Rich Township High School District 227

Jackie Sonsiadek names PowerSchool Champion

PowerSchool Champion Spotlight: Jackie Sonsiadek

August 13, 2026

Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to recognize Jackie Sonsiadek, a member of our Information Technology Department, who was recently invited to participate in PowerSc...

Graphic explains LaTricia Varnado names Co-Principal at Rich Township High School. Mrs. Varnado has worked for the district for 20 years and is a former Rich Township student.

Leadership Spotlight: LaTricia Varnado Named Co-Principal of Rich Township High School

August 12, 2026

Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to recognize LaTricia Varnado on her appointment as Co-Principal of Rich Township High School. Varnado’s connection to Rich Townsh...

Richton Park, IL - Rich Township High School senior Queen Thigpen walked across the graduation stage in May with more than a high school diploma. Before completing her senior year, Queen earned an Associate degree in Computer Science from Prairie State College, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.

Rich Township Senior Earns Associate Degree Before High School Graduation

May 19, 2026

Richton Park, IL - Rich Township High School senior Queen Thigpen walked across the graduation stage in May with more than a high school diploma. Before completing her senior year...

RTHS Quarterly Newsletter Now Available

March 12, 2026

We’re excited to share the latest edition of the Rich Township High School District 227 Quarterly Newsletter. This edition reflects the continued work, growth, and accomplishments ...

“A wide view of a school gym during a drone competition with teams, spectators, and competition fields set up on the floor.”

Rich Township High School to Host Regional Drone Competition at STEM Campus

March 6, 2026

Rich Township High School will host the Olympia Fields, IL Rich Township Drone Competition on Saturday, March 7, 2026 , at the Rich Township High School STEM Campus , located a...

UNCF’s “We are Stronger Together” Scholarship Gala is Friday, February 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The goal is to raise over $250,000 in scholarships for students in our community. Families can donate or purchase tickets using the link in this week’s email.

Superintendent-Led Scholarship Gala Expected to Surpass $1 Million; Jacqueline Jackson Named First Recipient of Rev. Jesse Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award

February 24, 2026

WHEN: Friday, February 27, 6 p.m. WHERE: Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Drive Tinley Park, IL 60477 WHO: The Superintendents’ Commission for t...

More than 500 students from five south suburban school districts took the stage Thursday evening at the Governors State University Center for the Performing Arts for the 2026 Black History Showcase, a regional celebration of African American history, culture and achievement. Participating districts included Matteson School District 162, Matteson School District 153, Elementary School District 159, Rich Township High School District 227 and Southland College Prep Charter High School. The evening opened with a musical tribute to the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who passed away earlier this week, setting a reflective tone for a program that blended history with the contemporary. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Johnnie Thomas, superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227, and developed in partnership with Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent of Matteson School District 162 and CEO of Southland College Prep Charter High School. Throughout the evening, students delivered performances that brought Black history to life — including a musical presentation about Black Wall Street in Tulsa, selections inspired by The Lion King, tributes to Chicago House music and a celebration of the Jackson 5. “This showcase demonstrates what is possible when districts collaborate with purpose,” Dr. Thomas said. “Our students are not only performing — they are learning, leading and honoring history.” Dr. Davis added, “When we come together across districts, we show our students that their legacy is not just something to study — it is something to live.”

More Than 500 Students From Five Districts Unite for 2026 Black History Showcase

February 20, 2026

More than 500 students from five south suburban school districts took the stage Thursday evening at the Governors State University Center for the Performing Arts for the 2026 Bl...

Group photo outdoors with school and university leaders, students, the marching band, and a red mascot; two people hold an “SIU Southern Illinois University” banner.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale to Present Chancellor’s Scholarship at Rich Township High School District 227

February 3, 2026

Scholarship presentation follows SIUC Chancellor Austin Lane’s October 2025 visit announcing expanded admissions access, full-ride opportunities, and continued investment in Co...

RTHS Fall 2025 Quarterly Newsletter Now Available!

November 5, 2025

Dear Rich Township Families and Community, We’re excited to share the Fall 2025 edition of our Rich Township High School District 227 Quarterly Newsletter ! This issue highl...

Rich Township High School FAC Media Center Wins Competitive State Grant to Boost Social-Emotional Learning Collection

October 21, 2025

RICHTON PARK, IL [October 21, 2025] — The Rich Township High School (RTHS) Fine Arts Campus (FAC) School Media Center is proud to announce it has been awarded a $2,000.00 F...

Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to announce a remarkable increase in the number of students recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board. In 2025, 158 students earned the prestigious AP Scholar designation—triple the number from 2024, when 52 students achieved the honor.

Rich Township High School District Sees Significant Growth in AP Scholars

September 25, 2025

Matteson, IL — Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to announce a remarkable increase in the number of students recognized as AP Scholars by the College Board. In 2025...

Dr. Johnnie Thomas- Superintendent of Rich Township High School District School District 227- is proud to announce the dedication of the musical arts center at the Fine Arts & Communication (FAC) campus of Rich Township High School in honor of longtime Band Director Phillip Crews. The ceremony took place on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL.

A Legacy in Harmony: Rich Township Honors Band Director Phillip Crews with Musical Arts Center Dedication

June 9, 2025

Dr. Johnnie Thomas- Superintendent of Rich Township High School District School District 227- is proud to announce the dedication of the musical arts center at the Fine Arts & Comm...

