2001 Village of Phoenix Newsletter

July-August 2001

Vol. 1 No. 1

News

“A paper dedicated to the well being and development of the community.”

A Community On The Rise Phoenix Progress ◆ Phoenix Fest (9 years). ◆ Building of 80 Single Family Homes. ◆Demolition of 60 burned or abandoned structures. ◆ Building of 56-unit senior building.

◆ Renovation of Hawkins multipurpose center. ◆ Water main replacement throughout the village; Bille Court, Frances Street, Van Drunen Rd., Walton and 155th Place. ◆ 8 homes built by district 205 students as part of our Constuction Trade Program. ◆ Purchase of new fire engine.

More to Come...

◆ Building of a new police station. ◆ Building of new Village Hall. ◆ Expansion of existing businesses. ◆The completion of Phase II technology grant to purchase computers and software with internet access for the community.

News

July-August 2001

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Phoenix Progress

From The Village Planner Published by

Village of Phoenix Multipurpose Center 650 E. Phoenix Center Phoenix, IL 60426 (708) 331-1455

Editor-In-Chief Mayor Terry Wells

Editorial Assistant

Editorial Board Jannie L. Beasley

Jerome Ferrell Jr. Arthur T. Burton Dorothy Carter Donnell Sanderfer Joseph D. Ross Albert Kirklin

Production Manager Benny Williams

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’ve been working for the Village of Phoenix in the capacity of Village Planner for nearly six months; and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the administration and the Village residents for their warm welcome and assistance. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with you!

The following are some planning activities now taking place: • Working with an identified developer to negotiate with the Village-redevelop ment activities for the old Allis Chalmers facility • Currently identifying developers for continued business and residential construction.

• Working with the South Suburban Tax Reactivation Program in order that the Village acquires tax delinquent properties for development purposes.

• Preparing and prepared numerous grants relative to police and fire protection • Working, in cooperation, with major utility companies relative to the marketing efforts of the Village.

• Marketing the Village’s economic development tools.

Developers have come forth and shown great interest in the Village of Phoenix because the community has much to offer - location, economic incentives, land availability, and wonderful people. The Mayor and Board of Trustees will advise as we move forward with the planning and development efforts of the village of Phoenix.

Val Williams, Village Planner

July-August 2001

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From The Mayor’s Desk Residents: ue to the many requests from you,we have decided to attempt to continue the publishing of our village newspaper.

We are fortunate to have the services of one of our new residents, Mr. Benny Mayor Terry R. Wells Williams, to help us with this newspaper. I hope that all of our residents understand that publishing a newspaper is not a simple undertaking. First, the cost of printing is a problem. We do not have a budget for the printing; we must depend on the sales of ads or ask for sponsorship,which is difficult to obtain. We do not have a large administrative staff, so much of the work has to be done on a volunteer basis. Gathering information for the newspaper is another problem.There are many positive and newsworthy things going on in our community but we will not know about them unless you inform us. So if you have interesting information to share with the community, please give the mayor’s office a call.

Last year was the the 100 year anniversary of the Village of Phoenix.

As a part of that celebration we published a souvenir anniversary book.

If you do not have one, you may purchase one at the Village Hall for three dollars. You may also check out a color and bound copy either at the Harvey Library or Coolidge Library.

We are in the process of updating our web site. The improvements should be made by August. We have been working on these improvements for several months and we think that you will enjoy it. Our new site includes the history of Phoenix, notable residents from Phoenix, a look at the churches of Phoenix and much more. Our web address is http://www.thorntontwp.net/phoenix. Some day we hope to publish our newspaper and instead of mailing them out simply put them on our website.

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New Technology Center located at the Hawkins multi-Purpose center.

In the past few months, we have completed several major projects in the Village. The water mains projects are just about complete. Thus far we have completed the following water mains: Vincennes Road, Phoenix Manor and Frances Street. We resurfaced Van Drunen Road and we hope to resurface 155th Place this summer.

