December Newsletter

As we step into December, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful progress our students, staff, and community have made so far this school year. This month brings a unique blend of learning, celebration, and togetherness, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication and enthusiasm I see in our halls each day.

December is a time when our students shine—whether through academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, or acts of kindness that remind us what this season is truly about. I want to thank our families for your ongoing support and partnership; your involvement plays a vital role in helping our students thrive.

As we approach the winter break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy moments with loved ones. We look forward to returning in the new year refreshed and ready to continue growing, learning, and reaching new milestones together.

Wishing you a joyful December and a happy holiday season.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, CYSP Groups 4 and 5 came together for a productive and memorable log party. After school, 25 students gathered in the media room to complete their missing logs with the support of their mentors—Mr. Oz, Mrs. Oz, Mr. Ruslan, and Mr. Jo. The session gave students a chance to catch up, stay organized, and receive guidance while working toward their CYSP goals.

Following their hard work, students enjoyed a shared dinner before heading downtown for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park. The festive atmosphere brought the group together as they celebrated the start of the holiday season.

After the ceremony, everyone returned to the school together, wrapping up a fun and meaningful evening of teamwork, mentorship, and community.

ZooLights Event: On Monday, December 15, 2025, all CYSP students will participate in the ZooLights outing. Students and their parents are invited—please remember to stay in communication with your mentor.

CYSP Lock-In: Lock-in season has begun! Our first CYSP lock-in in the new building will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025.

HSA McKinley Park FRC Team Prepares for New Season

November was filled with team meetings as our FRC students came together to plan and prepare for the upcoming season. Collaboration and teamwork set the stage for an exciting year ahead.

The countdown is on for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)! On January 10, 2026, the new game will be revealed, kicking off a fast-paced, six-week build season. During this time, HOTH 5125 students will design, prototype, and build a fully functional competition robot.

The team will then compete at the Midwest Regional in Arlington Heights and the Rocket City Regional in Huntsville, Alabama, aiming to qualify for the FIRST Championship in Houston. Even after regionals, the students continue training, participating in outreach, and preparing for the next season—making FRC a year-round commitment.

We wish our students maximum torque, optimal voltage, and the best of luck for the season!

The MechaHawks have been hard at work preparing for this year’s VEX V5 Challenge: Push Back. Students have been fully engaged in designing, building, and problem-solving as they bring their competition robot, DEX, to life.

Along the way, the team has faced real engineering challenges — from missing parts to tricky assemblies — and turned every obstacle into an opportunity to learn and grow. Their collaboration, creativity, and determination have been key as they refine their robot and test strategies for competition.

With every step forward, the MechaHawks are gaining experience, building confidence, and getting ready to represent our school with innovation, teamwork, and energy in the VEX Robotics arena!

HSA McKinley Park Soars with New Drone Robotics Program

HSA McKinley Park High School is taking robotics to new heights! Alongside its long-standing FTC and FRC programs and the recently launched VEX robotics, the school is now offering an exciting Drone Robotics Program.

Under the mentorship of Mr. Oz, students can join both a class and an after-school club to design, build, and pilot drones. This hands-on program combines innovation, STEM skills, and teamwork, giving students a truly unique robotics experience.

With this newest addition, HSA continues to provide cutting-edge opportunities that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and a love for technology.

HSA McKinley Park Hawks Dominate at Thanksgiving Tournament—Again!

The Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park Hawks are riding high this season, going 3–0 at the Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy Thanksgiving Tournament for the second year in a row and once again bringing home the championship trophy.

This back-to-back tournament victory highlights the team’s growing momentum and the hard work they’ve put in both on and off the court. Their strong defense, quick ball movement, and relentless energy have made them stand out early in the season—and their latest win proves the Hawks are a team to watch.

As the season continues, fans can stay up to date on the Hawks’ full game schedule, scores, player stats, and upcoming matchups by visiting MaxPreps. Be sure to check in and show your support—there’s plenty more exciting basketball ahead from McKinley Park!

The Girls Varsity Basketball Team is off to the best start in school history, opening the season 4–0 and currently ranked #7 in Illinois (Class 1A)! The Lady Hawks have dominated early competition with impressive victories:

• 41–20 vs. HSA Southwest

• 53–11 vs. Golder

• 44–11 vs. Cristo Rey

• 54–29 vs. Juarez

The team continues to build momentum through teamwork, discipline, and exceptional defensive play, making them one of the most exciting programs to watch this season.

