Hillcrest High School

Student of the Week! Elijah Rife found and returned a wallet, which he didn’t know but belonged to one of our staff members. His actions speak volumes about the person he is. Tawon King has started his junior year so strong maintaining perfect attendance, outstanding grades, and a positive attitude. He is a true example of what it means to be a Hawk. #hillcresthawkpride

🎨✨ Hillcrest Art students take on Chicago! ✨🎨 The purpose of this trip was to spark creativity and encourage movement—and it did just that. Exploring the city gave several AP Art & Design students fresh inspiration to build the foundation for their exam portfolios. It was a much-needed experience for our artists. Many students brought or borrowed cameras and captured amazing photos—special shoutout to Bre’ Lewis, Kenneth Smizer, and Ariana for their incredible shots! 📸 #hillcresthawkpride

It is RUNNING season. Best of luck to all our Cross Country Runners this fall! #hillcresthawkpride

Way to go Tawon! #hillcresthawkpride

Today, the Ecology and Adventure Club explored the breathtaking trails of Starved Rock State Park. From towering canyons to stunning waterfalls, every step was filled with adventure and discovery. 🌊🌲 We hiked, laughed, and connected with nature! #hillcresthawkpride

Student of the Week Spotlight! This week we’re celebrating TWO amazing students! 🙌 ✨ Rakee Shelton – A true role model and leader both in and out of the classroom. Rakee inspires others through integrity, dedication, and kindness. 💪📚 ✨ Paris Thomas – Always putting in the work with a positive attitude every single day. Paris reminds us that hard work and positivity go hand in hand! 🌟 #hillcresthawkpride

AP Geography students dressed in their new team shirts! #hillcresthawkpride

✨Friday Night Lights ✨ 📸- Jazmine Glover #Hillcresthawkpride

Yesterday, Seniors started painting their Senior Crowns. Historically, Crowns were worn to signify leadership and Seniors are just that - leaders of the school. They decorated their crowns to showcase their individual style and had fun in the process. Senior Class Sponsor, Ms. Kaczmarek stated, “I can’t wait to see how they turn out, and watch them showcase them on special days throughout their final year at Hillcrest.” #hillcresthawkpride

Yesterday our seniors welcomed the day—and their final year—at Senior Sunrise. From blankets to big smiles, the energy was unforgettable. Huge shout-out to our senior class sponsor, Ms. Kaczmarek, for bringing it to life!

🌿✨ Our Environmental Investigations students had an amazing time on their field trip to Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens! They explored beautiful walking paths, learned about local ecosystems, and experienced the vibrant gardens filled with native plants and pollinator-friendly flowers. 🌸🐝 From colorful blooms to peaceful water views, the gardens were the perfect backdrop for learning and connecting with nature. #hillcresthawkpride

Students of the Week 👏 Khyran Bullard always brightens our days with his kindness and positivity. He greets staff and peers each morning with a smile and a warm “good morning.” 📈 Damerion Love has shown incredible growth this year in both grades and attendance — we’re so proud of his hard work and dedication! #hillcresthawkpride

🚨 Rich Dust Invite 9/6 🚨 Huge shoutout to our team — every single one of the boys ran their fastest time of the season! 💨 Proud of the hard work paying off. Let’s keep it rolling! 💪 #hillcresthawkpride

In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy at Indian Boundary Prairies in Markham, IL, students from our Environmental Investigations classes had the opportunity to visit Paintbrush Prairie and discover the incredible treasure we have right here in our community.

While the original plan was to participate in a butterfly feeding event, the monarchs were not available. The Nature Conservancy quickly rescheduled activities, which resulted in some amazing new experiences for our students! They learned about the vital role prairies play in our environment, explored plant and animal species unique to this habitat, and gained insight into invasive species—along with the ongoing efforts by The Nature Conservancy and the Illinois Department of Transportation to control their spread.

Students also had the chance to walk through the prairie and collect samples for observation. Following their time at Paintbrush Prairie, they visited Oak Forest High School to observe the prairie restoration work in progress along 151st Street.

Having access to these sites as part of their studies allows students to engage in authentic, hands-on learning while deepening their understanding of local environments and habitats.

Mr. Harringtons Building and Trades students built concrete slabs for the new Hillcrest ticket booths! Amazing job! #hillcresthawkpride

With the guidance of Library Specialists Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Case, Mrs. Youngberg's FCCLA students created “Life After High School” podcasts! Students read an article, wrote their own scripts, and recorded podcasts in groups. Such an awesome way to combine creativity, collaboration, and real-world skills. #Hillcresthawkpride

Check out this awesome opportunity for those interested in welding!

📅 Mark your calendars: October 10, 2025
📍 Oak Forest High School Field House

District 228 + Jewel-Osco are hosting a FREE Community Vaccine Clinic!
💉 Vaccines: Flu, COVID-19, Meningitis, HPV, Hepatitis, Tdap, Shingles, Pneumonia & RSV.

Open to all students, families & community members. Register through Jewel-Osco today: https://www.jewelosco.com/vaccinations/group-clinic/OFHS2025

Students of the week! 👏 Preston Jean continues to shine as a role model both in and out of the classroom. 💙 Tyjanae Jones showed the power of kindness by befriending a student who was sitting alone. #hillcresthawkpride

Senior ✅ CNA certification ✅. Congratulations to Amya Woods on earning her CNA ( certified nursing assistant) certification. #hillcresthawkpride