EVERGREEN PARK, IL — The top student in Evergreen Park Community High School’s Class of 2024 has already put together quite the list of accomplishments. 

Rachel Thomas has showcased her prowess across the board  — excelling in not only academics, but athletics and activities as well  — during her four years as an EPCHS Mustang student. 

In addition to securing the Class of 2024’s top overall grade point average as its valedictorian, Thomas’ success in the classroom includes her receiving the Student of the Year award in both science and social studies. She was also named a 2024 Commended National Merit scholar, an Illinois State Scholar, an AP scholar with distinction and is a member of the IHSA All-State Academic Team, in addition to receiving an award from the College Board as part of the organization’s National African-American Recognition program. 

As a three-sport athlete at EPCHS, Thomas has excelled in track and field, cross-country and swimming; the latter two occurring simultaneously during the fall sports season. 

“In her senior year, Rachel came to me to talk about swimming and running cross country in the same season,” EPCHS Swimming Head Coach Sarah Marshall said. “As hesitant as I was, I knew Rachel would put in the extra time and effort to do great at both sports. 

“She’s an exceptional athlete and an even better person. She went above and beyond to excel in both sports, even being voted as the team captain for swimming. Rachel is an invaluable asset to the team that we will miss next year tremendously.” 

Thomas was a sectional qualifier in all three sports, and qualified for the IHSA state finals in two track and field events after finishing in first place in the 800-meter run at sectionals and being part of a second place 4x400 meter relay team. 

Also involved in several activities at EPCHS, Thomas was a member of this year’s Scholastic Bowl conference champions, the welding team that finished in first place at the competition held at Moraine Valley Community College, Science Olympiad team, Service Club, Mathletes, Snowball and National Honor Society. 

Outside of school, Thomas is involved as a lifeguard and swim instructor. 

“Rachel personifies what it is to be an Evergreen Park Mustang,” said Dr. Michael Thomas, science department chair at Evergreen Park Community High School. “Her ability to triumph in the classroom, in athletics, and in extracurricular activities shows that she’s willing to try new things and is determined to succeed at them. The flexibility of sponsors and coaches as well as the small school atmosphere of EPCHS allows students like Rachel to not only pursue a multitude of opportunities, but to thrive at each one.”

With her future sky-high, Thomas looks forward to the next step in her journey, in which she will attend Bowling Green State University in Kentucky to major in aviation with the goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.