U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, along with two other Illinois Democratic delegates, toured the halls of Rich Township High School on Thursday to view the school’s commercial-grade kitchen and food pantry.
“It makes me very, very proud to represent this area,” Kelly remarked. “Many years ago I lived in this area, the town next door. My kids graduated from the school system. I’m very proud to see the school doing things like this. It’s very meaningful.”
Kelly was joined by state Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin and Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin on the tour, which took place just days before the Democratic National Convention opens Monday in Chicago. Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon and Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold were also in attendance.
The Fine Arts and Communication Campus at 5000 Sauk Trail has seen substantial renovations in recent years, creating “a space that really takes care of the community,” according to District 227 Superintendent Johnnie Thomas.
Additional renovations include a television broadcasting production area, an athletic director’s office equipped with medical facilities for injury treatment, a large weight room, a gym featuring a 200-meter indoor track, and an armory for the naval cadet program.
“The more attention and focus we can put to making sure that we are funded in a supportive way, and that we have the support of the community, allows for us to do great ideas,” Thomas said. “A lot of times, when people hear ‘no’ constantly, it just stifles creativity.”