Z-Elmhurst
Potempa’s Potential
‘Underdog’ volleyball star skips final HS semester to get a jump on college career BY JEFF VORVA Downers Grove’s Bella Potempa was fully aware she was going to miss out on some fun. The Timothy Christian High School volleyball standout made an important decision. With enough credit hours under her belt, Potempa had the opportunity…
Read MoreRedefining Guest Experiences
The future of modern hotel design In this exclusive interview, Oak Brook Magazine sits down with Komal Patel, CEO of Vinayaka Hospitality. Patel oversees the prominent DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook and the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook. Here, he shares insights into the meticulous design process, evolving guest expectations, and the art of…
Read MoreFirst Audience
How music begins at home and grows into a lifelong passion BY LAURA MICHAUD AND MELISSA G. WILSON The Living Room Debut Before there are stages, spotlights, or packed auditoriums, there is almost always a living room. Or a kitchen. Or the back seat of a car. For many performers, the first audience is family—people…
Read MoreMahjong Madness
A captivating game, equal parts strategy and social, is sweeping its way through the suburbs BY VALERIE HARDY Step back, bridge, and bunco. There’s a new game in town—mahjong—and it’s spreading like wildfire across the western suburbs and throughout the nation. The History of the Game Many Americans only recently learned mahjong, but the game…
Read MoreRising Stars
Elmhurst brothers shine on the big screen BY ANNA HUGHES From behind the scenes to the big screen, the McCracken family knows a lot about show business. Michael and Becca McCracken have been in the entertainment industry for decades. Michael, an actor himself, is the founder and artistic director of Vagabond School of the Arts…
Read MoreIC Catholic Prep
Founded in 1936, IC Catholic Prep (ICCP) is a Catholic, college-preparatory high school rooted in academic excellence and spiritual formation. Celebrating 90-years of excellence and guided by the mission to Learn, Lead, and Serve, ICCP prepares young men and women to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose while making a meaningful impact in their communities.…
Read MoreImmaculate Conception Grade School
For more than 125 years, Immaculate Conception Grade School (ICGS) has been a cornerstone of the Elmhurst community. ICGS has educated thousands of students, with many second-, third-, and even fourth-generation alumni. While the school has grown and evolved over the years, its commitment to faith, family, and academic excellence has remained steadfast. ICGS offers…
Read MoreNazareth Academy
Nazareth Academy, a Catholic, Co-Educational, College Preparatory high school, centrally located in the western suburbs offers a short commute for many families in the area. Located in the heart of La Grange Park, Nazareth is one of the oldest educational institutions in the suburbs, with an established legacy of educating the whole person. Founded by…
Read MoreMontini Catholic
Being a teenager today is more challenging than ever and the Lasallian approach to education that Montini Catholic has provided since their founding – knowing, seeing, supporting, and loving each student – is more relevant than ever. Located in Lombard, Montini Catholic High School is a family-centered, coeducational, college preparatory high school rooted in the…
Read MoreTimothy Christian Schools
Partner with a school that aligns with your family’s values—and is recognized at the highest level for academic excellence. Timothy Christian Schools, a PS–12th grade, nondenominational, college preparatory school, is proud to be a 2025 Illinois Governor’s Award recipient and U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, an honor awarded to only a small number…
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