SOUTHLAND LEADERS TO OFFICIALLY PRESENT PUBLIC PLANS FOR THE FORMER RICH EAST HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS SITE

April 9, 2025

In a bold move to expand educational and workforce opportunities across the south suburbs, six superintendents and educational leaders representing school districts and colleges in...

Rich Township High School Celebrates Student Success at 2025 Ron Edmonds Scholarship Banquet

March 24, 2025

On Thursday, March 20, Rich Township High School proudly participated in the 2025 Ron Edmonds Scholarship Banquet, hosted by the Superintendent's Commission for the Study of Demogr...

4th Place photo 2025 Boys Basketball team

Rich Township Raptors Finish Historic Season with 4th Place State Finish

March 22, 2025

The Rich Township High School Boys Basketball team capped off a remarkable season last weekend by taking 4th place at the IHSA Class 4A State Finals, marking the Raptors' return to...

Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to celebrate LeSha'ya Westbrook, a senior at the Fine Arts and Communications (FAC) Campus, for her outstanding achievements in the culinary arts. As a dedicated Culinary ProStart student, LeSha'ya's hard work and passion for the industry have earned her a $10,000 Culinary Futures scholarship, which will support her education at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)—one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world. LeSha'ya's journey to this remarkable accomplishment began last summer when she participated in "Millies Camp," a free culinary program hosted by the "No Matter What" organization, founded by Chef and Chicago Police Officer Kenneth Griffin. The camp, which introduces youth to the world of professional cooking, is made possible through the support of sponsors and organizations such as Culinary Futures, which has been “Funding Underserved Youth” since 2018. Impressing chefs and fellow campers with her dedication and skill, LeSha'ya was encouraged to apply for the Culinary Futures scholarship, which required an essay outlining her aspirations and future plans. Her story resonated with the selection committee, leading to her selection as a scholarship recipient. In a momentous occasion, LeSha'ya was presented with her award by none other than Chef Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Cora was so impressed by LeSha'ya that she personally handed her a business card, offering to put in a good word for her at CIA. As LeSha'ya continues to pursue her dreams, she is also preparing for her next challenge—competing in the ProStart Invitational Competition hosted by the National Restaurant Association on Saturday, March 8th. This prestigious event will give her and her teammates the opportunity to showcase their skills against top high school culinary programs from across the country. Rich Township High School congratulates LeSha'ya Westbrook on this incredible achievement and wishes her continued success in her culinary journey!

Rich Township Senior LeSha'ya Westbrook Earns $10,000 Culinary Scholarship and Recognition from Iron Chef Cat Cora

March 4, 2025

Rich Township High School District 227 is proud to celebrate LeSha'ya Westbrook, a senior at the Fine Arts and Communications (FAC) Campus, for her outstanding achievements in t...

Dr. Johnnie Thomas Honored as 2025 Superintendent with Distinction at UNCF/SCSDD Gala

February 23, 2025

The 2025 UNCF/SCSDD Gala was an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, recognition, and a shared commitment to advancing education. The event, hosted by the Superintende...

February 21, 2025 – The 2025 Black History Showcase was a resounding success, bringing together students from across the region to celebrate African American history, culture, and achievements. This year’s showcase featured powerful performances from Elementary School District 159, Matteson School District 162, Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163, Southland College Prep Charter High School, and Rich Township High School District 227. The Black History Showcase has been a signature event dedicated to fostering unity through the arts. Created by Rich Township High School District 227 Superintendent Dr. Johnnie Thomas and Southland College Prep CEO and Matteson School District 162 Superintendent Dr. Blondean Davis, the showcase continues to highlight the importance of collaboration, education, and cultural pride. What started in 2019 with approximately 150 students performing on stage has now grown into a major regional event, with over 450 students taking the stage in 2025—an incredible testament to the passion, dedication, and impact of this initiative. This year’s theme, "Soaring Together, Rising Beyond," reflected the collective strength and determination of students, educators, and the community to uplift one another and break barriers. "The Black History Showcase exemplifies the power of collaboration and the impact of arts in education," said Dr. Johnnie Thomas. "Each year, our students remind us of the importance of honoring the past while inspiring the future. Seeing them take the stage with such passion and talent is a testament to the strength of our community." Dr. Blondean Davis echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the event’s lasting impact: "This showcase is about more than just performances; it’s about instilling pride, knowledge, and a sense of belonging in our students. By working together, we show them that unity is our strength, and together, we rise beyond challenges to achieve greatness." As the sixth performance in seven years, the 2025 Black History Showcase continues to grow in influence, leaving a lasting impression on students, families, and the broader community. With its commitment to excellence and cultural appreciation, the event stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when schools come together with a shared vision.

2025 Black History Showcase Celebrates Culture, Unity, and Excellence

February 22, 2025

February 21, 2025 – The 2025 Black History Showcase was a resounding success, bringing together students from across the region to celebrate African American history, culture, and ...

EDUCATION ADVOCATES, CRITICS, AND ELECTED LEADERS ALL AMAZED AND IMPRESSED BY REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL 227

February 12, 2025

Rich Township High School District 227 has solidified its place as one of the top-performing districts in Illinois, marking a transformative era of success under the leadership of ...

Rich Township Raptors Bring the Trophy Home with Big Dipper Basketball Tournament Championship

December 30, 2024

December 30, 2024– Richton Park, IL – The Rich Township Raptors have soared to historic heights, clinching the Big Dipper Basketball Tournament Championship . This epic vict...