Our student-athletes are also gaining recognition statewide.

Shirley Williams, Ava Jones, and Siying Zhao were recently featured in MaxPreps articles for their standout performances. Huge congratulations to these Hawks for representing our school with excellence!

Upcoming Games Before Winter Break:

Thu 12/5 – Morgan Park Academy – Away – 5:00 PM

Sun 12/8 – BISC – Away – 5:00 PM

Tue 12/10 – Beacon Academy – Away – 5:00 PM

Thu 12/12 – Wolcott College Prep – Home – 5:00 PM

Sun 12/15 – HSA Southwest – Away – 5:00 PM

Tue 12/17 – Lycée Français – Away – 5:30 PM

Wed 12/18 – Kelly High School – Away – 5:00 PM

Let’s keep the energy high as the Lady Hawks push forward on their undefeated streak!

Our students had the unforgettable opportunity to participate in an exciting and hands-on STEM field trip to iFLY, where science and adventure came together in the most memorable way.

The experience began with an engaging classroom lesson led by iFLY’s STEM educators. Students explored the real-world physics behind indoor skydiving—learning about air pressure, force, velocity, and how the wind tunnel works. Through demonstrations and interactive discussions, they saw how classroom concepts in science and engineering come alive in the real world.

Of course, the highlight of the trip was when students suited up and experienced the thrill of flight for themselves. With the support of trained instructors, each student entered the vertical wind tunnel and felt the forces they had just learned about—lifting, balancing, and adjusting their body to stay afloat. It was equal parts excitement and education, giving students a deeper understanding of how STEM powers the world around them.

The iFLY field trip not only connected directly to our curriculum but also inspired curiosity, confidence, and a sense of wonder. This was truly a high-flying STEM adventure our students will never forget!

We are thrilled to share that HSA senior Gracie Griggs was selected as one of the 2025 Charter Excellence Awards Outstanding 12th Graders of the Year by the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS).

Each year, INCS recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a strong commitment to their school community. Gracie’s nomination truly stood out, continuing a long-running tradition of HSA students being celebrated through these awards.

INCS shared how much they look forward to hearing from our school each year and how meaningful it has become to honor an HSA student. Gracie’s achievements, character, and impact on our community made her an exemplary choice for this recognition.

We are incredibly proud of Gracie for earning this prestigious honor. Her hard work, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire everyone at HSA.

Before Thanksgiving break, seniors in Ms. Gokce’s class showcased their Consumer Math Project-Based Learning (PBL) projects, demonstrating creativity, confidence, and pride in their work. It was inspiring to see students present their final products with such excitement and professionalism.

A special thank you to Ms. Gokce for creating such a meaningful learning experience for students, and to Ms. Solmaz for her guidance and support throughout the project. We also extend our appreciation to our jury members—Mr. Erkan, Ms. Moss, and Ms. Gonzalez—for helping make this event impactful and showing students that their work truly matters.

Hello everyone, my name is Cassandra Medrano, and I started my HSA journey in 6th grade. From there on, I have enjoyed seeing this school grow and become better and better as the years went by. The teachers here are always nice and willing to help when needed, and they always have a listening ear. HSA has helped me grow as a person, especially in sports. This school introduced me to softball and made me love it the minute I tried out for the team. It also got me into volleyball and basketball, two other sports I now love dearly. I love all the different connections I’ve made with each of the teams I’ve been a part of; it truly feels like we are a family.

Moving into the new HSA high school building has also been amazing. The new building is so much better than the old one—more space, new teachers, and an overall environment that makes learning and being here even more enjoyable. It feels like a real high school now, and I’m glad I get to enjoy and learn in this building for my last year at HSA.

As I look back on my years here, I’m grateful for every experience, every teammate, and every teacher who helped shape who I am today. HSA has been more than just a school to me; it’s been a place where I’ve grown, learned, and found a second family. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned here into the future, and I’ll always carry the memories of HSA with me.

Recently, five of our students — Anjalee Ramirez, Aiden Vazquez, Gracie Griggs, Messiah Whitehorn, and Mario Delgado — were selected to share their experiences at HSA McKinley Park High.

