News from District 153

May 30, 2025

Congratulations to all 210 James Hart Panthers who were promoted to high school at their graduation ceremony on May 28th! And thank you to all the family and friends who made it such a respectful, yet very joyous, event. (And remember, graduates, once a Panther, always a Panther!)

The Betty Dillon Academic Achievement Award

for earning all A's while taking the most rigorous courses

Mateo Garcia

Jordi Pesce

The Wally Burns VFW Post 8077 Award

for honor, courage, leadership and service

Antonio Britton

Chloe Schneider

The Homewood Rotary Art Welsh 4-Way Test Award

for displaying the characteristics of truth, fairness, goodwill and friendship

Chloie Camp

Matthew Holley

The PTA Service Award

for contribution of time and talents to make James Hart School a better place

Joash Ebeywa

Kaylah Hamlin

The Shelly Marks Citizenship Award

for displaying the leadership and public service attributes of former Board of Education President Shelly Marks

Jennah Cannon

Two James Hart athletes brought home 1st-place finishes from IESA State Track & Field Championships! 8th-grader Londynn Rogers is the state champion in shot put, and 7th-grader Nia Branham is the state champion in both the 200 & 400 meter runs! Way to go, Panthers!!

The Parent Music Association celebrated the achievements of the school district's student musicians and said farewell to our graduating 8th-grade band, choir and orchestra students at its annual "Pass the Baton" event on May 13th.

Jane Hindsley Award

Joshua Bergunder

Micah Wedderburn

John Phillip Sousa Award

Malik Anderson

Ian Arseneau

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award

Elijah Olison

William Luke Award

Harrison Schmidt

National Choral Award

Jennah Cannon

Josh Cox

Molly Noble

District 153 Tony Awards

Amirah Cross

Natalie Popelka

National School Orchestra Awards

Michael Harris

Christian Poku

Chamber Orchestra Award

Christie Nnaemeka

Jordi Pesce

Take 2 Orchestra Award

Dillon Bauer

Henry Eisenberg

Band: Noah Armwood-Henderson, Owen Cook, Zola Clark, Caden Hooks, Fiona Pries, Micah Wedderburn

Choir: Xoe Ali, Cairo Cornet, Eliana Falk, Eleanor Greep, Gabby Martin, Olivia Zandi

Orchestra: Gabrielle Harris, Kai McCormick, Helen Reynolds, Lucinda Wheat

District 153 celebrated the remarkable tenures of eight retiring staff members at Idlewild Country Club on May 22nd. Together, they contributed 216 years of service to our students, schools and community. They will be missed!

Marci Breed, physical education teacher, James Hart, 31 years

Christine Engels, enrichment teacher, Churchill, 37 years

Margi Nilles, school librarian, Willow, 25 years

Kirley Portillo, district driver, 23 years

Xavier Sanchez, custodian, James Hart, 30 years

Kathy Schaeflein, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, 13 years

Kelly Senesac, occupational therapist, Churchill, 26 years

Anne Wallace, 1st-grade teacher, Willow, 31 years

153 hosted a reunion for James Hart School’s Class of 2021 on May 23rd. About 100 of our former middle school graduates—current high school seniors—returned to reconnect with teachers, giggle over old yearbooks, and report on their post-high school plans. We can't wait to see what they do next!

Churchill School's "Girl Power" after-school club welcomed a familiar face on May 14th: retired principal Cece Coffey! Mrs. Coffey returned to teach club members the fine (and delicious!) art of cookie decorating.

Don't forget to visit the District 153 Virtual Backpack from time to time. We will be posting information about summer events and activities for you and your children.

Homewood School District 153 is the proud home of the James Hart Panthers, Churchill Bulldogs and Willow Wildcats.

Email: shelley.peck@hsd153.org
Website: hsd153.org
Location: 18205 Aberdeen Street, Homewood, IL, 60430
Phone: 708-799-8721
Facebook: facebook.com/hsd153
Instagram: instagram.com/homewood153