![A preview for a portion of the newsletter about Graduation 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749332047/fenton100org/mpb6n3sebbt3wv9noruo/Preview-of-Graduation-2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749332047/fenton100org/mpb6n3sebbt3wv9noruo/Preview-of-Graduation-2025.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749332047/fenton100org/mpb6n3sebbt3wv9noruo/Preview-of-Graduation-2025.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749332047/fenton100org/mpb6n3sebbt3wv9noruo/Preview-of-Graduation-2025.jpg","width":900}])
Summer 2025 Newsletter
Para leer este artículo en español, haga clic en la bandera en la esquina inferior derecha y cambie el idioma.
Update from Interim Superintendent Bentsen
Dear Fenton School Community,
All of us at Fenton congratulate the Amazing Class of 2025! We had a truly inspiring Commencement Ceremony on May 22 after several weeks of festivities, awards, and Prom.
The Class of 2025 is a special class to me because their freshman year was my first year as principal of Fenton. I will always cherish that first year together. Let’s review some evidence of how special this class is.
We have 24 seniors who are recognized as Illinois State Scholars. Additionally, 50 of seniors are members of the National Honor Society and 65 seniors earned the Seal of Biliteracy.
More than $2.68 million in scholarships and grants have been awarded to Fenton graduates who are choosing to continue their education at a college, university, or trade school. Of that total, $29,000 was donated directly to us by local businesses and organizations.
Over their four years at Fenton, our Class of 2025 clocked 13,711 hours of Community Service – with several completing far more than the graduation requirement. To further break it down, that is 571 days or just over 1.5 years of community service when added together
Thank you for all your hard work, perseverance, and the longstanding impact you’ve contributed to our community. Feel free to click the button below and submit your email address to keep receiving news about Fenton.
Alumni Wall of Fame
While the Class of 2025 begins their next journey as alumni, we are excited to announce that we’re resurrecting the Alumni Wall of Fame and the tradition of recognizing those who excel in their profession and/or go above and beyond to support Fenton High School. More information and the nomination process will be distributed this summer, but feel free to email communications@fenton100.org if you have any questions or have alumni you would like to suggest. Click here to learn about past recipients.
2025 - 2026 School Calendar
Fenton’s approved school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year can be found on the calendar page of our website. As previously communicated, Fenton will start school later as a precaution relating to our STEM Wing construction project.
All construction is still on schedule to be completed by the first week of August. We don’t anticipate any major changes, rather the extra time would be applied to our move-in plans with the many small equipment installations and our teachers setting up their learning environments. We want classes to operate normally as soon as students arrive.
The first day of school is August 25.
We appreciate the opportunity to share great news and celebrate our students as a community. This will be our last weekly newsletter until school starts in August. Enjoy your summer, and thank you for an outstanding school year!
Sam Bentsen, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
Board of Education Recognizes FCCLA State Qualifiers
Students in our FCCLA Club were recognized at Fenton's May 28th Board of Education meeting for having earned medals at the State Finals competition in Springfield.
Family Careers & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national organization where students have the opportunity to explore career opportunities and build real world skills by developing projects, engaging and participating in events, and competing regionally and nationally for scholarships and awards. The work of FCCLA helps students and teachers focus on a variety of youth concerns and career pathways such as education, hospitality, human services, and design.
Six Fenton students competed and medaled in two events at the April 10 FCCLA statewide competition.
Kamila Rivera and Katie Niehoff earned silver medals and sophomore Karen Hernandez earned a bronze medal for Children's Literature.
Isabella Reyes, Madison Boik, and Alexa Torres Pineda collectively earned a silver medal for their score in the Entrepreneurship Food Truck event.
Congratulations!
Board of Education Recognizes Nicholas Ohanian for Chicago Bears Community All Star Award
Nicholas Ohanian was recognized at Fenton's May 28th Board of Education meeting for being selected by the Chicago Bears as their second recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award back in March.
This Bears program, which is co-sponsored by Athletico Physical Therapy, highlights nine high school football players throughout Illinois who are making a positive impact in their community and school.
A representative from the Chicago Bears surprised Nicholas in March with a Chicago Bears backpack that is not available in stores and an official NFL football hand-painted with his names on it, the words “for demonstrating excellence in service to the community” and the All-Star program logo. He also received $500 to donate to a charity of his choosing.
Nicholas was selected for his leadership on the Bison football team, which finished 6-3 and in the playoffs for the first time since 2013, as well as his exemplary academic record of a 3.8 GPA and membership in the National Honor Society.
Above all, the selection committee liked Nicholas’s 63 hours of community service, including many hours as a freshmen Bison Time mentor helping our newest students build strong study habits. Nicholas also was very active in our Link Crew, assisting in high-profile events like Freshman Orientation and Future Freshman Night. The Bears said Nicholas leads in a way that often goes unnoticed, like volunteering to clean concession stands after he’d spent all night competing on the field.
Due to his selfless efforts, his dedication and sportsmanship was recognized earlier this year when he was awarded the Brandon Burlsworth Character Award, given to student-athletes who lead with integrity and give their all to their sport. His coaches also selected him for the Bob Ciancio Leadership & Dedication Award, an honor that speaks to his commitment, perseverance and the example he sets for his teammates. All of this caught the attention of the Chicago Bears.
