OLHMS 6th Grade Students Graduate from Oak Lawn PD's EDGE Program

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123's OLHMS sixth-grade students celebrated graduation from the Oak Lawn Police Department's EDGE program on April 3. The EDGE (Education for Gang Evasion) initiative, established in 1995, equips children with crucial skills to resist gang involvement and activity.

Information provided on the Village of Oak Lawn website, indicates that during the EDGE instruction, students are given factual information about the dangers of gang affiliation, tips on personal safety, and ways to avoid being targets of gang-related violence. They also learned problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills. The program also emphasized accountability for individual actions and taught meditation techniques as an alternative to physical confrontation. Students were encouraged to discover their voice within their community, fostering a sense of ownership to maintain safe neighborhoods and bright futures.

Throughout the program, participants acquired valuable life skills to help them resist gang involvement pressures and contribute positively to their communities.

During the graduation ceremony, students had the opportunity to meet K9 Officer Thor, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix trained in apprehension and drug detection. Officer Carroll and Thor wowed the audience, demonstrating the K9's abilities in their final EDGE class.

Select OLHMS scholars were invited to recite original poems about their program experiences and commitment to living without drugs and gangs. Those recognized included Evelyn S., Evelynn R., Nivea B., Nathan G., and Jacob O.

Oak Lawn Police Department officers were thanked for their dedication and lessons throughout the EDGE program.

"We are immensely grateful for the support and guidance from the OLPD in helping our students make informed decisions and live safer lives," said OLHMS Principal Sean McNichols.