‘Spartans On The Red Carpet’ Homecoming Parade Steps Off Wednesday

OAK LAWN, IL — It’s homecoming at Oak Lawn Community High School, with a parade, the big game and dance scheduled for this week. This year’s homecoming theme is “Spartans On The Red Carpet.”

The Spartans’ annual homecoming parade down Austin Avenue will step off at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, featuring teams, clubs, homecoming court, marching band and floats. Alive Church at 89th Street and Austin Avenue will serve as the staging area, and proceed south on Austin Avenue to the high school. Bring a bag to catch some candy.

This year’s honored grand marshals are Dist. 229 Supt. Mike Riordan and teacher Pat Mayer. Riordan has announced his retirement at the end of the current school year; Mayer will retire in December.

Riordan has spent 31 years at OLCHS as a teacher, coach, sponsor, dean, division chair, assistant principal and principal, all the way to superintendent. What Riordan enjoys most about OLCHS is working with great people to make a positive impact on students' lives every day. He will be greatly missed.

Mayer is an OLCHS success story. His first date with his future wife, Shelly, was at the OLCHS homecoming dance. A mustached photo exists of Mayer when he was crowned homecoming king in 1983. Mayer teaches driver’s education and special education PE. He says his fellow teachers are the best, “we laugh and enjoy each other's company.”

Immediately following the parade, an outdoor pep assembly and fireworks will take place at Napleton Stadium. The 2022 homecoming king and queen will be announced. Community members are invited to help the Spartans get revved up for the big game on Friday night and enjoy the fireworks.

The 1-3 Oak Lawn Spartans will face the 3-1 Argo High School Argonauts in the big game on Friday, Sept. 23. The varsity matchup starts at 6 p.m. There will be no JV game this year.

Then it’s on to the dance on the red carpet from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Dance attendance will be limited to OLCHS students only.