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A football player poses with a flag from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he will continue his football career
Week of April 13 to April 17 2026

 

 
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Update from Superintendent Bentsen

 
Dear Fenton School Community,
 
Thank you to our freshmen, sophomores, and juniors for giving your best effort during ACT and PreACT testing on Tuesday and Wednesday. 
 
I’m proud to share that 97% of our juniors were in attendance to take this important exam that can have positive effects on their future plans.
 
Similarly, 92% of freshmen and 88% of sophomores sat for their regularly scheduled PreACT testing. These exams prepare students for what they’ll see when they become juniors. 
 
Thank you to Assistant Principal Julia Bray and her incredible team, as well as all of our teachers who diligently administered the exams, and our technology department for the computer support.

 

NHS Induction Ceremony

Congratulations to all of the students who were initiated into Fenton’s National Honor Society during the April 7 NHS ceremony. For all the seniors we honored in the second half of the ceremony, thank you for four years of hard work and dedicated service to our school and community. 
 
 
A student lights the candle during the 2026 NHS Ceremony
 
 
In addition to exceptional academics, NHS students also contribute five-times the community service regular students are required to do. These high-achieving students spread out all over Bensenville and Wood Dale helping our neighbors in many meaningful ways.
 
Thank you to Ms. Annette Valente for being the keynote speaker, and for your many years of outstanding service to our school. Finally, thank you to all our Rose Givers who mentored these incredible young adults over the years.

 

School Board Recognitions

At its March meeting, the Board of Education was thrilled to celebrate an impressive number of student successes.
 
The Bison Chess Team returned to the IHSA State Finals, finishing 14th overall in a challenging 3A Division.
 
 

Our Special Olympics basketball team was recognized for winning 4th Place at the Special Olympics Illinois Region C Basketball State Finals.
 
 
 
The Fenton Dance Force was recognized for qualifying to the IHSA State Finals for the second consecutive year, where they took 7th place out of over 80 teams.
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Simultaneously, Dance Force competed in the AAA Division of the  Illinois Drill Team Association state series, taking 1st place in Hip Hop at both Regionals and at the State Finals.
 
 
 
Finally, our dominant Speech Team had another impressive showing at the State Finals, taking 9th Place overall and bringing home three medals.
 
 
 
Angelina Varghese won 2nd Place at State for Informative Speaking after also taking 2nd Place at Sectionals the week before.
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Arturo Hurtado Jr. won 3rd Place at State for Special Occasion Speaking AND 4th Place in Original Oratory. He was the Sectional Champion in both events one week earlier.
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Sebastian Botello and Lucia Sosa were State Qualifiers for Humorous Duet Acting. They qualified to State after taking 2nd Place at Sectionals.
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Our Performance in the Round cast of "Bless Me, Ultima" also was a State Qualifier. They qualified for State with a 3rd Place finish at Sectionals.
 

 
Keep up the good work!
 
 
 
Sam Bentsen, Ed.D.
Superintendent
 
 
 
 

Fee Waiver

All families can apply for their school fees and fines to be waived in accordance with Board Policy 4:140. Fenton High School charges fees for textbooks, consumable materials, extracurricular activities, and other school student fees. Students must also pay fines for the loss of or damage to school books or other school-owned materials.
 
Families can learn more about fee waivers on our website: https://www.fenton100.org/parents/fee-waiver 
 
 
 
 

McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

Families that are experiencing homelessness, defined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act (42 U.S.C. § 11301) as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, may be eligible for support services to assist students with continued success in school. Information regarding the Act can be found on our website at: https://www.fenton100.org/parents/enrollment-withdrawal/homelessmckinney-vento-act. 
 
For further information or to discuss your needs, please contact Dr. Eric Koranda, school district homeless liaison, at 630-860-6255.
 
 
 
 

VNA Health Care Offers Affordable, Local Options for Physicals and Immunizations

As we fast approach the start of the new school year, it is important to make sure that your child is up to date with any required school, sports, and camp physicals and immunizations. These check-ups are essential to maintain your child’s health and meet school and state guidelines—helping to prevent any missed days from school, sports or camp.
 
In Illinois, students are required to have a school physical along with updated immunizations at specific grade levels and for certain activities. Here’s when your child may need them:
  • 9th Grade: A physical exam is required to begin high school, along with any required immunizations
  • 12th Grade: Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine – All 12th graders must show proof of receiving the vaccine
  • New to Illinois Schools or Change in School District: Any student enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time or moving to another school district must have a physical exam, along with required immunizations, regardless of grade.
  • Sports Participation (Grades 6–12): A sports physical is required annually prior to tryouts for students who plan to participatein school athletic programs.
  • Camp Participation: Many camps also require a recent physical to ensure children are healthy and cleared for activities.
VNA offers comprehensive and affordable school, sports, and camp physicals at 15 convenient locations (www.vnahealth.com/locations) with or without an appointment.

Now is the best time to schedule your child’s physical. Click here to read the full letter from VNA Health Care.
 
