Are you the type of individual that likes to think out of the box? Discover new philosophies; yet love that artistic retro look? Junior High and High School students who are Arlington Heights residents have an opportunity to show off their creative talents and help spread the message of the Arlington Heights 125-year anniversary, or Quasquicentennial event, by entering the Youth Commission’s VAH 125 Teen Video Contest.

We are looking for students, working in teams, who enjoy being creative, to participate in this video contest. One adult is needed on each team to help guide and inspire the students. This adult can be anyone with creativity, including a teacher, parent, or friend. All team members must be Arlington Heights residents in order to participate and each member must fill out an entry form.

Videos should be no longer than 3 minutes and will be posted on the Village’s YouTube account that will be created to specifically showcase this video project. The Quasquicentennial Celebration theme is Honor the past, Celebrate the Present, Explore the Future. Young filmmakers entering this contest are asked to develop videos based on the theme of “exploring the future of Arlington Heights.” Thinking about what you have learned from the past, what you know now, and how do you see the future of Arlington Heights!

Any form or style is allowable including; animation, photos, acting, dancing, or singing, as long as it falls into the parameters determined by the Village of Arlington Heights and the Youth Commission. The winning videos will be run on the village’s web site and local cable channels. All applications are due by April 15. The deadline for video submissions is April 15 - June 15, 2012.

Click here for the Entry Form, Rules and Release Forms necessary to complete this exciting project!

Mary Goumas, a 4th grade teacher at Patton School in District 25 did a wonderful, comprehensive project with her students.
First, they read the book The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty Birney.
Then, they studied the Seven Wonders of the World.
Next, they chose their own personal wonder.
Lastly, they worked in small groups to investigate and choose The Seven Wonders Of Arlington Heights. To them, these Wonders are: the old Austrian pine tree(at Campbell and Ridge), Arlington Park Race Track, the William Dunton statue, Harry's of Arlington, the brick block buildings( at Dunton and Wing), the Wheeling Township Cemetery ( notably the old prominent families' gravesites), and Asa Dunton's house. Parents assisted the small groups by taking them to Arlington Heights places. The students wrote reports, created computer writings with photos, and added sound to their findings. The students also suggested, discussed, and critiqued places as Arlington Heights "wonders" until they all agreed on these seven.

Listen to the voicethread about this project here:

At Westgate School, Karen Wenzel and Tara Zapatka’s 2nd grade classes recognized the 125 year anniversary of Arlington Heights in a special way. Small groups of students learned about an aspect of life from long ago, and then compared and contrasted it with our lives today in Arlington Heights. Each group examined a different topic.


This group learned about how work has changed.


This group learned how schools have changed.


And this group looked at how homes have changed in the past 125 years.

January 18th, 2012 marks the official 125th anniversary of Arlington Heights. William Dunton signed the incorporation documents 125 years ago on this day, making Arlington Heights an official village, setting in motion the advancements and improvements that could only take place by separating from the township. The vision to have the railroad come through Arlington Heights has made this village a fast growing and successful community. We hope you join us this year in celebrating the 125th anniversary by supporting your community and getting involved with the events that surround this momentous year.

Thanks to all that stopped out and visited us at the holiday tree lighting in North School Park on Friday. The tree lighting marked the kickoff of the 125 celebration, with our committee chair flipping the switch along with her granddaughter and Jack Musich. See more pictures and details of the lighting in the Daily Herald article: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111126/news/711269933/

The Village is starting to put up the banners for 2012. If you haven't purchased your yet, there's still time. Contact Lauree Harp at laureeharp@sbcglobal.net to get your name on one. Want more information? Check out our Banner FAQs

We would like to thank all of the sponsors of the 125 celebration. With the help of their generous donations, 2012 will be a great year for the anniversary of our village.