H-F High School Alumni Newsletter
Summer 2023
Farewell from the Alumni Director
As I retire from Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School this month, I wanted to thank you for all of the great moments from my 12+ years at H-F. Most notably, I want to thank you for your immense loyalty and pride that you have in this school. It’s remarkable that so many of you look back on your high school years with such fondness, since it can be a tumultuous time. Hundreds of you have told me tales and shared secrets of your high school years. Stories about how your parents moved to the district specifically for you to attend H-F. Stories about how well prepared you were as you headed off to college and careers. Stories about how you’d do it differently if you came back. How generous so many of you are with your time and resources to give back to the H-F students of today. My hope is that you continue to come back, visit and continue to share those stories. Also, please continue to help current students and your fellow grads with mentoring and providing opportunities; it means so much.
The Alumni Office will continue on with its new director, Victoria Koblick (vkoblick@hf233.org or 708-335-5530). Vicky has previously served H-F as a Public Relations Assistant and, currently, as the Human Resources Specialist. She has tons of energy and a passion for the red & white. She is looking forward to working with and getting to know all of you. I’m leaving the office in great hands. Farewell, Vikings!
Meet up with your classmates this summer at a special H-F reunion! For more information on any of these events, please email Vicky Koblick at vkoblick@hf233.org.
- Class of 1965: Sept. 8 & 9 (Coordinator: Richard Dennis)
- Sept. 8 — H-F Football Game at 7 p.m.
- Sept. 9 — H-F Tour at 10 a.m.; Dinner party at Flossmoor Country Club at 6 p.m.
- Class of 1973: Sept. 29 & 30 (Coordinators: Amy Inlander, Marty Gorbien, Shelly Farber Marks, Lynn Silberman Gaby, Jayne Valente Mathews & Dee Lissak Binnie)
- Sept. 29 — Meet & Greet at 5th Quarter
- Sept. 30 — H-F Tour at 11 a.m.; Dinner party at Idlewild Country Club at 6 p.m.
- Classes of 1980 & 1981: Aug. 4 & 5 (Coordinators: Julie Gustafson Smith, Micah Andretich, Terry Scheel Hamer, Maureen Gaffney & Peter Corydon)
- Aug. 4 — H-F Tour at 6 p.m.; Cocktail reception at Ravisloe Golf Club at 8 p.m.
- Aug. 5 — Dinner party at Idlewild Country Club at 6 p.m.
- Classes 1981-86 Theatre & Speech Alumni Reunion: Oct. 7 (Contact Vicky Koblick for more info: vkoblick@hf233.org)
- Oct. 7 — H-F Tour at 4 p.m.; after party TBA
- Class of 1983 — Oct. 13 & 14 (Coordinator: Craig Bowen)
- Oct. 13 — H-F Tour, H-F Football Game & party at Wiley's Grill
- Oct. 14 — Dinner party at Aurelio's & after party at 5th Quarter
- Class of 1988 — July 29 & Sept. 29 (Coordinator: Stephanie Shults Oliver)
- July 29 — Picnic at Izaak Walton Preserve
- Sept. 29 — H-F Football Game at 7 p.m.; after party at Lassen's Tap
- Class of 1993: July 28 & 29 (Coordinators: Ashley Duchossois Joyce & Carmelina Piedra)
- July 28 — Pre-party at Lassen's Tap at 7 p.m.
- July 29 — H-F Tour at 11 a.m.; Dinner party at Olympia Fields Country Club at 7 p.m.
- Class of 2003: Sept. 23 & 24 (Coordinator: Shari O'Bryant)
- Sept. 23 — 2nd Chance Prom at The Sinclair, 7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 24 — Family Picnic at Glenwood's Sweet Woods, 1 p.m.
- Class of 2013: Sept. 8-10 (Coordinator: Michael Lynch)
- Sept. 8 — Class photo, 4 p.m.; H-F Tour, 5 p.m.; H-F Football Game at 7 p.m.
- Sept. 9 — Community Service Project, 11 a.m.; Dinner party, 8 p.m.
- Sept. 10 — Field Day & Tribute to Vikings, 1 p.m.
John Michael Schmitz
Congratulations to John Michael Schmitz, ‘17, who was chosen by the New York Giants in the 2nd round of the recent NFL draft. John — out of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities — was the first center chosen in the draft and is expected to compete for the starting role. He becomes one of the latest Vikings to be drafted in the NFL, walking in the footsteps of players such as Wes Hamilton, ‘76 (Minnesota Vikings); Nolan Harrison, ‘87 (Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders); Michael Buchanan, ‘09 (New England Patriots); and Zach Fulton, ‘10 (Kansas City Chiefs). Click here to read about John Michael's interesting connection to fellow H-F alum, David O'Hara, '69...
Congratulations are also in order for Anne Walton Skoronski, ‘82, whose son, Peter from Maine South High School, was taken 11th overall in the draft by the Tennessee Titans.
