Eisenhower's 75th anniversary recognized at Blue Island city council meeting

The 75th anniversary of Dwight D. Eisenhower High School was recognized by City of Blue Island Mayor Fred Bilotto during its city council meeting on Tuesday.

School administrators and teachers were there, along with District 218 board member Candice Cantelo. Principal Ben Blakeley presented a plaque to the city as a symbol of gratitude.

The following resolution was read to honor Eisenhower's 75th anniversary:

WHEREAS, the City of Blue Island emerged as an important trading and cultural center in the mid-19th century; and

WHEREAS, Blue Island offered educational opportunities to its residents as early as 1845, establishing a strong foundation for learning and community advancement; and

WHEREAS, high school education in Blue Island began in 1892 at the newly constructed Seymour School at New Street and Maple Avenue; and

WHEREAS, in 1917, a larger school was built on Maple Avenue known as Blue Island Community High School or "Old Main," with athletic fields developed with the Blue Island Park District at what is now Memorial Park; and

WHEREAS, Blue Island Community High School District 218 was formally organized in 1927 to meet the community’s growing educational needs; and

WHEREAS, land was acquired at Sacramento Avenue and Burr Oak Avenue for a second campus, with construction beginning in 1950; and

WHEREAS, the new high school was dedicated in 1951 with Dwight D. Eisenhower, then President of Columbia University and future President of the United States, serving as the keynote speaker; and

WHEREAS, in 1962, the Sacramento Avenue campus was formally named Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in his honor; and

WHEREAS, the year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the construction of the Eisenhower High School campus, a milestone in the educational history of the City of Blue Island and a proud reflection of the community’s enduring commitment to excellence; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Mayor Fred Bilotto and the City Council of the City of Blue Island do hereby recognize and commemorate the:

75th Anniversary of the Construction of the Dwight D. Eisenhower High School Campus

And extend their congratulations and gratitude to Community High School District 218, its faculty, students, alumni, and community members for their invaluable contributions to its lasting legacy.