CHICAGO (WLS) — The previous week, Rob Elgas and Mark Rivera from ABC7 Chicago made a nostalgic visit to their former high school in Crystal Lake. Now, it’s Cheryl Burton’s turn to revisit her educational roots.
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In this week’s Feel Good Friday, Burton takes us back to 1980 for a trip down memory lane. During her senior year at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, the focus was firmly on preparing for college, leaving little room for distraction.
In fact, Burton had perfect attendance all four years and didn’t miss a day of school, because at Lindblom that’s the golden rule!
“This one was the derring-do,” Burton’s English teacher and cheerleading coach Ms. Betty Miller said. “One who dares to do anything.”
“You were a leader, you were a hard worker and you were focused,” biology teacher Dr. Gertrude Banks said.
Those are traits needed to attend Lindblom Math and Science Academy in West Englewood.
“We currently boast one of the highest graduation rates in Chicago,” said principal Starlet Banks. “Our students hail from all across the city, each accustomed to being the best in smaller environments, only to find that here, everyone stands out.”
Since its founding in 1919, Lindblom has been recognized as a historical landmark, leading to minimal changes in its classic building. Still celebrating as the Lindblom Eagles, the school champions the motto “Our History Guides our Future.”
Principal Banks had the vision to install a “hall of fame” last summer, which now includes Burton.
“It’s inspiring to hear students ask with amazement, ‘They went to Lindblom?’ It’s true,” Banks stated. “They, too, can make significant local and global contributions.”
Landing a spot on the hall of fame was not possible without the support of Burton’s teachers.
Accompanying her on this nostalgic journey were two cherished figures from the past, including a former English teacher who doubled as their spirited cheerleading coach, affectionately known by everyone as Killer Miller.
“I really don’t understand how I was catapulted into the coaching position,” Miller said. “Cheerleading, somehow cheerleading and Shakespearean study stuff really coalesce. But it was challenging. It was. It was fun.”
Being a Lindblom student is also serious business.
“I insisted that they keep their grades up,” Miller said. “There was no room for average on the squad.”
Dr. Gertrude Hill taught biology at Lindblom.
“You were an excellent student. I can remember that. There are certain students who you see and you say this person has got something extra,” Dr. Hill said. “My job is to help you reach your fullest potential in my subject area… I wanted to help them learn biology, understand biology, and hopefully love biology as I did.”
It’s teachers like Ms. Hill, Ms. Miller and the new generation of educators who have helped to maintain Lindblom’s status as best in class.
“It’s a diamond in the rough,” Banks said. “We are located in Englewood, specifically West Englewood. But the amazing and remarkable things that are happening in the school and the people who are graduating from this school that are going to impact the world, is what makes them the best school in the world.”
Burton has made sure to keep in touch with Lindblom. In 2019, she created a scholarship in her name for students pursuing a career in journalism and media.
Each year, Burton gifts $5,000 scholarships to two outstanding students. So far, she has gifted $60,000.
Burton is so proud to keep doing this for her Eagles.
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