Lockport Township High School tells Crest Hill council 33% of students are low-income; highlights AP and dual-credit expansion

Angela Adolph, Director of Development and Foundation for Lockport Township High School District 205, briefed the Crest Hill City Council on Nov. 3 about academic programs and community needs at the district that serves many Crest Hill students.

"A student can't learn if they don't feel safe and they certainly aren't going to feel safe if they are hungry," Adolph said, urging support for an upcoming drive-through food drive the district is hosting this Sunday. She told the council that about 33% of the district's student population is low-income and that roughly 1 in 3 students may face food insecurity.

Adolph also highlighted advanced-course opportunities: the district offers 52 Advanced Placement classes (26 per semester) with about 2,639 student enrollments in AP courses and 32 dual-credit classes in partnership with Joliet Junior College. She said the district was recognized by Joliet Junior College as its largest dual-credit participant among surrounding high schools, and that some students leave high school with the equivalent of up to a year of college credit, which can reduce college costs.

Adolph invited council members to "walk and talks" led by Superintendent Dr. McBride (the next session is Nov. 19), described the school's career-readiness programs (welding, automotive certification, on-campus internships and an in-house coffee shop), and noted the football team's playoff run and other extracurricular successes.

Mayor Ray Solomon and several council members thanked Adolph for the update and praised student performances in arts and athletics. Adolph left informational cards and shirts for council and urged officials and residents to attend upcoming school events.

The presentation served as the annual district update to the council; Adolph said staff and administrators are available for further questions and community collaboration.