ETHS reports 91% student engagement in extracurriculars; leaders highlight athletics, service and arts growth

Evanston Township High School staff reported to the Board of Education on April 7 that 91% of students participate in at least one extracurricular activity and that students engaged in activities posted higher grade-point averages.

"Our GPAs went up from a 3.74 to a 3.82 for students who are involved," Denise Clark, director of student activities, said during a joint presentation with athletics, arts and community service staff. Clark and colleagues described program growth, new offerings and outreach work with District 65.

Athletic director Chris Levitino highlighted new and expanding sports — including girls flag football and badminton — a youth Olympic games initiative that drew about 240 third‑ through fifth‑graders last summer, and state trophies across multiple teams. Levitino said booster and fundraising partnerships helped close budget gaps for equipment; the boosters contributed as much as $130,000 and a fundraising platform, Snap Raise, brought in roughly $300,000 last year.

Community service coordinator Erin (last name not specified) said school-run service opportunities increased from about 1,000 to 1,800 slots and that the percentage of students completing more than 15 hours of service rose from 37% to 44% — nearly 200 additional students. Service partners cited include Connections for the Homeless and Family Focus; the district reported making about 1,200 turkey sandwiches for Connections last year.

Nick Veil, director of arts and innovation, described program additions including a student‑led mariachi ensemble, an improv troupe and the wind symphony’s performance at Chicago’s Symphony Center. Presenters also noted partnerships with District 65 that bring middle‑school students to ETHS events and offer leadership experiences for ETHS students.

Board members praised the cross‑district work and asked how the Olympic and feeder‑program efforts could sustain pathways from youth programs to ETHS teams. Presenters said the Olympic Games were intentionally run with local feeder organizations to build those connections and that staff will continue outreach.

The board heard a short student‑union update about affinity‑space planning and mentorship work, and trustees congratulated multiple state‑level athletic and arts achievements announced during the presentation.

The presentation was informational; no formal board action was taken on the student‑activities report at the April 7 meeting.