Financial literacy pilot launching at Thornwood High School in 2025

Thornton Township High Schools District 205’s launching a new financial literacy program for students next fall.

The pilot will begin at Thornwood High School in South Holland. The board approved the formation of a planning committee to devise and implement the program, beginning during the 2025 to 2026 academic year.

“Our program’s goal is to make every student, from freshman to senior year, make sound financial decisions, understand basic functions of the economy, become savvy and consumers, become prudent savers and investors.,” said Gus Yiakos, the program’s coordinator. 

The program will incorporate ACT prep, math and initiatives and english informational reading. In addition, the district plans to establish a “TWA Board of Wealth Advisors,” a group made up of community members, alumni, and financial experts who will serve as a resource for students and the broader community. 

“This is not a course,” Yiakos said. “This is an initiative throughout the school, it’s something that will be done monthly through the English and the math classes and then we’ll have something at the end of the year, combining all the knowledge.”

International excursions

At its regular meeting on Dec. 18, the TTHS DS205 board also approved an opportunity for students to expand their global perspectives. 

In the summer of 2026, Thornton Township High School will organize a 10-day educational trip from June 15 to June 24 to Europe, with stops in Belgium, France, and Switzerland.

“This trip is organized through an amazing group called Explorica,” Division Leader of Social Studies and Fine Arts Departments Daniel Craigmile said. “Explorica provides everything needed for a remarkable trip, including meals and guided tours.” 

The trip is open to all District 205 students, and the district has emphasized that no additional funding will be required from participants. Through student fundraising efforts, the district aims to make this international adventure accessible to as many students as possible. There will be a QR posted in all of the district buildings where students can learn more about the trip.

Donation’s to Thornton’s diesel engineering program

Thornton Township High School’s diesel engineering program received a donation of 26 new diesel engines from International and Rush Enterprises.

“The engines that they’re touching are the engines that are in trucks today; we’re really grateful for the opportunities that our students are being afforded,” said Marilyn Nelson, the district’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator. “Our students will now have the opportunity to work on the latest technology, preparing them for the demands of the industry.”

The diesel engine program at Thornton Township High School is the only high school program in North America to hold a master certification by the instructor Earl Powell. “We’re very thankful for you and for what you pour into our students every day, thank you Mr. Powell and thank you to our students,” said Nelson. 

In recognition of the students’ achievements, the Board of Education presented medals of honor to the diesel mechanics students and their instructor, Mr. Powell, during the meeting.