OLCHS Class Of 1976 Plans 50th Year Reunion During Homecoming Week

OAK LAWN, IL—The Oak Lawn Community High School bicentennial class of 1976–who fought and won the right to wear the Spartan green graduation gowns instead of the red, white, blue ones the teachers were pitching—is planning its 50th-year class reunion, Saturday, Oct. 10. The class of 1976’s big 5-0 coincides with the OLCHS homecoming weekend at Hilton Oak Lawn, 9333 S. Cicero Ave.

Reunion events include an optional tour of the high school starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, before the Oak Lawn v. Eisenhower varsity football game.

Check-in for the reunion dinner begins at 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. at the Hilton Oak Lawn and features a buffet dinner or vegan plate. A member of the OLCHS class of 1975 will be the guest DJ.

The reunion dinner is $65. RSVP before Sept. 26 at OLCHS (1976) 50-Reunion RSVP/Registration. Payment is available via Zelle, using olchs76@gmail.com (include your name in the memo); or by check payable to OLCHS ‘76/Karen Johnson, PO Box 133, Lockport, IL, 60441,

Don't forget to let your classmates know what you've been up to for the past half century in the OLCHS 1976 program book, accessible on the registration form.

On Sunday morning, Oct. 11, there is one more chance for old classmates to get together for brunch in the hotel’s South Side Social, priced from $25 to $30, before taxes and tips. Guests are responsible for their meals.

A block of rooms has also been put aside for reunion attendees at the Hilton Oak Lawn. To book using the Hilton Room block ($199/night for King; $209 for two double beds), go to Hilton reservations (code 90V should automatically load) or call 1 (800) 774-1500. Please note that the reunion is the same weekend as the Chicago Marathon, so you may want to reserve a room now. Availability cannot be guaranteed the closer it gets to Oct. 10.

In 1976, the number one song was “Silly Love Songs” by Paul McCartney and Wings, gas was 63 cents a gallon, Jimmy Carter was elected president, the #1 TV show was “Happy Days,” and America was celebrating its 200th birthday.

The OLCHS class of 1976’s major act of rebellion was refusing to don red-white-and-blue graduation gowns and tassels for the bicentennial but donning Spartan green gowns instead.

“The teachers thought it would be a good idea, but we fought it and won,” said Karen Johnson ‘76. “It was our only graduation, and we wanted to have our own traditions.”

To keep up with reunion happenings, follow OLCHS Class of '76 (New Group in 2026) on Facebook. For more information, email Karen Johnson at karenmjohnson99@gmail.com or at olchs76@gmail.com.