Park Junior High in La Grange Park gets a new principal
La Grange Park, April 24, 2026 – La Grange D102 is excited to announce that
Drew McGuire will be the new Principal of Park Junior High starting in the 2026-2027 school year, officials from La Grange School District 102 said.
McGuire began his career in education 22 years ago as a middle school teacher in District 205, and went on to serve for 11 years as an assistant principal at York High School, supporting a wide range of areas including student activities, instructional leadership, student services and school operations. Most recently, he was the principal of Marquardt Middle School in Glendale Heights.
McGuire also has coached a variety of sports at multiple levels, reinforcing his belief in the value of student opportunities and extracurricular activities, and offering ways to help shape well-rounded students.
District 102 Superintendent Chris Covino called McGuire “an empathetic, collaborative and hardworking leader who is passionate about creating an environment where all students can discover and pursue their interests both inside and outside the classroom.”
McGuire said he was “honored and humbled to be selected as the next Park Junior High principal, and I am eager to meet and serve the students and families of Park Junior High while maintaining and expanding high levels of learning for all kids.”
LaGrange Kiwanis serve breakfast in Countryside
The Kiwanis Club of LaGrange hosts what it bills as its 75th annual “un-pancake breakfast” from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3 at Helping Hand Center, 9649 W. 55th St. in Countryside.
The Kiwanis Aktion Club, for adults with disabilities, will sell spring flowers during the event.
The menu features French toast sticks, quiche, bagels, fruit and gluten-free options. Kids’ games and a split-the-pot raffle will be featured, and Mr. Dave will give a kid-friendly performance from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Tickets cost $10, with children 5 and younger admitted free. Information is at LGKIWANIS60525@gmail.
New public art in Oak Park
A new public art installation in Oak Park’s Longfellow Park may look familiar. That’s because it was previously displayed on Lake Street in the village as part of the Oak Park Area Art Council’s sculpture walk.
Safe Haven, by Shencheng Xu, is a 10-foot tall steel sculpture that depicts three children joyfully playing beneath a tree, amidst some animals. The sculpture reflects a shared longing for safety, belonging, peace and harmony, Park District of Oak Park officials said in a release. Longfellow Park is now the sculpture’s permanent home.
The Parks Foundation of Oak Park donated the sculpture.
Darien store hosts local author for meet and greet
Local author A.K. Kubica will be featured at a meet and greet and book signing at 3 p.m. May 2 at Frugal Muse books Music & Video, 7511 Lemont Road in Darien.
Copies of her books “Creed of Legends,” her award-winning debut fantasy novel, and “Dreamscape,” a nightmare-inspired illustrated thriller, will be available for sale. Only those bought at the store can be signed.
Information is at 630-427-1140.
Piano contest winner performs with choral group
Camerata Chicago and Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner Evren Ozel perform Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K466” at 3 p.m. May 2 at Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S. Garfield Ave. in Hinsdale.
The concert, conducted by Maestro Drostan Hall, also includes Mozart’s “Prague Symphony No. 38 in D Major, K504,” and two lyric pieces by Grieg, including “Evening in the Mountains.”
Tickets cost $10 for students with photo ID, $2 for children 14 and younger with a paying adult, $40 for those 65 and older and $50 for adults. Get 15% discount online with code CCLG. Parking is free. To buy tickets, visit CamerataChicago.org or call 312-7990916.
Methodist church hosts spring cantata
The Chancel Choir’s spring cantata will feature “Creation” by Dan Forrest at 10 a.m. May 3 at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave.
The presentation celebrates “the wonders and beauties of our world through ancient texts, biblical passages, and poetic ideas, features soaring vocals and rich orchestral arrangement,” per a news release. The public is invited.
Information is at 630-968-7120.
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