Stocks surged, headlines broke, and 90 high school students raced to outsmart the market. With every tick of the clock, profits were made or lost, and every decision had the capability to push a team ahead or send their portfolio crashing.

A day of coding and collaboration unfolded at John Hersey High School as the 3rd Annual Hackathon brought together over 70 students from District 214 and surrounding suburbs. With the theme “educating others,” students of all experience levels took on challenges, developing everything from apps to websites in a fast-paced, 12-hour coding marathon.

In January 1985, eight students eager to improve their English skills and eight tutors ready to teach created a program that changed lives. This program is Read to Learn. Their mission: to increase the literacy level of adults in the northwest suburbs to become more confident and active members of the community.

The District 214 Board of Education has approved the Future 214: Strategic Plan, a forward-thinking framework designed to guide the District from the 2025-2026 to the 2029-2030 school years. The plan is focused on preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world by emphasizing critical thinking, adaptability and the development of future-ready skills.

For 40 years, Jazz in the Meadows has been a staple of Rolling Meadows High School, growing from a small event to one of the largest high school jazz festivals in the country. This year’s 40th anniversary marked a milestone, with 80 student ensembles and over 100 performances showcasing the incredible talent of young musicians.

For their work in creating an immensely popular and instructive guitar and mariachi program, Wheeling High School music teachers Marlyn Barrera-Carrera, Stephen Colella and Michael Malek have earned the 2024 Dr. A. Ennis Innovator Award from High School District 214.

Prom season is just around the corner, and Rolling Meadows High School students had the chance to rock the runway as part of an exclusive partnership with Macy’s for their Prom Kick-Off. The event, which took place over spring break, provided students with a first-hand experience of what the fashion industry entails, making for a memorable day filled with exciting opportunities.