Here's what Nicholas had to say:
"Thank you to the Chicago Bears and Athletico Physical Therapy for selecting me to be a 2025 Community High School All Star.
No one at Fenton volunteers with the hope of receiving any sort of recognition or gain. Wearing the blue and orange is a privilege the residents of Bensenville and Wood Dale provide me. It’s my duty to return the kindness and provide for others in the community who are chasing their dreams or are in need of support.
I want to thank my coaches and teachers for the mentorship that led to this humbling recognition, but I’m not the only one who learned these lessons. The Fenton football program, and our entire student body itself, is full of selfless students who are just as deserving of this award. When we put our helmets on it takes all 11 of us to succeed. When the helmets come off, we’re still living as a team.
If I had to guess, it’s probably the inherent qualities I got from my parents that caught the attention of the Chicago Bears. Compassion for others, humility, lead by example, don't hesitate to help – these are all things my parents taught me. This award honors them just as much as it honors me."
Celebrating 100 Years of Fenton Holiday Concerts
Fenton will host its 100th Annual Holiday Band and Choir Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 14th at 2 p.m. In addition to inviting the public to join in this historic occasion, the band and choir programs are inviting music alumni to join the performance for a cross generational song. Please mark your calendars for an afternoon of holiday joy, and alumni interested in participating can click the button below to sign up or share photos.
Fenton Marches in Memorial Day Parade
The Bison Marching Band, teachers, administrators, and school board members participated in the Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade, remembering and honoring those who have given their lives in service to our nation.
We salute VFW Tioga Post 2149 for an exceptional job at leading the parade. Thank you for your service.
Athletic Department Announces Top Athlete Awards
At year's end, the athletic department recognizes the accomplishments of our student athletes with cumulative awards. Coaches from each program nominate an individual who encompasses top sportsmanship and their top athlete, and then they write a little blurb about them. All head coaches later review the nominees and cast a blind vote for their choice based on accomplishments.
The following are winners for the 2024 - 2025 school year:
TOP FEMALE ATHLETE (individual sport) - Josslyn Wade
TOP FEMALE ATHLETE (team sport) - Elizabeth Delgado
TOP MALE ATHLETE (individual sport) - Thomas Klos
TOP MALE ATHLETE (team sport) - Nathan Stewart
TOP FEMALE SPORTSMANSHIP (individual sport) - Samantha Martens
TOP FEMALE SPORTSMANSHIP (team sport) - Samantha Martens
TOP MALE SPORTSMANSHIP (individual sport) - Jose Honorato
TOP MALE SPORTSMANSHIP (team sport) - Nicholas Ohanian
Northwestern Medicine Seeks Students Interest in Healthcare Professions
Northwestern Medicine's Discovery Program is seeking applicants to join their 2025 - 2026 program, with applications being accepted from August 4th to September 29th. Fenton students have participated in prior years.
The Discovery Program is tailored for students aspiring to pursue a career in healthcare, particularly those who may have limited access to explore such opportunities. This program is designed to expose participants to a variety of healthcare professions.
Once a month, on a Saturday, students will visit different medical settings throughout Illinois and participate in hands-on experiences that focus on fields such as oncology, proton therapy, wellness, rehabilitation, nursing, and others.
To learn more about eligibility and apply, click here or visit nm.org/discoveryprogram
Rising Seniors Learn About College Admissions
Kudos to the groups of juniors/rising seniors (Class of 2026) who came back to school May 27, 28, 29 to participate in College Jump Start, which was a free one-day summer program that helps students kickstart their college applications.
Fenton counselors guided students through the application process and helped them craft compelling essays that tell their unique story.
Students Visit and Garden Around Mr. Fenton’s Grave
Right before Final Exams, a group of students joined Fenton teacher (and local historian) Mr. Jon Aguilar in visiting the cemetery Mr. Frederick C. Fenton is buried in. The team of Bison pulled weeds and added new plants all throughout the cemetery before visiting the final resting place of Former Superintendent Frederick C. Fenton, for whom our school is named after. Participating in a tradition that dates back to Mr. Fenton himself, the students dropped pennies and made wishes for the success of this year’s graduating class – the Class of 2025. Before leaving, students left a fresh bouquet of flowers in honor of Mr. Fenton.
Caution on Campus
District 100 will be applying fertilizer, herbicide and vegetation control throughout Fenton High School grounds starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The best weed prevention is a healthy lawn and the majority of the applications will be feed for the grass. A limited amount of weed control will also be used in very low concentrations, including along sidewalks and parking lots. All EPA guidelines will be followed. The chemical dries in less than an hour. For further information, please contact Building & Grounds at 630-860-6274.
Noteworthy Dates
- July 15 – Student Council Blood Drive, 10 am to 3 pm
-
July 23 – Board of Education Meeting, 7 pm
-
July 29 – Senior Portraits, 10 am to 3 pm
-
July 30 – Senior Portraits, 9 am to 3 pm
-
July 31 – Senior Portraits, 9 am to 3 pm
-
August 18 – Sneak Peek Night, 5 pm
-
August 25 – First Day of School
-
August 27 – Board of Education Meeting, 7 pm