Tom Dobrez — Author
Christopher McBride, '02
H-F Music students were treated to a workshop from 2023 Grammy winner Christopher McBride, ‘02, on April 14. Fresh off a 2023 Grammy win for work on Steve Feifke and Bijon Watson's Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra album, Christopher returned to the halls where he won Battle of the Bands with his group, Musical Vibrations, in his senior year and was voted Most Likely Go Multiplatinum in the Odin yearbook. He explored the new music wing and performed for and with H-F Jazz Band students. It was a remarkable opportunity for these young aspiring musicians! H-F Vikings are invited to hear him play in a rare Chicago concert on Friday, July 7, at a 21+ show at The Promontory. Also, check out his appearance on campus in the Walking the Path with Wakeley episode below:
Dwelvan David, '97
Dwelvan David, '97, was seen around Flossmoor and in Chicago this May, as he was a performer in the Broadway in Chicago's production of Disney's Aladdin! He performed as Jafar in some shows and the Genie in others at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, even giving H-F a shoutout during his performance.
Marc Fishman, '00
2023 National Honor Society Induction ceremony speaker Marc Fishman, ‘00, delighted audience members with his keynote speech to incoming NHS inductees. Marc outlined how his creative side as publisher and creator of a graphic novels alights with his career as a marketing director. Rewatch his speech in the YouTube video below:
Steve Sarowitz, '83
Social Science Teacher Scott Aronson brought his AP Human Geography class for a visit to the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette this past February for a tour with Steve Sarowitz, ‘83. Steve, a follower of the Baha’i faith, was our knowledgeable tour guide as he informed students and guests on the founding of the faith, as well as the construction of the architecturally stunning Baha’i Temple.
Amaris Hamer, '07
Jaylah Jones, '17
In April, Jaylah Jones, '17, observed her former teacher's (Christina Clark) culinary classes. She followed her passion for food at Kendall College and is currently working at Creative Cakes in Tinley Park. Also stopping by in April was Aramis Hamer, '07, who visited with art students and former teachers — including Jackie Wargo — who helped inspire her creative career in Seattle. Check out her dynamic work at here...
Matthew Turnquest, '19
Matthew Turnquest, ‘19, visited campus recently with his friend, Alexis Valentin, to visit with his former Art teachers: Jackie Wargo, Becky Healy & Greg Patecki. Matthew recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in Design Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Emmy Award on Campus
H-F sends a huge thank you to Scott Adametz, '03, who generously agreed to lend H-F one of the two Emmy Award he’s won for Outstanding Esports Technology with his work at Riot Games. The statue, which is remarkably heavy, was brought to school by his parents, Helen & Bob, this spring. The Emmy will be on display during school hours in the main entrance of the South Building through June 2024. Click the Vimeo box below to watch highlights of the presentation:
H-F Partners with Alum Parent to Help Students
This spring H-F announced its partnership with the Live Free 999 Foundation that is aimed at ridding the stigma — and normalizing the conversation — around mental illness and substance-use disorders. The partnership is committed to preventative measures and positive avenues to address mental health challenges and substance dependency. Live Free 999 was founded by Carmela Wallace to honor the memory of her son, Jarad Higgins (Juice WRLD), '17. As a mother working through the pain of losing her child, she felt it is her duty to reach out and help others. To learn more about Live Free 999, click here. For more information on the related H-F Resiliency Project, click here.
New H-F State Champions!
The H-F Boys' Track & Field team finished the school year in a big way by capturing the 2023 IHSA State Class 3A Boys' Track & Field Championship at Eastern Illinois U. on June 3. This is the first in school history and the first state championship for a boys' team at H-F in more than 25 years! All-State performances were:
- Olusoga Adeyiga — 2nd Place 100m & 3rd Place 200m
- Robert Scott — 5th Place 200m
- Nelson Speaks — 5th Place 400m
- Myles Ellis — 5th Place 300 hurdles
- John Gore — 9th Place 100m
- 4x400 relay Team (AJ Mitchell, Myles Ellis, Kyle Murry & Nelson Speaks) — 3rd Place
- 4x100 relay Team (Soga Adeyiga, Robert Scott, John Gore & Jeremiah Turner) — State Champions!
- 4x200 relay Team (Jeremiah Turner, AJ Mitchell, John Gore & Robert Scott) — State Champions!
Red & White Choir Concert
The annual Choir Red & White Cabaret was held in late May with a victory for White Choir, led by Kaleel Morris & Jazmin Rhodes. Judges included recently retired choir teacher, Mike Rugen. Click here to watch a VTV recording of the concert!
Honors Convocation includes Alum Scholarships
The annual Honors Convocation was held May 24 at H-F, and the event included many scholarships given by or in memory of alumni. These included:
- Class of 1972 Scholarships: Isley Mitchell (The Ohio State U.), Imoni Taylor (Florida A&M U.) & Melissa Fateen (U. of Illinois - Chicago)
- Class of 1976 Scholarship: Kalel Fargo (Bradley U.)