 
 
 
A graphic that says 'Summer 2026 Athletic Camp Registration' with an image of a bison and various sports equipment
 

Sign up for Summer Athletic Camps

Several Fenton athletic programs are hosting summer camps for current students, incoming students, and youth in the Bensenville and Wood Dale community. 
 
 
 
 
Click the link below to view the catalog of programs.
 
 
More information on registering for camps, completing waivers, and joining ParentSquare groups for updates can be found on the Athletic Department website at www.fenton100.org/athletics.
 
 
 
 
Students tour the YWCA Clothesline Project
 

YWCA to Display Clothesline Project at Fenton on April 23

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Fenton High School, in collaboration with the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, is hosting a Clothesline Project Exhibit on Thursday, April 23 during periods 2nd thru 8th. The exhibit is a powerful, interactive display of messages of resilience, healing, and hope for those affected by sexual violence and abuse.
 
The Clothesline Project began in 1990 as a way for survivors to share their experiences and raise awareness through decorated shirts, each telling a unique story. Inspired by the AIDS quilt, visual artist Rachel Carey-Harper proposed using a clothesline — a traditional symbol of women’s work and community connection — to give voice to survivors. Today, the project continues to honor survivors of sexual violence. 
 
All students and staff are invited to view this impactful exhibit, reflect on its messages, and stand in solidarity with survivors. Your presence helps to foster a culture of awareness, support, and change.
 
Exhibit Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Location: Front Gym
Student Viewing Time: 2nd period - 8th period, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cafeteria Survey Available Through April 24

Fenton's cafeteria vendor, Whitsons Culinary Group, is seeking feedback from students, parents, and Fenton staff. This flier seen below is posted around school for students to scan the QR code or use this link: https://xmp.insight-surveys.com/s/spring-2026 
 
 
A flier for a cafeteria survey with the dates April 13 to April 24 and link to participate
 
 
 
 
A culinary student cuts peppers during a field trip to College of DuPage's Culinary and Hospitality Center
 
 

Learning About Careers in Hospitality

Culinary 2 students recently enjoyed a field trip to College of DuPage’s Culinary and Hospitality Center to tour and experience professional scenarios in the college’s Culinary Market and Wheat Cafe. Along the way, students received information about COD’s Culinary and Hospitality programs.
 
 
Culinary students pose for a group photo during a field trip to College of DuPage's Culinary Market and Wheat Cafe
 
 
A culinary student cuts and distributes potatoes into bowls during a field trip to College of DuPage's Culinary and Hospitality Center
 
 
Culinary students cut barely and other ingredients during a field trip to College of DuPage's Culinary and Hospitality Center
 
 
 
 
Students in FCCLA pose for a photo behind a banner that says 'State Bound' with a Bison head on it
 

FCCLA Students Earn Medals at State

Congratulations to our Fenton students who competed last week at the FCCLA statewide competition in Springfield in the Children's Literature and Entrepreneurship Food Truck events. 
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Xavier Munoz and Roberto Salazar earned a Gold Medal Ranking in the Entrepreneurship Food Truck competition, AND won the "Most Outstanding" award for their competition group!
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Additionally...
  • Madison Boik earned a Silver Medal Ranking in Children's Literature 
  • Jaylinn Macedo earned a Silver Medal Ranking in Children's Literature 
  • Karen Hernandez earned a Bronze Medal Ranking in Children's Literature
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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.
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Thank you to their awesome coaches, Fenton teachers Kellie Engle and Ashley Giganti.
 
 
 
 
A male wrestler flexes his muscles for a posed portrait
 

Fenton Wrestlers Earn Academic All State Honors

Congratulations to the following Fenton wrestlers for being named to Illinois Wrestling Coaches & Officials Association (IWCOA) Academic All-State Wrestling Team:
  • Giselle Castillo
  • Gavin Stewart
  • Juan Lopez Velasquez
  • Maja Makowska
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In order to qualify, these athletes must be a senior and have earned a varsity letter. The athlete must also have a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale or a 4.6 on a 5.0 scale at the end of their 7th semester of high school.
 
 
A female wrestler flexes her muscles for a posed portrait
 
 
A referee holds up a male Fenton wrestler's arm as a victor in his match
 
 
A female wrestler in a Fenton sweatshirt poses for a photo
 
 
 
 
Students in Group Interpretation pose for a photo behind a banner that says 'State Bound' with a Bison head on it
 

Group Interpretation Competes at State, Brings Home All-State Honors

Congratulations to Fenton’s Group Interpretation cast of “Theater Camp” for qualifying to the IHSA State Finals, providing a hilarious and warm performance during the Spring Break competition that resulted in three students earning All-State Cast honors, including:
  • Sebastian Botello,
  • Yuliana Garcia, and 
  • Alita Thach 
 
Students in Group Interpretation conclude their final act, with most striking poses on the floor and two students raising their arms in a grand gesture
 
 
Three students in Group Interpretation pose with their All State Cast medals
 
 
 
 
Students in Contest Play pose for a photo behind a banner that says 'State Bound' with a Bison head on it
 

Contest Play Competes at State, Brings Home All-State Honors

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Fenton’s Contest Play production of “Living Out” for qualifying to the IHSA State Finals, earning 7th Place, and bringing home six individual All-State medals over Spring Break. 
 