Our tech center opened in January of this year and is providing internet and computer service to anyone in the Village. The tech center is located in the Hawkins Center and is open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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he use of the computers are free to the public and was made possible by a grant written by Superintendent Kamala Buckner and her District 205 administrative staff. We also have a special computer room for children ages 5-8, this room is Evelyn Perkins Learning Center named in honor of one or our illustrious senior citizens. If you have not done so, please come by and visit our learning center. I am sure you will be impressed.

We are pleased to announce that our Fire Dept. has received its new fire truck. This is the first new fire engine purchased in over 20 years.

Construction of our new Village Hall is due to begin in July, 2001.

This will be the largest building project in the history of our community.

Continued on page 4

Phoenix Fire Department’s recently purchased new fire engine.

News

Continued from page 3 The new building will house our police department and all of our administrative offices. There will also be another computer lab set up in the new building that will be open to the public, We are hoping that our new Village Hall will be open by next spring.

Included in this project is a separate building for our Public Works Department; construction will begin in September, 2001.

In October 2001, we will begin remodeling the Multi-Purpose Center, which will consist of roof reconstruction, gym renovation, improved lighting, ceiling replacement and new furniture. With these improvments, we hope to improve the quality of programs offered at the center.

In the last year we lost several key members of our administrative team. These individuals were the people that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that Phoenix residents were given the best service possible.

David Mason who served for twelve years as a village trustee, moved to Olympia Fields, Finance Officer Lester Hemingway took a new position at the EPA. Joda Boykin and Roosevelt Williams chose not to seek reelection but will continue to serve on various committees in the village. Much of the success that we have achieved over the years is due to their hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Gibson on the construction of their new service station.

When the mini mart is completed in December, 2001, the Gibsons will be one of the few black-owned service stations in the Chicagoland area. We are pleased that we could assist in this project and we hope that it will spur economic growth in Phoenix. In Closing, I would like to thank all of you for your support over the past eight years and I am grateful for the chance you have given me to serve you again. May God continue to bless each and every one of you.

Sincerely, Terry R. Wells Village President.

July-August 2001

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This is the latest home built by the students of District 205 in conjunction with the village of Phoenix. This is the seventh year the students have built a house in the village of Phoenix, if you are interested in purchasing this beautiful home call the village hall. Below: An artist rendering of the new CITGO station comming to Phoenix

News

Phoenix people you should know

July-August 2001

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Johnnie M. Lane Village Clerk

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ohnnie Lane has lived in Phoenix for more than thirty-five years. She was elected clerk in 1981 and has served continuously since that time.Mrs.Lane and her husband, Aubrey, have four adult children. Mrs. Lane has always been active in the community. Mrs.Lane is currently a member of the Phoenix Fest Committee and the Lady’s Auxiliary and a member of Daniel Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.

Dorothy Carter Newly-elected trustee

Congratulations!

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orothy Carter is the widow of Oliver Carter and the mother of Derrick and Deanne. She is currently employed at Thornton High School. as a para-educator in English and reading. She attended Governors State and Chicago State Universities. She currently serves on the Village Technology Committee and the Phoenix Library Board.

Arthur T. Burton Newly-elected trustee

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Congratulations!

rthur and his wife Patrice have been married for 20 years. They have one daughter, Aisha. He is employed at Columbia College in Chicago as director of African American Cultural Affairs. Art is also an instructor of African American Arts at South Suburban College in South Holland.

Jerome Ferrell Jr. Newly-elected trustee

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Congratulations!

erome has lived all 27 years of his life in the Village of Phoenix. He is a graduate of UIC with a degree in communications. He is currently employed by School District 151 and is working on his masters degree in education at Chicago State University.

Albert Kirklin Village Trustee

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lbert Kirkland was elected trustee in 1995 and was re-elected in 1999. He and his wife, Doris, have been residents of the Village of Phoenix for over 40 years. Mr. Kirklin was a Park District Commissioner for 12 years. As Park District President for 7 years. He is currently trustee over the Public Works Department.

