Opened in 1972 Thornwood High School has a story to tell. Thornwood High School stands tall at 17101 South Park Avenue in South Holland Illinois. It was built to ease crowding at other district schools. These included Thornridge High and Thornton Township High School.
Thornwood High School boasts a diverse alumni network. Many have excelled in sports arts and other fields. Eddy Curry once played basketball for the Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks. Mark Mulder pitched for the Oakland A’s and St. Louis Cardinals. Steve Trout threw pitches for the White Sox and Cubs.
Do you know Don Holmes? He played middle linebacker for the Northwestern Wildcats. He won the Big Ten Championship in 1995. Holmes participated in the 1996 Rose Bowl. Today he serves as the Principal of Thornwood High School.
Another notable name is Mark Konkol. He is a reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. In 2011 Konkol received a Pulitzer Prize. Cliff Floyd played MLB baseball as a left-fielder. He secured a World Series win with the Florida Marlins in 1997. Justin Huisman once pitched for the Kansas City Royals.
Neil Magny is a wrestler and MMA fighter. He competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship UFC. Reggie Torian won silver at the World Championships in 1999. He competed in the 110m hurdles. Torian also holds an NCAA indoor 60m hurdle record.
Michelle Venturella earned an Olympic gold medal in softball in 2000. Jason Weaver sings R&B music and acts. Bill Zehme wrote biographies. His subjects included Frank Sinatra and Andy Kaufman.
Thornwood High School’s story is one of growth. It reflects academic athletic and artistic achievement. The school opened its doors to offer more opportunities. It continues to shape young minds. Thornwood High School remains a source of community pride.