- Class of 2001 Scholarships: Kaleb Brady (U. of Illinois - Chicago) & Makayla Taylor (Florida State U.)
- David Boettcher Memorial Scholarship: Sam Bouyer (Temple U.) & Avery Calhoon (St. Olaf College)
- Dr. Bob Donaldson Memorial Scholarship: Saniyah Thomas (Hampton College)
- Lowry Family Scholarship: Alexander Rojas (U. of Illinois - Urbana)
- Suzanne E. "Nebs" Nebendahl Golf Scholarship: Emma Humes (Marquette U.)
- Elyse Bell Scholarship: Georgia Mott (U. of Louisville)
- Tim Bradford Memorial Scholarship: Vashti Lasticly (U. of Illinois - Urbana)
- Barry Schreiber, '67, Scholarship: Reannah Riley (Loyola U.)
- Bruce Keene Boys' Track & Field Scholarship: Robert Scott (Duke)
- Scott Sims Boys' Water Polo Scholarship: Sullivan Matthys (U. of Minnesota - Twin Cities)
Cal Mall Award Winner
Jan Nolting Award Winner
Annual Athletic Awards
On June 1, the H-F Athletics Department hosted the Spring Athletic Awards Night, where student-athletes were recognized for their hard work, dedication and efforts this spring, as Sportsmanship, Most Improved and Most Valuable Athlete awards were announced. The night also included the presentation of H-F's annual top student-athlete awards. Congratulations to:
- Cal Mal Award: John Gore (Football & Track — heading to Northern Illinois U.)
- Jan Nolting Award: Caroline Schoen (Cross Country & Track — heading to Columbia U.)
- 110% Awards: Dillon Head (Baseball — heading to Clemson U.) & Alyssa Latham (Basketball — heading to Syracuse U.)
- Karen Roseberry Memorial School Spirit Awards: David Anderson (Baseball - heading to Augustana College) & Caroline Elfner (Volleyball — heading to Baruch College)
We’re sad to report that retired Special Education Instructional Assistant and Athletics worker Laraine Ruberry (at H-F from 2007-2018) passed away this June. Laraine was known for her care, compassion, energy, enthusiasm and for being the best Viking fan.
Sadly, one of H-F's longest-serving teachers and department chairs passed away in February: Ronald Seegers (at H-F from 1966-1994). He taught Social Science classes here then became the head of the Social Science Department and the school's gifted student program. After retiring, he had moved to Sun City West, Ariz., where he resided with his wife, Diane.
Viking Speaker Series
Juneteenth Festival: June 17
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Festival returns to campus on Saturday, June 17, led by organizer and You Matter 2 director Destiny Watson, '16. Get more details at HFJuneteenthFestival.com!
Chicago White Sox H-F Day: July 30
Join neighbors, friends, family and classmates at the Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians game on Sunday, July 30, at 1:10 p.m.! Tickets ($22-$42) are available via this link.
Hidden Gem Half-Marathon: Sept. 9
Runners, lace up your shoes for the 2023 Hidden Gem Half-Marathon on Saturday, Sept. 9! The race is on its fourth year of bringing hundreds of runners — including many H-F alums — through Flossmoor. Last year, the event was named the 2022 Best Race by the Chicago Area Runners Association. For more information or to register, click here.
Wards’ international romance blossomed through postcards - HF Chronicle
Parks Executive Director Debbie Kopas sets retirement date - HF Chronicle
Homewood Sisters Honor Tradition, Hot Chocolate Stand In 19th Year | Homewood, IL Patch
Winfrey sisters smash their own record in Toys for Tots fundraiser - HF Chronicle
Changing lives: Meet 2022 PNW graduate Jalyn A. Smith - Purdue University Northwest
Former Cincinnati WR Will Pauling announced his commitment to Wisconsin on Tuesday
H-F Native, Star Athlete Back In Spotlight As Park District Rec Head | Homewood, IL Patch
The White Sox will bring back Jason Benetti & Steve Stone to the broadcast booth
Sportscaster recognizes community’s support for Vikings baseball - HF Chronicle
Local saxophonist wins Grammy for jazz album - CBS Chicago
H-F teacher scholarship winner joins the H-F faculty - HF Chronicle
H-F board member Debbie Berman says farewell after 9 years - HF Chronicle
Big Brothers Tattoo, Homewood’s first tattoo parlor, is open - HF Chronicle
Bergstein’s Deli is moving from Chicago Heights to Homewood - HF Chronicle
Giants’ new center John Michael Schmitz ‘makes people around him better’ - Big Blue View
H-F grad Schmitz drafted by NFL's New York Giants - HF Chronicle
‘A perfect fit’: Why Giants’ selection of John Michael Schmitz was ‘meant to be’ - The Athletic
The crazy connections between John Michael Schmitz & Shaun O'Hara
Trinity Alum Joins Arizona State Government, Leads Policy Operations | The Posse Foundation
Joy Woods To Star as Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS; Watch Her Perform 'Suddenly, Seymour'