Look closely at the crest. It is a shield divided into three sections. This is the crest of Oak Park and River Forest High School. This school has a long and interesting history. Let’s delve into the story of this cornerstone of the community.
Oak Park and River Forest High School, or OPRF as it is commonly known, is a public four-year high school. It is located in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. OPRF is the only school in Oak Park and River Forest District 200. The school was founded in 1871. The current building opened in 1907. This makes Oak Park and River Forest High School older than the villages of Oak Park and River Forest.
The school’s crest is a significant symbol. It has been a symbol of the school since 1908. The top left section shows an acorn in oak leaves. The bottom section has wavy lines for a flowing river. The right section shows three trees for a park or forest. A divider reads “Ta Garista”. This is Greek for “Those things that are best”. This motto appears throughout Oak Park and River Forest High School. It reflects the school’s tradition of excellence.
Instead of a valedictorian, Oak Park and River Forest High School presents the Scholarship Cup. It is awarded to the graduating seniors. They must have the highest weighted GPA. This is measured after the seventh semester. Transfer students can also win. They need to be in attendance for five semesters.
Oak Park and River Forest High School offers many Advanced Placement courses. These include Economics, English, Art History, and Music Theory. There is also American History, Government, and European History. Students can study Psychology and Statistics. Calculus, Computer Science, and Environmental Science are available. The school also offers Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Students can also study French, Italian, and Spanish.
The school sponsors many arts organizations. Oak Park and River Forest High School’s orchestra was founded on October 31, 1907. It was one of the first schools to offer credit for orchestra performance. Music groups include a gospel choir and jazz bands. There is also a marching band, color guard, and pep band. Oak Park and River Forest High School has three choirs: Treble Choir, Chorale, and A Cappella Choir. Small student-run groups include Take 5, Six Chicks, and No Strings. The school also has a Madrigals group and a show choir.
Oak Park and River Forest High School supports eleven stage productions each year. These are performed in the “Little Theatre” and “Studio 200”. There is a summer and winter musical and a one-act festival. Students can join stage crew, makeup, and props groups.
The school’s literary and arts publication is called The Crest. It has been active since 1893. It is one of the oldest high school literary journals in the country. Oak Park and River Forest High School also has a television news program, Newscene. It was founded in 1982 and has won awards. In 2018, a docuseries called “America to Me” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. It explored race and education at OPRF.
Oak Park and River Forest High School offers over 60 clubs and activities. These range from athletic to academic. There are also cultural and social awareness clubs. The school’s athletic teams are known as the Huskies. They compete in the West Suburban Conference.
Many notable people have attended Oak Park and River Forest High School. Ernest Hemingway, the Nobel Prize-winning writer, is an alumnus. Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson, also graduated from here. The school has produced athletes, scientists, and artists. They have made significant contributions to various fields.
Oak Park and River Forest High School continues to be a vital part of its community. It provides a rich and diverse educational experience for its students. From its historic crest to its many notable alumni, OPRF has a legacy of excellence. The school has shaped generations of students. It embodies its motto: “Those things that are best”.