The following students received an All-State medal for their contribution to "Living Out":
 
  • Faith Wrzeciona - Acting
  • Damaris Lopez - Acting
  • Angela (Angie) Garcia Lopez - Acting
  • Alex Cabello Rivas - Light Design and Operation
  • Alonso Romero - Acting
  • Leslie Anzueto Palomeque - Light Projection Design and Operation
 
A special recognition to Alonso Romero and Angie Garcia Lopez for being the first in Fenton (and possibly IHSA) history to receive this honor AND perform their role entirely in Spanish.
 
Another special recognition to Alex Cabello Rivas and Leslie Anzueto Palomeque for being Fenton's first Technical All-State recipients!
 
 
Students perform a scene in the Contest Play production of 'Living Out'
 
 
Six students in Contest Play pose with their All State medals
 
 
 
 
A football player sits at a table and signs to continue his career in college, while his family stands behind him all wearing apparel from Illinois Wesleyan University
 

Omar Diaz Signs to Play Football in College

Fenton senior Omar Diaz recently decided to continue his football career at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he plans to study engineering. 
 
“I want to give a big thank you to Fenton High School for providing me with an amazing athletic journey and providing me with the opportunity to go to the next level,” Omar said in a written statement. “I also want to thank Coach Farrell for being by my side through all of the ups and downs, and my teammates for pushing me through all the challenging times.” 
 
Omar was Fenton’s starting running back, accumulating 1,370 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in his high school career. Additionally, he had 14 catches for 168 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
 
 
Football player scores a touchdown during the Homecoming game
 
 
In various times of need, Omar also played in the secondary to help Fenton’s defense. His Fenton career on defense includes 63 solo tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovered. 
 
“We can talk about how special it is to be a three sport athlete, but what stands out to me the most is that Omar is a good person and a good leader,” Coach Farrell said, referring to Omar’s distinguished time on Fenton’s wrestling and track teams. 
 
 
A football player sits at a table and signs to continue his career in college, while his Fenton teammates stands behind him
 
 
Omar chose to attend Illinois Wesleyan because of the community feel of the campus and classrooms, and he was impressed by the support given to their seniors and graduates who are pursuing career opportunities.
 
“I’m excited for the next four years ahead of me that will be full of hard work and determination at Illinois Wesleyan University,” Omar said. “Go Titans!"
 
Congratulations, Omar!
 
 
 
 
A group of Fenton writers pose for a photo with their medals and certificates after the Upstate Eight Conference Lit Fest
 

Fenton Writers Succeed at Lit Fest

Congratulations to our talented student writers from Kaleidescope who participated in the April 10 Upstate Eight Conference Literary Festival!
  • Wren Hamilton won 1st Place in drama, 
  • Mia Otero Roman won 2nd Place in poetry,
  • Kaitlyn Sisto took 3rd Place in creative nonfiction, and
  • Numerous others earned honorable mentions
 
A Fenton writers poses for a photo with their medal from the Upstate Eight Conference Lit Fest
 
 
A Fenton writers poses for a photo with their medal from the Upstate Eight Conference Lit Fest
 
 
 
 

Interact Supports Animals in Need

Fenton’s Interact Club recently visited DuPage County Animal Services for an eye-opening and rewarding experience. During their trip, members took a guided tour of the facility and learned about the important work that goes into caring for animals in need. They also spent time volunteering, helping with tasks that support the shelter’s daily operations. 
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One of the highlights of the visit was getting to hold a three-week-old puppy, which made the experience even more memorable. 
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Overall, the trip gave students a deeper appreciation for animal welfare and the dedication required to run such an organization.
 
 
A student from Interact Club holds a 3 week old puppy during the field trip to volunteer at the DuPage County Animal Services
 
 
Students from Interact Club sort blankets and bedding during a field trip to volunteer at the DuPage County Animal Services
 
 
Student from Interact Club make their own toys for dogs during a field trip to volunteer at the DuPage County Animal Services
 
 
 

Noteworthy Dates

  • April 22 – Spring Assembly
  • April 22 – Board of Education Meeting, 7 pm
  • April 23 – Spring Musical "Mean Girls," 7 pm
  • April 24 – Spring Musical "Mean Girls," 7 pm
  • April 25 – Spring Musical "Mean Girls," 1 pm and 7 pm
  • May 1 – Decision Day, all lunch periods
  • May 4 – Spring Choir Concert, 7 pm
  • May 6 – Spring Band Concert, 7 pm
  • May 7 – AP Art Show, 7 pm
  • May 12 – Music Department Awards Night, 7 pm
  • May 15 – 12:08 pm Early Dismissal
  • May 15 – Prom, 6 pm
  • May 18 – Senior Awards Night, 6:30 pm
  • May 19 – Senior Brunch, 10 am
  • May 20 – Graduation Practice, 8:30 am
  • May 21 – Graduation, 7 pm