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These two articles are from the Naperville Sun - May 2003.
Madison Junior High celebrates silver anniversary with open house
By Britt Carson
STAFF WRITER
Madison Junior High School has a lot to celebrate.
The school, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, will host an open house to showcase the history of Madison from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the school, at 1000 River Oak Drive in Naperville.
Principal Erin Anderson said everyone is excited the day has finally arrived.
"Even though this is the culmination, we have tried focusing in on the celebration during the course of the year in a variety of ways," Anderson said.
One of the key aspects to the anniversary project's success was a grant from the Naperville Education Foundation. The grant enabled teachers from five departments to undertake a variety of projects, including commissioning a song titled "Warhawks on Parade" and building a mosaic.
In addition to administrators who will speak at the beginning of the celebration, students will talk about what life is like at Madison, Anderson said. Even Mayor George Pradel is scheduled to attend.
After listening to the speakers guests are free to look at the various student projects displayed throughout the school.
Madison alumni and members of the community are invited to attend the celebration.
A student-produced video will be on display, along with a timeline highlighting special events over the years.
"This started out as something very small and has grown much bigger," Anderson said.
The event will also recognize several teachers who have taught at Madison since the school opened in 1978. Visitors can try to match up photos of staff members taken 25 years ago to their current pictures.
Anderson said the school contacted all former staff members and let high school students know about the celebration in case anyone wanted to attend. Several students who cannot attend sent in their memories, she said.
"I truly feel like this is a community event," Anderson said. "This just demonstrates how many people were affected by this school."
05/13/03
Silver celebration
Madison Junior High marks 25th anniversary by honoring the past, present
By Britt Carson
STAFF WRITER
Amy Burke was terrified in the days leading up to her first day as a sixth-grader at Madison Junior High School.
"I heard they stuff little sixth-graders into lockers," she said. "I'm in sixth grade and little ... oh boy."
However, her fears were soon soothed and she went on to become the eighth-grade student council president at Madison.
"I never did get stuffed into a locker," said Burke, who talked about life at Madison on Tuesday during the celebration of the school's 25th anniversary.
The event celebrated the past and present and took special note to recognize the eight teachers who have been at Madison all 25 years of the school's existence.
Former Principal Jerry Virgo was also on hand to celebrate the occasion.
"It is hard for me to comprehend it was about 23 years ago when I walked into this building," Virgo said. "I am always proud to say I was a part of this."
Throughout the school year students have been working on several large projects related to the school's anniversary, including a tile mosaic, mural and banner. The projects were made possible by a grant from the Naperville Education Foundation that five Madison teachers applied for.
Current Principal Erin Anderson fondly remembers Virgo talking to her about her first teaching job out of college.
"Fifteen years ago I was looking for my first teaching experience," Anderson said. "My career has taken me to a variety of locations, but I had the chance to come back here last year and it has been a blessing to be a part of this family."
The grant also enabled the school to commission a song titled "Warhawks on Parade," which was written by Patrick Castor, the parent of a former Madison student. The Madison orchestra and the seventh-grade chorus performed the song in front of a packed gymnasium Tuesday.
Madison alumna Kimberly Obradovich, who is now a teacher at the school, also shared some of her memories.
"It only made sense I return to Madison once again to teach," Obradovich said.
Ellen Bartel, music department coordinator at Madison, is one of the eight teachers who has been at Madison since the school opened in 1978.
"This is thrilling," said Bartel, who brought her parents to the celebration.
Bartel plans to retire in June and wanted her parents to get a firsthand look at the school where she has spent so many years.
"All these projects will become a part of the legacy given by students to the school for years and years," Bartel said. "I wanted my parents to see the school that has made such an impact on my life. I have grown so much personally and professionally here."
Even Naperville City Council member John Rosanova, who was filling in for Mayor George Pradel at the celebration, had a connection to the school. His wife's grandparents owned the farmhouse that used to stand where Madison is now.
"I couldn't be happier to what has happened to their home," Rosanova said. "You have done a great job taking care of their home."
Contact staff writer Britt Carson at bcarson@scn1.com or (630) 416-5269.
05/14/03
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