West Cook News

Fenwick High School's annual homecoming dance, scheduled for Oct. 9 in Oak Park, has officially been canceled for the second consecutive year by the school "due to COVID-19 restrictions." But the school's largest annual fundraiser, to be held two weeks later, is still on and accepting registrations.

"We will not be able to hold a “typical” or “traditional” event at our campus," Fenwick teachers Alex Holmberg and Kim Kotty wrote students in an email today. In lieu of a dance, school juniors and seniors are invited to buy tickets to a "one hour dance party" on the Triton Junior College football field after Fenwick's Fri. Oct. 8 football game against St. Patrick H.S. 

Only "gym shoes and soft-soled shoes" will be allowed. Heels and formal dress shoes are banned.

On Oct. 22, the 69th Annual "Blackfriars Gala" will take place at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace. It is "black tie optional" and features a live auction and paddle raise. Tables cost $3,250; a "Platinum" sponsorship is $25,000.

Fenwick's school campus is located in the village of Oak Park, among the most dedicated in America to imposing COVID-19 restrictions. All individuals over the age of two are required per village dictate to wear a mask indoors, including during school dances.

Other nearby high schools aren't canceling their homecoming dances, or are holding them outdoors.

Oak Park River Forest H.S., located one mile north of Fenwick, still has its homecoming dance scheduled, to be held at outside beside the school's field house on Sept. 25. The event will include a DJ stage and "appropriate dancing is expected. Inappropriate dancing will result in a time out, ejection from the dance, and/or parent notification," according to a school flyer.

Hinsdale Central H.S. is planning a three-hour outdoor dance on its high school football field on Oct. 2. 

Lyons Township H.S. in La Grange announced that "mitigation efforts, such as face masks and social distancing, may remain in place, and attendance may be limited for some events depending on lingering local health department guidelines (but) nonetheless, (Lyons Township H.S.) is moving forward with plans for the 2021 Homecoming.

York H.S. in Elmhurst's homecoming celebration is scheduled for Sept. 25 and will be "indoor and outdoor," though dancing will only be allowed outdoors and masks will be required indoors.

"Italian Ice from Kona Ice will be served outside (no extra cost for students)," the York announcement said. Students will be allowed to take off their masks to eat the ice.

Fenwick students have since started an online petition calling on the school to have a "traditional homecoming dance" like other schools.