The Proviso West Panthers  were the talk of the town following this year’s homecoming celebration with a field parade and grand fireworks display, but perhaps it was the weeks leading up to homecoming that left  the most memorable  impression on students. They had a rare opportunity to talk with the original Panthers—the very first class of 1961.

Students in Proviso West’s sophomore class volunteered their Saturday morning to meet the class of 1961 and give them a tour of their old stomping grounds. This class was the very first to walk the halls of Proviso West High School. They chose the school colors, the mascot, and the motto.  Fast forward nearly 50 years later, the original class had an opportunity to meet and chat with the students who continue to carry their legacy.  Students say it was an experience that they will never forget.

“It was funny because they took us on a tour of the past while we were supposed to be touring them on the present,” said Proviso West sophomore Jorell Socorro. “We had fun. We learned a lot about the past. One of the alumni from the Hall of Fame asked me a math question that took him 10 years to solve. I still haven’t figured it out yet. He told me to email him when I’m ready for another one.”

While receiving a challenge from a fellow Panther is always fun for students, they say their greatest reward was seeing the alums walk the halls with so much joy.

“Seeing them happy was the best,” said Proviso West sophomore Crystal Magallon. “They were so happy to see people that they hadn’t seen in a while. They were really happy, and we enjoyed them as they walked down the halls sharing all of their memories.”

Proviso West students later gathered in the Proviso West conference room to have lunch and talk about their experiences on the tour. They say they talked with the alumni and spent the entire day with them. Still, they wish they had told them one very important thing.

“We wanted to tell them thanks for making our school the way that it is now,” said Proviso West sophomore Jasmine Holmes. “They chose our school mascot, our school colors. They were the first ones here.”

Thank you students and thank you class of 1961! You are a vital part of Proviso Rising!

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