EPCHS Alum In The Spotlight: Shannon Ogorzalek, Class Of 2011

Shannon Ogorzalek is among the Evergreen Park Community High School alums who have found success in the corporate world. The Class of 2011 graduate proudly remembers her time at EPCHS a decade later.

“I am really proud to be a graduate of EPCHS and am so happy to see all of the amazing things the community, teachers, students, etc. have done since I have graduated,” Ogorzalek, a retail project manager for the Ace Hardware Corporation in Lafayette, Indiana, said recently.

Ogorzalek went to nearby Saint Xavier University after graduating from EPCHS, majoring in Business Management and Business Marketing at the school’s Graham School of Management. At SXU, Ogorzalek participated in the Disney College Program as a Merchandise Cast Member in EPCOT’s Future World. It was part of a successful college stint that included a 4.4 grade point average and graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2015.

Now, Ogorzalek is a six-year veteran of Ace Hardware, facilitating the planning and execution of remodels at existing stores, converting stores from other hardware cooperatives like True Value and new store setups.

For five of her six years at Ace, Ogorzalek has been with the retail project management team and for three years has been a project manager in the Midwest.

“As a project manager, I facilitate the process from planning the store through execution of the set up with all stakeholders,” Ogorzalek said. “It is estimated that in 5 years, I have worked on more than 200 projects with 150+ individual owners and operators.”

“I really enjoy the work I do, impacting the lives and businesses of owners and operators, their store teams, and the communities the stores serve. Working for Ace is very humbling and rewarding. Support small businesses!”

Ace Hardware’s values, "W.E.L.I.G.H.T" (Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, Teamwork),” Ogorzalek said, were first instilled in her as a student at EPCHS.

“During my four years, I participated in activities and sports like the Freshman Mentor Program, Operation Snowball, The Principal's Advisory Board, Color Guard, and Bowling,” she said.

“Together, they all really helped to develop my leadership skills, time management skills, networking abilities, work ethic, and desire to give back to my community.”

Ogorzalek encourages current EPCHS students to get involved with as much as they can while still in school.

“The activities, sports, and programs EPCHS offers its students afford you the opportunity to develop valuable skills for your future,” she said. “Make the most of your time!”