Hillcrest High School

Congratulations to the Hillcrest Girls Flag Football Team on winning the Conference Championship! You worked hard, played hard, and truly earned this victory. We are so proud of you! #hillcresthawkpride

Student of the Week! 🙌 Zakhea Shirley goes out of her way to make sure her peers feel welcome and included. 💕 💪 Tamara Franklin shows up with a fantastic positive attitude every day and always gives her very best! ✨ #hillcresthawkpride

Today some of our Top Juniors earned the "Just Do It" Award for meeting all Criteria for College and Career Readiness, Excelling GPA, or perfect attendance. We are so proud of your hard work and determination. Keep up the good work! #hillcresthawkpride

Keep up the GREAT WORK! Attend today, achieve tomorrow! #hillcresthawkpride

🚗🔧 Autos is back in full swing at Hillcrest! Today, our students got hands-on with brake systems—taking them apart, learning the details, and absolutely crushing it. 💪🔥 Proud of their focus and teamwork! #hillcresthawkpride

Ms. Kaczmarek's Chicago History and Intro to Criminal Justice classes were able to attend a field trip at the Joliet Prison. They learned not only about the horrendous conditions that inmates once faced there, but also about how reformers such as Dorthea Dix and Ida B. Wells helped prisoners who were once detained there. Students had fun going in and out of the different buildings while learning about all the history that each building had. For example, in one of the buildings prisoners on death row were held before they met their fate at the gallows or electric chair and in other buildings such as the industry buildings convicts were forced to do manual labor, which was not regulated by labor laws. Other fun facts that students learned were that the show Prison Break and the movie Blues Brothers was filmed there. The day was full of adventure and learning and the staff from the Joliet Historical Society provided great stories about the prison to bring it to life. #hillcresthawkpride

Boys Golf competed in the SSC Conference Tournament today at Big Run Golf Course! #hillcresthawkpride

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