Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of teaching in six districts across four states, but District 117 has been by far the most rewarding experience. It’s provided me with opportunities to grow, to learn from mistakes, and to build lifelong friendships. I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues — past and present — who have helped create a top-tier high school experience for my own children and the approximately 1,200 students we serve each year.
I have had the privilege over the past 20 years of being impacted by our amazing LCHS students, who transform from wide-eyed freshmen to confident, successful seniors. It’s this kind of growth and community that makes LCHS so special with devotion to our incredible school culture that we continue to build each year.
With a prominent focus on expansion, we are proud to offer even more ways for our students to connect. Our thriving student affinity groups — Filipino American Student Association, South Asian Student Association, and Black Student Union — reflect the diverse interests of our students. We also celebrated the addition of Girls Flag Football to our athletics program, which had an outstanding debut, even becoming Regional Champs!
I am proud to announce the LCHS launch of Acceptance Week, starting March 10, 2025, culminating in “The Big Game” — a spirited basketball assembly between the Eagle Pals and Sequoit Sidekicks. This event will celebrate our school’s commitment to unity and belonging.
It is impressive to share that ALL of our fall IHSA sports teams earned the IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award, recognizing teams with a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA. Our lowest GPA was a 3.2 and Girls Golf held the highest GPA with a 3.76. LCHS is committed to providing opportunities for our students to grow in every aspect of their lives — academically, athletically, socially, and emotionally.
Thank you for being part of District 117 and Lakes Community High School. We couldn’t do it without you!
With Gratitude and Eagle Pride!
Jori Bowen
Principal
Lakes Community High School
