EVERGREEN PARK, IL — Evergreen Park Community High School has been recognized as a 2024 School of Distinction by the Illinois Art Education Association. EPCHS is one of only eight schools statewide receiving the prestigious honor this year. 

The recognition celebrates schools with rigorous art, design and media education programs. It recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence in curriculum and assessment, authentic learning, showcasing student learning, connected communities, leadership and advocacy and professional development and training. 

To earn the award, EPCHS evidenced practices that directly enacted the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, the Illinois Fine Arts and Media Standards and Social-Emotional Learning Priorities. 

The IAEA is proud to honor EPCHS art teachers Libby McArthur and Tom Guerra for the distinguished programming and the significant opportunities offered students.

“Mr. Guerra and I are extremely proud of the work we do in our art department. We feel that every student can be an artist and EPCHS can be a great starting point on their lifelong art journey,” McArthur said. 

EPCHS will receive a physical copy of the award during the IAEA conference gala in October, which will come in addition to the recognition the school will receive on the IAEA website. 

Participating in high-quality art, design, and media courses develops student creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills in valuable ways. Students in these programs gain social and emotional skills along with college, career, and citizenship readiness. Research indicates that schools with successful programs like that at Evergreen Park Community High School experience increased student attendance, engagement, and academic performance when compared with schools that don’t.

The School of Distinction recognition will extend from 2024-2026, when EPCHS will have an opportunity to reapply for the award.