Elmhurst SD 205 honors FCCLA national medalists and York boys, girls water polo state finishes

The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education recognized student accomplishments in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) competitions and presented proclamations to York High School’s girls and boys water polo teams.

Wendy Albert, a family and consumer science teacher at York, introduced five FCCLA competitors who represented York at the national leadership conference in Orlando. Albert said Madeline Velaski (also referenced as Maddie Voleski/Velaskey in the presentation) earned a gold medal in the Repurpose and Redesign event for a garment created from a family wedding dress. Madeline Brooks earned a silver medal in Say Yes to FCS Education. The event-management team of Alice Moyle, Mackenzie Sapanek (recorded as Sapanek/Sapanek variants), and April Verrau earned a gold medal in their category and placed third overall at nationals.

Rob Wagner, York’s assistant principal for athletics, read a proclamation honoring the 2025 York girls water polo team for a fourth-place finish at the IHSA girls water polo state tournament. "The 2025 York girls water polo team was special," Wagner said, and he praised the players’ work ethic and team culture. The board adopted a resolution recognizing the team’s fourth-place finish on May 24, 2025.

Brian Grama, York’s head boys water polo coach, and Wagner presented a proclamation for the boys’ team after a third-place finish at the IHSA state tournament. Grama described the boys’ results as the highest finish in York history and highlighted key wins during the season. The board adopted a resolution recognizing the boys' third-place finish on May 24, 2025.

The board acknowledged the students, coaches, families and staff for their achievements and the district read formal proclamations honoring the medalists and both water polo teams.