It wasn’t until the 2002-03 school year that Oak Lawn Community High School began competing in the Illinois High School Association’s Drama/Group Interpretation State series. A major force behind that move was Oak Lawn Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Riordan, who was the Assistant Principal for Student Activities at the time. 

Since beginning competitive action, the Spartans have achieved 15 IHSA State

Championship titles in Drama, Group Interpretation, and Speech; and countless

music awards during Riordan’s tenure as Principal and Superintendent. In addition, Riordan helped lead the OLCHS Board of Education and community in constructing the OLCHS Performing Arts Center, the school’s first academic addition since 1970, that allows the school’s fine arts programs a state-of-the-art

facility to flourish and to build on the school’s strong history of success. 

On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, the BOE dedicated the auditorium in his name. The dedication marks one of the grandest achievements by Dr. Riordan in

his 31 years at the school. Dr. Riordan, who is the school’s 10^th Superintendent and the longest-tenured Superintendent since opening its doors in 1952, is

retiring at the end of this school year. 

According to Board of Education President Robert Loehr, the Board wanted to memorialize Dr. Riordan’s long-term commitment to the District and dedicating the Auditorium in his name aligned with Riordan’s service and accomplishments.

Through Riordan’s leadership over the years, the District has implemented

several successful school improvement initiatives, embraced a 1:1 technology

program, stewarded a strong financial position, and developed a 10-year capital

improvement plan.  

“There are so many favorite memories, but the grand opening of the Performing Arts Center was incredibly memorable event,” Dr. Riordan said.

“The place was packed with staff, students, alumni, and community members.

Our incredible performing arts students, along with many alumni, provided

wonderful entertainment that was enjoyed by all. So much work was

dedicated by so many people to make the PAC a reality, and the grand opening

brought all of those people together to celebrate.” 

Before the 2002 school year, Dr. Riordan asked Tom Dzurison, the OLCHS Drama Director at the time, why the school wasn’t competing in the IHSA Drama competitions. Dzurison explained that lack of financial resources, sub-standard facilities, and a lack of past interest caused the school to never pursue this competitive activity. Together, Dzurison and Dr. Riordan found the funding, and they made improvements to the school’s existing Little Theater that would open the door to this endeavor. The rest is history. 

“Any time our students compete and achieve at a high level, I am incredibly proud of those kids and the adults that coach and train them to bring about their success,” Dr. Riordan said. “This includes our state championships in drama and speech, of course. But it also includes very memorable victories on the athletic fields and courts, and even in the e-Sports arena.” 

Wednesday, April 5, 2023’s dedication event will most certainly be yet another in the long line of memorable moments for Dr. Riordan. 

Post-Prom Lake Michigan Cruise

Prom is right around the corner, and with it comes one of Oak Lawn Community High School's tradition. The Post-Prom Lake Michigan Cruise is a special event that offers students an alternative activity after prom concludes. Students are picked up at the prom site, taken to Navy Pier, board the cruise ship, and enjoy the ambiance of Chicago's lakefront. The cruise includes DJ, dance floor, unlimited drinks, and a midnight buffet. After the cruise, students are transported to OLCHS. The annual event is sponsored by SADD (Student Against Destructive Decisions).

The 2023 Prom is Saturday, May 6, at the Bolingbrook Country Club. Tickets for both the Prom and Post-Prom Cruise go on sale starting Monday, April 3, 2023, and can be purchased both online and in the main office. A special field trip form needs to be completed separate from the prom itself. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first served basis. To guarantee their spot, attendees are advised to purchase tickets as soon as possible.

Any student and their date that attends the OLCHS prom is eligible to attend the post-prom cruise. Attendees will be picked up from the prom site at 11 p.m. via bus. Students will then be transported to Navy Pier for the cruise and transported to Oak Lawn Community High School around 3 a.m. Attendees may not drive themselves to or from Navy Pier. They must attend using the buses provided.

The cost of the post-prom cruise is $35. Tickets can be purchased online and in the Main Office from Monday, April 3, to Friday, April 21, 2023 (or until tickets are sold out).