Joseph D. Ross Village Trustee

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rustee Ross was elected trustee in 1995 and was re-elected in 1999. Trustee Ross and his wife, Joyce, have three children. He has been employed by Commonwealth Edison for 14 years. A graduate of Coolidge Junior High and Thornridge High School. He attended C.H. Mason/W.Roberts Bible Institute in Chicago and is an ordained Elder of The Church of God In Christ, Inc. since 1992.

Donnell Sanderfer Village Trustee

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onnell Sanderfer was -elected trustee in 1999. He and his wife Bobbie are both lifelong residents of the Village of Phoenix. He currently serves as counselor at Aunt Martha’s Youth Service. He is a graduate of Coolidge Junior High School and Thornton High School. He is currently trustee over the Water Department. He is a member of the New Beginnings Full Gospel Church.

Celebrating Our Roots To: Village of Phoenix Residents,

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he Phoenix Fest Committee would like to say hello! And to let you know that we are fast approaching the festival time of year. The celebration will occur on Friday, August 3rd, Saturday, August 4th, and Sunday August 5th.

Your support in the past has helped to sponsor many activities and we are asking you to contribute to our success this year by placing a patron ad in our Souvenir Book. This year we are asking you send us the name of your family and the year you came to Phoenix, so it can be placed on the Phoenix Family Tree for a cost of $10. The deadline for submitting your information is July 26, 2001. Our theme this year is “Celebrating Our Roots.�

Your contribution is tax-deductible, please make checks payable to PHOENIX FEST INC. May God bless you and thank you again for your continued support.

-Phoenix Family Festival Committe. Dr. Mildred West Garcia, Chairperson

These are photos from our past festivals. . .

News

July-August 2001

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Opinion Questions

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We asked several residents to answer this question, do you agree with their answers?

Who is the best athlete you saw from Phoenix?

“The best athlete was Quinn Buckner, he was All American in football and basketball. He was one of the last athletes to play both sports in college and started in both. He was a great leader who made those around him better. He was also a true role model for the community. My second choice would be Art Riley. He was an excellent football player and led Thornridge to the state championship in football in 1970. He also excelled in track and field, he was the state champion in the shot and discuss at Thornridge.” -Carl Dillingham “The best I ever saw was Greg Rose. He was a better athlete than he was a basketball player. He could have dominated in track or football if he had chosen to play. My second choice would be Nee Gatlin, he was the sixth man on the state championship team but he could have easily started. He was he best baseball player at Thornridge but because of prejudice they would not allow him to play.” -Thurman Anderson “My vote goes to Curt Parham, he was an All American baseball player. He was the number one rated baseball player in the nation as a junior. He was the starting tailback on the football team and was the starting point guard on the basketball team that only lost two games that season. I played on the baseball team with him and I assure you he was the best.” -Vernon Mitchell “The best was Quinn Buckner there is no doubt about it.” -Billy Humprey “The best I ever saw was Michael Clark. Mike was about 6’4” and could play every position on the basketball floor. He was an excellent shooter and was as smooth as silk. I thought for sure that he would make it as a professional.”

-Michael Broome “The best I ever saw was Greg Rose. He was just simply a superb athlete. My second choice is one that will surprise you. It is a fellow named Chuckie Jenkins. He never played high school sports but around the playground he excelled at every sport he tried.” -Duane Anderson “No question the best I ever saw was Quinn Buckner. He was 6’3” 210lbs. solid as a rock, quick as a rattlesnake and mean as a junkyard dog. Living next door to him I got to see first hand how good he was. There is no athlete in this town who could hold a candle to Quinn.” -Rocky Hill “A lot of people probably don’t remember that Darnell “Dusty” Sanderfer was one of the best athletes to ever play basketball in Phoenix. He was the quickest player I ever saw on the courts.”

