Veterans, Residents Welcome Army Captain Home from Afghanistan

Capt. Dan Johnson returns home to Oak Lawn from third deployment to Middle East as a bronze star recipient. Watch the video.

Army Captain Dan Johnson returned home from his third deployment to the Middle East on Saturday—this time from Afghanistan—to a warm reception at the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220. Johnson was met at the Chicago Ridge Mall by the Illinois Freedom Riders. The motorcycle motorcade escorted him back to the VFW post down 95th Street, his mom, Betty, riding on the back of a Harley. Connect with Patch: Oak Lawn / Beverly-Mt. Greenwood / Evergreen Park “I loved it,” Betty said. “I can cross it off my bucket list.” A few residents lined Yurell Avenue along with the post faithful to greet the Bronze Star recipient. Used to going wherever the army sends him, Johnson still hadn’t been home to his Oak Lawn condo when he bounded out of the car in his …

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Hank Scorpio

9:33 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013

You actually believe his work of fiction? That didn't happen and you both know it.   more ›

Run With the Cougars During Saint Xavier Homecoming

Saint Xavier University is hosting its 12th annual 5K Cougar Run/Walk on Sept. 29. Sign up early at a reduced fee and get a free ticket to the homecoming game.

Soldier Surprises Family With Early Homecoming

Army Staff Sgt. Luis Aponte Fontanez surprised his wife and children at the Oak View Center by returning home a month early from Afghanistan—and Patch was part of the ruse. Watch the video to see his family's reaction.

OUTSIDE CHICAGO, IL --When the Oak Lawn Park District lured Diana Cornejo with the promise of filming a video to send to her husband in Afghanistan, she thought it would be wonderful if he stepped into the room and surprised her. “I never get surprises,” she said. “He was going to see the video so I was excited by that.” Army Staff Sgt. Luis Aponte Fontanez wasn’t due home until next month. Diana, who says she never gets surprises, was in the middle of filming her “message” when Luis entered the room carrying a dozen roses on Saturday. Running into his arms, Diana hugged Luis around his neck. “Were you surprised?” he asked. Wiping away tears of joy, Diana watched their children line up for hugs from their dad, whom they haven’t seen for …

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Red Carpet: Oak Lawn Homecoming Dance

Spartans show their style.

Oak Lawn Community High School students danced the night away at the 2011 Homecoming Dance, "Spartans Through the Ages." The Spartan gym was transformed into a disco as students danced beneath the ubiquitous mirror ball that twirled above the pulsating strobe lights and pounding music that could be heard all the way out on Southwest Highway. CHECK OUT the video, 'Oak Lawn Students Pump Up the Jams.' Malcolm Simmons and Samantha Rogers were crowned homecoming king and queen. Patch was on hand to take some pix of students looking fabulous in thier new clothes. DID YOU take pictures? ADD THEM to the photo gallery. Here's how to submit your photo:

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VIDEO: Oak Lawn Students Pump Up the Jams

Oak Lawn Community High School celebrates homecoming 2011.

Judging by the volume of the music, which could be heard all the way on Southwest Highway, we’d say the Oak Lawn Community High School homecoming dance was a huge success. More than 1,000 students attended the dance in the Spartan gym on Saturday night. OLCHS assistant principal Joe McCurdy said that homecoming is the school’s most popular dance. SEE THE OLCHS homecoming dance photo gallery. Students pumped up the jams, showing off their best moves. Most of the girls danced in their bare feet, having stashed their gravity defying heels in the coat checkroom. In case parents were wondering if their kids had a good time, judging by this video we’d say the answer is yes. CHECK BACK Monday for more Oak Lawn homecoming dance photos.

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Lorraine Swanson

10:30 pm on Monday, October 17, 2011

Click on the story headline, then click on the video. I hope this helps.   more ›

Oak Lawn Community High School Cancels Homecoming Parade Due to Weather, Pep Rally Moved Indoors

Parade and fireworks display canceled due to weather. Pep rally moved inside to gym.

Oak Lawn Community High School has canceled Thursday's (Oct. 13) homecoming parade and fireworks display due to weather. Unfortunately, the parade and fireworks display will not be rescheduled, the school's website said. However, OLCHS's homecoming pep rally has been moved indoors to the Spartan Gym starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The pep rally will feature the homecoming court introductions, coronation of the homecoming king and queen, the Spartan football team, the Napleton Field dedication, and performances by the OLCHS cheerleaders, dance team, and marching band.

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St. Linus Homecoming 2011: 'The Few, The Proud, The Future'

Highlights of St. Linus homecoming.

Saturday was a perfect day for St. Linus' homecoming. The weather was great and Notre Dame beat Pittsburgh. There were lots of blue-haired youngsters walking around showing their school pride as the St. Linus Hawks took on St. Michael's Wildcats from Orland Park. And there was plenty to be proud about. St. Linus was awarded a prestigious "Blue Ribbon School" designation by the U.S. Department of Education, one of only a handful of U.S. schools to receive such an honor. The afternoon began with a parade down Lawler Avenue. There was plenty of candy for the kids waiting curbside. We overheard one boy telling a friend, "Homecoming gets better every year." Patch also overheard one of the B team members telling his teammates before the game: "I…

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City Of Lights: Richards High School Homecoming 2011

Close friends, great music and plenty of dancing made for homecoming to be remembered.

Just before 7 p.m. rolled around on Saturday, Richards High School students began arriving at the school gynasium tranformed into a "City of Lights," dressed in their finest attire for the 2011 homecoming dance. Sparkles, gravity defying heels and mini-length dresses seemed to be the trend this year, with many dresses adorned with sequins. Some girls opted to wear to sensible flats or flip flops with their formal dresses. Oak Lawn Patch asked some students what excited them most about the homecoming dance.  "I like the dancing," said Richards junior Mike Dewar.  He wasn't alone. Kristina Apato couldn't wait to get inside and start dancing. She was excited to hear the music that was provided by DJ Nick Bana of Dance Party DJ's.  Juniors …

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Football Photo Gallery: Richards Blanked By Evergreen Park

Evergreen Park 33, Richards 0: Bulldogs struggle with Mustangs. sloppy weather in Friday night's Homecoming game.

Richards fell behind 13-0 in the first half and couldn't stop Evergreen Park from running away with a 33-0 victory Friday night in Oak Lawn. The Ronald Reagan National Football Coin Toss took place before the start of Friday night's game, as well at games across the country this weekend. NFL, college and high school teams across the nation will “Flip one for the Gipper” to commemorate President Ronald Reagan in conjunction with the yearlong Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration.

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