Their reflections highlight how the new high school campus, designed just for students, offers more independence, leadership opportunities, and a focus on academics and career pathways. The students shared how the environment has helped them grow, feel empowered, and take full advantage of programs like Career & Technical Education.

This story was featured in an article published on the school’s website, showcasing the voices of our students and the impact of the new campus on their high school experience. The link to the full article is included below.

I am the school secretary/administrative assistant here at HSA Mckinley Park High. I spent many years in the medical field and as a correctional officer, and I can honestly say this is by far the most fulfilling place I have ever been. I love being part of a school community where I can support families and students daily and help make their school experience a little easier. Building connections with them is my favorite part of the job, and I’m grateful to work alongside such an amazing team. I even take the lessons I learn here home and apply them with my son, Axel.

Thank you HSA students for this recognition. It truly means so much to me. And remember… show up, be on time, and shine!

Our seniors have been actively exploring their post-secondary options this fall. A group visited National Louis University in Chicago to learn more about its academic programs and campus experience, while a small cohort traveled to Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to gain hands-on insight into trade pathways and observe live demonstrations in automotive and mechanical fields.

College acceptances from Early Action have already begun rolling in, and we are excited to see even more students receive great news in the coming weeks. To date, our senior class has earned over $1 million in merit-based scholarships, a testament to their hard work, dedication, and bright futures ahead.

We’re proud of all their accomplishments so far and are looking forward to closing the semester strong

Contact the Counseling Team

• Ms. Katie Fortman: fortman@hsamckinley.org

• Ms. Amra Imamovic: imamovic@hsamckinley.org

This month’s alumni spotlight takes us from the “Heart of Dixie” to the Windy City, where we’re catching up with none other than William Zamudio, Valedictorian of the Class of 2023 at HSA McKinley Park!

After graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA in Finance and a minor in Mathematics from the University of Alabama, William has returned to Chicago to pursue his Master of Science in Finance at DePaul University, where he attends night classes to balance his professional responsibilities.

Professional Impact
William currently works as a payroll manager, where he applies his financial expertise and attention to detail to ensure accurate and efficient compensation operations. He also serves as an alumni coordinator, helping organize events that foster connection and pride among fellow graduates.

Academic Excellence
• Graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama
• Maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his undergraduate career
• Currently enrolled in DePaul’s evening MSF program, continuing his commitment to financial mastery

William’s love for business and personal finance extends far beyond the classroom—he’s constantly exploring new ideas and strategies to deepen his understanding. And after years away, he’s thrilled to be back home in Chicago, surrounded by the community that shaped him. That said, he does admit to missing those mild Alabama winters, where “too cold” meant anything below 50 degrees!

He’s especially excited to reconnect with fellow alumni and hopes to see many familiar faces at upcoming events—starting with the Thanksgiving Dinner on November 29th from 6–8 PM. He also plans to be a guest speaker at an upcoming alumni panel, so stay tuned for that inspiring conversation!

We are excited to announce that our juniors will be taking their first Enhanced ACT Mock Test on Wednesday, December 10. Students will complete the test in the morning and then continue with their regular classes for the rest of the day.

This upgraded practice exam reflects the latest updates to the ACT format, providing students with a more accurate and meaningful testing experience. It will help them assess their current performance, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence ahead of the official ACT this spring.

All juniors are encouraged to come prepared, arrive on time, and give their best effort. We look forward to supporting them through this important step in their college readiness journey!

• DECEMBER 6 – Robotics BBQ Party
• DECEMBER 8 – NO SCHOOL: Staff Professional Development Day
• DECEMBER 9 – NO SCHOOL: Parent-Teacher Conferences (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM) / Holiday Bazaar (2-6 PM)
• DECEMBER 10 – ACT Mock Testing for Juniors (Regular dismissal time for all students)
• DECEMBER 16 -18 – Midterms (Dismissal at 12:05 PM)
• DECEMBER 19 – Early Dismissal (11:45 AM) / Midterm Make-Up Day
• DECEMBER 20 – Board Meeting
• DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 5 – NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
• DECEMBER 31 – Re-enrollment Deadline
• JANUARY 6 – Classes Resume