-Jerry Wells “The best I ever saw was Frances Hood he was an excellent pitcher and played for the Phoenix Tigers. That team had another good pitcher named Peaches, I don’t recall what his real name was but he and Frances were the best. That Phoenix Tigers team had a number of good players including Hubert Clark, and Steve Ellison. Hubert was probably the best hitter and big Steve was the catcher

and that team rarely lost. The Phoenix Tigers were sort of semi-pro baseball team that played against the other towns in the area.” -Ellis Banks “The best I ever saw was J.D. Lewis he was a excellent baseball player he could hit, pitch, and run better than anyone around. We were all sure that he would go pro. Sherman Cantrell was an excellent athlete he had a tryout with the White Sox in the 1950s. J. D. Lewis was the father of Herschel Lewis, the all-state basketball ’68 player.” -Robert Jackson “That is a rather unfair question because there have been so many great athletes in Phoenix it is difficult to just say one so I would mention several. J. D. Lewis was an outstanding pitcher and should have gone pro. Sherman Cantrell and the entire Cantrell family were outstanding players. Sherman had a tryout with the White Sox and should have made the team but they came up with and excuse that this was the 1950s and prejudice was still a major problem. Darnell Sandford was an excellent all around athlete he excelled in football and track and was one of the first athletes from this community to receive an athletic scholarship, he graduated from either Iowa or Iowa State Teachers College. Joe Holly was another outstanding baseball player but never given a chance to play at Thornton during the 1950s. He and Sherman were better that any of the players on the team but were never given a chance to play.

Most people have probably forgotten this athlete but he was one of the best wrestlers to attend Thornton High School his name was Levi Henderson. Levi was a two time state champion-wrestling champion in the 1950s.”

-Eddie Brown Continued on page 11

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Looking back on honorees of the past July-August 2001

• Mrs. Jessica Buckner • Mr. Cecil Anderson • Mr. frank Rago

• Mrs. Dorothy Farmer • Mr. Moses Wills

• Mrs. Eleanor Suggs • Mrs. Ruth Barr

• Mrs. Evelyn Perkins

• Mrs. Laura Livingston

Ms. Lorraine Galberth (seated on left), Mrs. Jessica Buckner(standing) and Mrs. Iola Tola (seated with hat).

Fest honorees.

• Mr. Bert Mitchell

• Mrs. Stella “Pat” Bielenin • Mrs. Iola Tola

• Mr. Tyrone Garrett

• Rev. Richard D. McCreary, II • Mr. Pershing Broome

• National golden Agers

• 1971 &1972 State Champs

Support Our local Businesses

1995 fest Honree, Cecil Anderson seated with friends and family.

• Superior Rug & upholstery Cleaners • Gibson enterprises • Gil’s grocery

• Gil’s Beauty Salon

• Whisperwood Funeral Chapel • Boss Hoggs Restaurant • Smitty’s Lounge

• Phoenix fabrication

• Howard McKenzie Limosine Service • D&D Construction

News

Announcements Law & Order C

itizens, be aware of businesses stealing OUR water! No one is supposed to take from our hydrants except the Fire and Street departments. Anyone else taking water is stealing and will be charged with theft.

If you see unauthorized people taking water from a hydrant, or dumping trash in our Village, please try to get a license plate number or business name if you can, but do not confront the individuals. Call the Police - it’s our job to make the arrest.

It’s nice to have a good sound systems in your car, and it’s certainly not illegal to have them, but it IS illegal to play them so loud as to disturb the public. Vehicles found playing their music so loud as to create a disturbance, or playing songs that feature vulgar language, will be stopped and the driver will be arrested and charged with a criminal offense. Remember to get your Village sticker for 2001, and the State of Illinois requires that all vehicles have AND display both FRONT and REAR license plates!

Let us all be good neighbors and watch out for suspicious activity. Don’t leave valuables in the back or front seat of your vehicle unattended; lock them in the trunk where they will not be visible. If you leave town, notify the Police Department and we will provide a special watch for your residence.

Also, let us know if you have anyone else watching your house, or with a key to get in so we can contact them in case of an emergency, and also so that we don’t mistake them for a burglar!

Anytime you see something suspicious or illegal, help us by calling 331-2191 or, if it’s a real emergency, call 911. Our job is to serve and protect the public, and you can help us by letting us know what’s going on. Remember, you don’t have to give your name to the person you talk to, but try to describe the activity, location, and people involved as best you can. And NEVER put yourself in danger - that’s or job!

