Oak Forest High School Students Unite to Support Beloved Educator Kim Curlee

Oak Forest, IL — The Oak Forest High School community has come together in an extraordinary show of support for longtime educator Kim Curlee, raising more than $2,000 — potentially nearing $2,500 — through student-led initiatives across multiple programs.

Curlee, a dedicated educator at Oak Forest High School for 24 years, was recently diagnosed with cancer. Known for her unwavering positivity and impact on generations of students, Curlee has inspired an outpouring of support from across the school community.

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Three student groups — Choir, Key Club, and DECA — have each led efforts to support Curlee and her family, demonstrating the power of student leadership and compassion.

Choir Program Leads Fundraising Through Concert Events
After learning of Curlee’s diagnosis, the Oak Forest High School Choir program quickly mobilized. Recognizing Curlee as a longtime supporter of the arts and a positive presence in students’ lives, choir students organized bake sales at multiple concerts throughout the year.

The initiative began at the Fall Choir Concert and continued through the Holiday Concert and Quasi-Spring Choir Concert in March, each time raising funds to support Curlee.

The Choir program is now planning a culminating event — a benefit concert titled “Good Vibrations”—to further support cancer awareness and Curlee’s journey. The concert will take place Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. in the Oak Forest High School main gym.

Key Club Hosts Annual “Bengal in Need” Competition
Oak Forest High School’s Key Club continued its annual tradition of supporting a community member in need through a student-run fundraising competition. This year, students overwhelmingly selected Curlee as the recipient.

Classes competed to raise the most funds, with the winning classes earning a donut party. More importantly, the event fostered unity across the school while generating meaningful support. Mrs. Genardos’ and Mr. Dalugas’ classes led fundraising efforts.

Curlee’s deep roots in the Oak Forest community—including her three children who attended OFHS—made her selection especially meaningful to students.

DECA Launches T-Shirt Fundraiser
The school’s DECA chapter also stepped up, launching a T-shirt fundraiser in Curlee’s honor.

Students described Curlee as more than a substitute teacher—highlighting her role as a mentor, supporter, and constant source of encouragement.

“Every shirt represents not just support, but appreciation, love, and unity,” DECA students shared in promoting the fundraiser.

Community members can support the effort by purchasing a shirt at: https://omella.com/5g91j

A Community United
Across all efforts, Oak Forest High School students have demonstrated empathy, leadership, and a commitment to supporting one of their own.

In addition to fundraising success, the school community recently received positive news that Curlee’s surgery was successful.

Through concerts, competitions, and campaigns, Oak Forest High School continues to rally around Kim Curlee — showing that the strength of a school community extends far beyond the classroom.

About Bremen High School District 228

Bremen High School District 228 is located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and serves the communities of Midlothian, Posen, Tinley Park, Markham, Hazel Crest, Country Club Hills and Oak Forest. District 228 serves over 5,000 students and employs 800 full and part-time staff members. Bremen High School, in Midlothian, opened its doors to students in September of 1953. Since then, District 228 opened three additional schools. Tinley Park High School opened in 1961; Hillcrest High School, in Country Club Hills, opened in 1967; and Oak Forest High School opened in 1970. For more information, please visit https://www.bhsd228.com/