Walsh Academy celebrates first historic graduation
NILES, IL. – Eight Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy & Career Tech High School students celebrated important milestones this morning. They are Walsh Academy’s first group of graduates at its first graduation ceremony at the new location under a new name.
Walsh Academy (formerly Jen School) moved to its current location at 6935 W. Touhy Avenue in Niles from its Des Plaines location in late fall last year.
“I am excited to be part of this momentous chapter in our students’ lives,” Dr. Ann Craig, Ed.D., principal and Maryville director of educational services, said. “Our faculty and staff are proud of what our students have achieved. Their resilience and hard work have paid off and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.”
Addressing the graduates this morning, Dr. Craig reminded them of their accomplishments, resilience, and unwavering spirit. “You leave Walsh Academy not just as graduates but as accomplished leaders, critical thinkers, and individuals oozing with potential. Go and embrace the world,” she said.
Dr. Craig also shared that this year, Walsh Academy offered culinary arts, computer technology – podcast and video production, information technology and 3-D printing, and small engine repair. She said several CTE classes, such as printshop and screen printing, bike repair, and carpentry and woodworking, will be ready this coming school year.
The expanded school, the first of its kind in Illinois and possibly the country, focuses on preparing diverse learners to enter high-demand and high-paying jobs in the trades. It offers students ages 14-22 career technical education instruction and a comprehensive curriculum that includes academics and integrated social-emotional learning.
Dr. Craig said future classes will include drafting and computer-aided design, electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC and health science.
Walsh Academy, awarded by the National Association Special Education Teachers School as a School of Excellence for 11 consecutive years, develops strong partnerships with contractors, union organizations and school districts to create internships and job opportunities for students in their communities.
