track, being recognized as Student of the Month in 7th grade, acting in the plays, and singing in the Concert Chorus. Her favorite memory was Hometown's Fifth Grade trip to Hollywood Park.

Throughout her college career, Samaher AbuRabah spearheaded multiple initiatives to confront societal issues and served as an advocate for social justice amongst her peers. She graduates this year from Columbia College Chicago and is hopeful for what the future has in store while also looking back fondly on her memories from her time at D123. Her Covington teachers helped AbuRabah achieve her goals, and she credits Mrs. Gustafson for encouraging her to pursue a degree in journalism and public relations.

Anne Sendra received the University of Central Florida President's Honor Roll award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a Construction Engineering degree. Her favorite memory from D123 is her 8th grade field trip to Six Flags for the opportunity to create lasting memories with her classmates. She still has her OLHMS 2017 grad shirt.

Stacy Beyer is most proud of becoming Radiology Technologist after attending Moraine Valley Community College. She remembers middle school being a fun couple of years because she received a locker and changed classes for the first time. Beyer also played as many sports as she could because she enjoyed competing for the medals while making friends from the different feeder schools.

After graduating from Oak Lawn Community College, Kathleen Cortes received three scholarships to West Virginia University and was on the Dean's List. Her favorite memory from Sward Elementary and D123 was being able to make friends.

Christian Roop is graduating from Oak Lawn Community High School this year with a great GPA and will be enrolling in the union of his choice. Roop and his family will always remember the outdoor Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School graduation ceremony due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.