Girls Wrestling Proposed For LTHS

LA GRANGE, IL – The Lyons Township High School board is being asked to approve requests from five groups.

Earlier this month, the school's stipend committee made recommendations about which club proposals to accept. On Monday, the board is set to hear the proposals.

A school memo does not indicate whether the committee rejected any applications. It is known, though, that the conservative group Turning Point USA has fought for two years for the school's official recognition.

The local chapter's former leader, Leslie Mendoza, a 2022 graduate, spoke to the board last month, urging it to approve the group.

The school says Turning Point is a partisan group and thus not allowed for official status. But Mendoza and others counter the IRS designates Turning Point as a nonprofit, meaning it cannot be partisan.

Here are the clubs' requests that the committee recommended:

• Girls Wrestling: The group represents what the school says is the fastest growing sport in the United States. The school said it has 17 girls interested in taking part. The stipend would amount to $7,747.
• Older Adult Connections: The group organizes events with local senior citizens. It was already on pilot status. Its stipend is set to be $1,420.
• Pinball Club: The group, which has expanded its membership, wants a bigger stipend. The committee agreed, meaning the club would get $1,420.
• Yoga and Wellness Club: The group now has 48 active members, according to the school. More members are expected, so the club is asking for a second sponsor at a cost of $1,420.
• Competitive Cheer: The organization wants to add a junior varsity level. The total cost of the additional stipends is $15,064, divided between two assistant coaches.