Proviso West Graduates 525

According to the Proviso Herald, a total of 525 graduates from the Proviso West High School class of 2009 marched in red and white robes at the UIC Pavilion Sunday.

"The kids were well behaved and the families were just jubilant," Principal Alexis Wallace said. "The ceremony was wonderful."

The ceremony lasted two hours and was punctuated by a stirring speech by senior class President Javin Cotton.

"It was so phenomenal. As you listened to him -- he wants to go into education, but it was like listening to a future president," Wallace said. "And the way the students received him. It was unreal."

Wallace said a diploma was awarded to a student who had died of leukemia during the school year.

"We also had a young lady who has sickle cell anemia who had to be helped across the stage," she said. "We wanted to put her in a wheelchair, but she wanted to march. She was so brave. And she did get to march, it was beautiful."

Free Bus Rides For Proviso West Students Started...

The Free Bus Ride Program for students at Proviso West High School began on February 18, 2009. The Bus Ride program began at Proviso East High School on January 20, 2009, and the school district has already seen tremendous impact. Since January 20th, average daily attendance has increased from 68% to 83%. Over 600 kids take advantage of the program at Proviso East and over 700 took advantage at Proviso West on February 18, 2009. Board President Emanuel "Chris" Welch said, "This is one of our most successful initiatives in school history. It will save our parents and students money, increase attendance and test scores, and help keep of students safe." Prior to the Free Bus Ride program, students paid $4.50 per day to ride to and from school on PACE buses. Congrats Proviso School Board!!!!