Chief Darryl Andrew Neil X

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ATTENTION PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT/POLICY STATEMENT School District 151 and the Village of Phoenix today announced they are participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Free meals will be made available to all children 18 years of age and under, and to persons over 18 years of age, who are enrolled in a State approved educational program for the mentally or physically handicapped.

Meals are made available to all eligible participants without regard to race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, or age. Any person who believes he/she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write immediately to the Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302.

Coolidge/Kennedy School Gym 155th and 8th Avenue Phoenix, IL 60426 Please enter through the doors on the East side of the building (Phoenix Park) Meals will be provided at the site listed above beginning Monday, June 25, 2001 and ending Friday, August 10, 2001 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM daily. For further information contact Lena Graye at (708) 331-1456.

Adults may purchase meals for $2.00 per meal.

THE NATIONAL GOLDEN AGE CLUB OF PHOENIX SCHOLARSHIP AWARD The scholarship application forms are now available. The presentation of the scholarship will be made to an outstanding resident of the Village of Phoenix. The scholarship winner will be announced at the phoenix family festival in August, 2001.

An application may be picked up at the following location: William Hawkins Multipurpose Center 650 East Phoenix Center Drive (151st Street & Fourth Avenue)

If you have any questions, you may call 708-331-1456 The scholarship is open to any college.

Application deadline is July 25, 2001.

News

Announcements

July-August 2001

Phoenix Park District Update

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he Phoenix Park District is happy to announce some recent improvements and developments to our park district sites.

The Wilbur Harper “Tot Park” located at 151st Place & 8th Avenue was recently completed and is a wonderful addition to our park site. This lot is for tots ages 1-4 with their parents. It is handicapped accessible and contains specifically designed equipment for tots only and benches for parents. Parents are asked to monitor their children at this park.

The Pershing Broome Memorial Park located at 151st Place & 9th Avenue is currently under construction. Upon completion, it will have restroom facilities, kitchen facilities, an outdoor barbeque pit, and shelters. In addition, new playground equipment for older youth will be included.

We wish to thank State Representative Harold Murphy for his untiring and valuable assistance for our projects. In addition, the Illinois Association of Park Districts and CORPS are also thanked for their input.

Phoenix Fest Inc Presents

Over Night Lock-In at Hollywood Park 5051 Cal-Sag Road Crestwood, Il 60445 708-389-7275

July 20th, 2001 11:30PM - 6:00AM For more info call: (708)331-1456 All-you-can-eat Pizza Buffet 40 Game Tokens Unlimited Bumper Car Rides Unlimited FX Simulator Rides Playtime in Children’s Playland (Children under 8 years need to be accompanied by an Adult) 10 Ft. Theatre Screen VCR (Private screening) Continental breakfast Cost: $25.00 Per Person

Reminders: 1) A $500 fine will be assesed to anyone caught dumping garbage in our park district dumpster located in front of the Park District Fieldhouse, 155th & 9th Avenue.

2) Meeting times and dates: The third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Park District Fieldhouse, 155th & 9th Avenue; phone number is (708) 339-8443 Mrs. P. Burton, Commissioner.

Best Athlete in Phoenix Continued from page 8 This is a short list of other athletes that were mentioned: • Joe Warnell all state football player at Thornton High School, attended University of Missouri, with Johnny Roland.

• Eric Herring two time state basketball player at Thornton High School.

• Eddie Herring, all area basketball and baseball player at Thornton High School • Antonio Cooper all state basketball player at Thornridge, finished 3rd in the state in triple jump in 1991, attended Illinois State University.

• Donnell Baylock track finished 3rd in state in long jump, member of 4x100 relay team finished 3rd in state in 1994, NCAA Division 2 indoor long jump champion 1996.

• Tiffany Smith member of Coolidge Tigers state champions 1991, member of Thornridge 1994 4x100meter relay tam that finished 4th in state.

• Edgar Anderson all state baseball player Thornridge • Lorenzo Davis all American football and all state wrestler at Thornridge High School in 1983 • Anthony White led Coolidge Tigers to 3 state championships in 1982-84. As a 6th grader White was leading scorer on the 8th grade team and could dunk a basketball, attended Thornwood High School H. S. and Akron University, Ohio.

