Schools

Student Fights Change to Oak Forest High School's Alumni Display

One Oak Forest High School student is outraged at the school's plan to update the display of accomplished alumni, from physical photos to a digital catalog. Do you agree?

An Oak Forest student is worried that a change planned by administration will lessen the recognition of celebrated alumni.

Executive Board President of the OFHS Student Council Jessy Sandoval has started an online petition urging students to speak up against the reinvention of Oak Forest High School's "Walls of Fame." Administrators plan to remove the photos of storied athletes and alumni from the hallways and instead compile an online database accessible through a digital monitor display and searchable database. 

But the students don't want that, Sandoval said. 

"While we are grateful that technology will further allow us to remember the great accomplishments of our alumni, a single computer screen and freshly painted walls should not replace the thousands of powerful images that inspire all who attend and visit OFHS," wrote Sandoval in the petition.

Principal Brad Sikora said the project is not meant to deconstruct the displays that lines the walls of the cafeteria and those near the athletic office, but rather to preserve them. People seldom walk the hallway to gaze at the pictures, but with one display compiled in the same place and accessible by touch screen more are likely to check it out.

"We’re making it more accessible for people to see them, search by a name, year or sport," Sikora said. 

But Sandoval argues that the more casual display of the images serves as a more significant reminder of school pride. 

"My peers and I, alongside countless alumni immortalized on the walls, believe that it is imperative that the faces of Bengal Nation remain in place so that they may continue to inspire future generations of Bengals," Sandoval wrote. "We believe that current students, alumni and community members should have a voice in the fate of the photos that comprise the Walls of Fame. OFHS is not about fresh paint and computer screens. The spirit of Bengal Nation lies in the legacy of its people."

The petition had 1,030 supports as of Monday afternoon. 

Photos of current students will remain hanging on the walls until after graduation, at which time the photos will be digitally logged, Sikora said. Bremen High School District 228's Hillcrest High School converted to this display two years ago, Sikora said. 

Many of the images hanging on the walls are "faded, water-damaged and beaten up.

"We think this is a good thing, part of the change process," Sikora said. "We're considering it a best practice at this point."

Do you think the display should stay? Or do you agree with the more modern take? Tell us in the comments.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here