Leyden High School District 212 is not only in the early days of the new academic year, but also at start of an upcoming series of activities and events to mark the west suburban school district’s centennial.
The more than 3,400 students of the district, which is made up of West Leyden High School in Northlake and East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, returned from summer break Aug. 14 to start the 2024-2025 school year.
Additionally, Julie Lam started this year as the new principal at East Leyden.
District 212 will mark a milestone this upcoming academic year, with a host of events planned from October through next spring to mark the district’s centennial.
“Founded in 1924, the district is planning a variety of special events, sponsored by the Village of Rosemont, throughout the 2024-25 school year to commemorate the occasion,” officials stated in a news release announcing District 212’s 100th anniversary “as a public education institution” and the celebratory events.
A community concert is planned for Oct. 4 at the Dome in Rosemont.
The revelry is scheduled to continue the following day with the homecoming football game and special alumni festivities at the West Stadium.
“Our hope is that everyone, from students, staff and parents, to our community residents, representatives, and future Eagles, come together throughout the year to make connections and share in the Leyden Pride,” Superintendent Nick Polyak stated in the release.
The celebration picks up again after the start of the new year with a gala.
According to the release, on Feb. 8, the district will host a fundraising gala set to include dinner, dancing, cash bar, silent and live auctions, and other special surprises, “with all proceeds supporting scholarships for current and future Leyden students.”
A free picnic – which is also open to the public – is planned for the spring.
“This is a very special moment in the history of our schools and even more importantly, for the communities we serve,” said Polyak.
The district is set to host other ongoing centennial celebrations, such as a traveling historical exhibit in partnership with the Franklin Park, Northlake and Schiller Park libraries, documentary film and stories on social media.
Officials stated in the release that event and other information will be on the district’s centennial Facebook page, on the district website and available through email notifications.