• Kim Winfield finished 2nd in the state in the 400 meter in 1996 • Kevin Duckworth all state basketball player at Thornridge High School played twelve seasons in the NBA with Portland Trail Blazers.

• Sam Mack all state basketball player at Thornridge currently playing Golden State Warriors of the NBA • Kim McQuarter All American basketball player at Marshall High School Oliver Carter, James Snoddy, Marvin Wells, Boyd Batts, Joe Hawkins, Jimmy Winters, PeeWee Hamilton, Michael Henry, Lafayette Henry, Bill Cunningham.

We are sure that a lot of great athletes have been missed. How many can you name?

Lloyd Batts, considered by some to have been the greatest H.S. basketball star in Illinois History. Venus Mims, “Too-Son” outstanding football & basketball player at Thornton H. S. Homer Thomas, track star Thornton H.S. Holloway, track star, State Record holder, Thornton High School

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We want your input!

The Phoenix News welcomes your ideas, comments and suggestions.

Below is a list of upcoming sections to which we encourage your writing contributions.

• • • • • •

Spiritual Perspective Opinions & Ideas School Scene Movie Reviews Book Reviews Homelife

Call: (708)331-1455

News

On behalf of Mayor Terry Wells…

Phoenix salutes our honor students!

Coolidge Middle School -8th Grade • Landon Mack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding Math Award • Eboni Hurms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Outstanding English Award • Quincy Goodwin . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Student Athlete Award • Rasheed Norris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Citizenship Award Students inducted into the National Honor Society.

• Landon Mack • Dominique Majors • LaKenya Kinnard Students with all A’s and B’s • Vondell Hamilton • LaKenya Kinnard Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Award for Academics and Citizenship • Landon Mack Presidential Award for Academic Achievement • London Dagans

Eisenhower Elementary School 16001 Minerva Ave. South Holland, IL.

PHOENIX HONOR ROLL STUDENTS • Crystal Washington • Martell Carton • Cameron Coleman • Erica Dillard • James Wilkins • Whitney McMorris • Kenisha Plummer • Roberto Arevalo • Jeremy Beasley

• Brianna Wells • Ladondra Prater • Jasmine Young • Brittany Onley • Andriana Thomas • Cevion Johnson • Demetrius Higgins • Dontae McCoy • Jessica Brown

Madison School

• Ciera Cross • Jacquetta Jackson • Judy Malone • Mischel Gabaldon • Kyomie Roberts • Javon Kay • Kyla Mack • Shannon Logan • Jonathan Ragland • Charlé Williams

15700 Orchid Drive. South Holland, IL.

John I. Madden Award for outstanding achievement in math • Aisha Burton Presidents Education Award for excellent achievement over 2 years • Aisha Burton • Brittany Nolan Achievement in the Accelerated Reader Program • Derrick Young • Xochilt Rosas Excelled in the Read to Succeed 600 Minute Reading Program • Antwyan Murray • Jania Hudson • Jasmine Hikes • Shaqwuita Davis • Iyala Sample • Brittani Nolan • Anthony Overton • David Prater • Aisha Burton • Ezell Walker Students achieving the Honor Roll must have all A’s and B’s on their report card.

All four periods:.....................Aisha Burton Three grading periods:...........La-Tesa Cook, Antwyan Murray, Brittani Nolan Two grading periods:.............Jasmine Hikes One grading periods:..............LaCresha Olloway

Taft Primary Academic Center 393 E. 163rd St. Harvey, IL

Students living in Phoenix Academic Scholars KINDERGARTEN • Marius Banks • Kalia Blasingame • Brett Currin • Tiyannes Dunning • Raymond Epps • Johnny Fields • Deon Guyton • Kyle McDonald • Bryton Nash • BeYondre Carraway

FIRST GRADE • Desiree Epps • Darrius Griffin • Conceptione Harvey • Cheyenne Logan • Malcolm Majors • Janine Ragland • Xacier Schauls • Jacqueta Wrencher