Rich Township High School District 227 Celebrates a Year of Growth, Opportunity, and Student Success

Pictured: Dr. Johnnie Thomas- Superintendent of RTHS 227. Photo courtesy of STH Media LLC
Pictured: Dr. Johnnie Thomas- Superintendent of RTHS 227. Photo courtesy of STH Media LLC

Rich Township High School District 227 Celebrates a Year of Growth, Opportunity, and Student Success


MATTESON, Ill. — As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, Rich Township High School District 227 is celebrating a year of measurable academic progress, expanded college and career pathways, student achievement, community partnerships, and continued momentum across academics, athletics, activities, and the arts.


Throughout the year, Rich Township High School students demonstrated what it means to be #RichInStudentSuccess. From college-credit attainment and career-connected learning to civic engagement, conference championships, state-level athletic competition, and national student organization qualifiers, the district continued to build on its mission of preparing students for college, career, leadership, and life.


“This has been a year filled with excellence, growth, and momentum across Rich Township High School District 227,” said Superintendent Dr. Johnnie Thomas. “Our students continue to show what is possible when they are challenged, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to lead, serve, and prepare for their futures.”


Rich Township’s academic progress remained a major point of pride. Updated 2025–2026 on-track data shows strong progress across grade levels, especially among freshmen. Ninth-grade students are 93% on track overall, with 490 of 528 students meeting on-track indicators. Tenth-grade students are 83% on track, with 482 of 581 students on track, while 11th-grade students are also 83% on track, with 513 of 615 students meeting on-track expectations. These indicators reflect the district’s continued focus on monitoring student progress, providing academic supports, and helping students stay connected to graduation and post-secondary goals.


The Class of 2026 also reflected the district’s continued emphasis on post-secondary readiness. Rich Township High School celebrated 573 graduates, with students earning $10.89 million in scholarship dollars. More than 80% of the graduating class completed high school with some form of college credit, demonstrating the district’s commitment to expanding access to Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual credit, dual enrollment, and other college-level learning opportunities.


Post-secondary outcomes for the Class of 2026 also reflect the district’s commitment to preparing students for multiple pathways after graduation. Among graduates, 48.3% plan to attend a four-year college, 22.2% plan to attend a two-year college, 17.9% plan to attend trade school, 1.5% plan to enter full-time employment, 1.3% plan to enter the military, and 8.8% are undecided.


Advanced academic achievement continued to grow as well. Rich Township celebrated significant gains in rigorous coursework, including increased participation in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Credit, and Dual Enrollment courses. The district also recognized more than 1,100 scholars who earned Bronze, Silver, or Gold Honor Roll status during the school year, reflecting strong academic performance, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence across the student body.


The district also expanded opportunities through the opening of its new 32,000-square-foot Career and Technical Education wing at the STEM Campus. The new facility provides hands-on learning spaces in Aviation, Construction, Horticulture, and Automotive Technology, allowing students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and future career pathways.


In addition to the district’s own CTE expansion, Rich Township High School District 227 continued to play an important role in regional planning for the proposed Southland Career and Technical Education Center. This collaborative initiative is being developed with regional education partners to create a future-focused career and technical education hub for high school and post-secondary learners. The planning process has included architectural, curricular, and strategic work connected to labor market data, regional workforce needs, and high-demand career pathways such as Aviation, Construction Trades, Information Technology, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Public Safety, and Urban Agriculture. The center is projected to open in 2028 and is designed to strengthen seamless transitions from high school to college and into high-demand careers.


College and career readiness remained a central focus throughout the year. Rich Township welcomed the Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and university leaders to the STEM Campus, where SIUC announced full-ride Chancellor’s Scholarship opportunities for participating Southland districts and immediate admission opportunities for students with a 2.75 GPA or higher. The district also continued to expand partnerships with Prairie State College, Loyola University, Kankakee Community College, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Dawson Technical Institute.


One standout example of the power of these opportunities was senior Queen Thigpen, who graduated from Rich Township High School after earning an Associate degree in Computer Science from Prairie State College while still in high school. Queen’s accomplishment reflects the growing impact of the district’s Early College Initiative and post-secondary partnerships, which allow students to earn college credit, explore career interests, and build momentum toward their future goals before graduation.


Rich Township students also gained valuable real-world career exposure through Groundhog Shadow Day, where more than 250 seniors visited over 20 sites across multiple industries, including business, healthcare, technology, education, communications, public service, and skilled trades. The experience allowed students to explore career pathways, engage with professionals, and better understand the skills needed to succeed beyond high school.


Student leadership and civic engagement were also highlighted through the district’s “Ready, Set, Vote!” initiative. In partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Cook County Clerk’s Office, seniors learned about voter registration and civic responsibility. Across the district, 315 of 549 seniors registered to vote, representing 57% participation.


Career and technical student organizations also achieved major milestones. Rich Township’s SkillsUSA program qualified two students for the national competition, while Business Professionals of America qualified four students for the National Leadership Conference. These achievements reflect the strength of the district’s career-connected learning programs and the ability of students to apply classroom knowledge in competitive, real-world settings.


The arts, culture, and student voice were celebrated throughout the year. More than 500 students from five south suburban school districts participated in the 2026 Black History Showcase at Governors State University, a regional event highlighting African American history, culture, achievement, and student talent. Rich Township also celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with music, dance, classroom projects, cultural displays, Latin-inspired meals, and a Ballet Folklórico performance.


Students also earned recognition in co-curricular programs. Ethan Matthews, senior drum major in the Rich Township High School Marching Band, was selected as the drummer for the Honors Jazz Band at the ILMEA All-State Convention, making him one of the top high school jazz musicians in Illinois. Rich Township students also continued to represent the district with excellence in academic, artistic, leadership, and career-based competitions throughout the year.

Athletics and activities continued to strengthen school pride, student belonging, and competitive excellence. The Boys Volleyball Team three-peated as conference champions, while the Baseball Team captured a conference championship and set multiple IHSA state records, including the state record for most no-hitters in a season with six. The Boys and Girls Track and Field programs also had multiple student-athletes compete at the state competition, showcasing the talent, discipline, and dedication of Raptor student-athletes.


The district also celebrated additional athletic achievements throughout the year, including conference championships by the Competitive Dance Team and Boys Wrestling Team. Wrestling finished the season 11–4 and advanced multiple wrestlers to sectional competition, while Competitive Dance placed seventh at sectionals and narrowly missed state qualification. Several student-athletes also signed letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level.


Rich Township’s commitment to family and community support also remained strong. The district food pantry serves approximately 125 families per month, reaching nearly 800 individuals, and provides additional support during major holidays through food baskets and the district’s Christmas gift drive. The district also hosts the Ronald McDonald Mobile Care Unit five to six times per year to assist families with medical services and vaccinations.


The district also continued to support broader community and taxpayer relief efforts. Rich Township High School District 227, in partnership with feeder school districts and Southland College Prep, worked collaboratively to pursue Property Tax Relief Grant opportunities designed to reduce the local property tax burden and bring meaningful financial relief back to Southland communities. This work reflects a shared regional commitment to supporting families, strengthening public education, and ensuring that state resources are directed back to the communities that need them. The Illinois Property Tax Relief Grant program is designed to help eligible districts lower local property taxes by replacing a portion of reduced local revenue with state funds.


Another major community highlight was the fourth annual We Are Stronger Together Scholarship Gala, hosted by the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity in partnership with UNCF. The 2026 gala raised more than $1 million in scholarship support for students and included the inaugural Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Jacqueline Jackson. Over four years, the partnership has raised more than $2 million in scholarship support.


“Our students’ success is not limited to one classroom, one program, or one event,” said Matthew Shank, Director of Athletics, Activities, and Communications. “It shows up in the way they learn, lead, serve, compete, perform, create, and support one another. This year gave us many examples of what it means to be Rich in Student Success.”


As Rich Township High School District 227 looks ahead, the district remains focused on expanding student opportunities, strengthening college and career pathways, improving student outcomes, deepening community partnerships, and ensuring every student feels connected, supported, and prepared for success.


“Rich Township High School has a proud history and an exciting future,” Dr. Thomas said. “We are grateful for our students, families, staff, Board of Education, alumni, and community partners who continue to help move this district forward.”

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Career Oppotunities-James McCoy