Deer Park Bicentennial: Flashback Friday| May 15, 2026
DP Graduations Through the Decades
Congratulations to the class of 2026! Deer Park Schools and the community are proud of you for your accomplishments in the classroom and beyond. We wish you all the best as you embark on the next chapter of your lives.
As we look forward to what lies ahead for our 2026 graduates, we also reflect upon all the Wildcat graduates who have come before them.
Prior to 1936, Deer Park students wishing to continue their education beyond eighth grade needed to attend high school in neighboring school districts such as Norwood or Sycamore. In 1936, our first high school was constructed when a west wing was added to the Amity building. Deer Park students finally returned home for high school, and two years later Deer Park High School graduated its first class of seniors.
Enjoy a look through the decades as past students celebrate the end of their high school days.
|
|
1930s
Class of 1938, first graduating class of Deer Park High School
|
|
1940s
|
|
|
|
1950s
Gradaution 1955
|
|
Gradaution 1957
|
|
1960s
|
|
|
|
|
|
1970s
Graduation 1973
|
|
Gradaution 1974
|
|
1980s
Graduation 1983
|
|
Graduation 1983
|
|
Graduation 1987
|
|
1990s
1992 Salutorian Tiffany Hammond and Valedictorian Donna Hammer
|
|
Graduation 1992
|
|
Graduation 1992
|
|
2000s
Graduation 2001
|
|
Graduation 2008
|
|
2010s
Graduation 2014
Graduation 2015
|
|
2020s
COVID-19 Drive Through Graduation 2020
Graduation 2024
|
|
“The past has taught its lesson, the present has its duty and the future its hope.”
|
|
A sincere effort has been made to convey the history as accurately as possible from artifacts, documents and personal narratives in the district’s archives.
|
|
Learn More
Community members, alumni, and supporters are encouraged to stay connected as the celebration approaches by signing up for Bicentennial updates on the district website.
Sign Up Here
Don't Trash It, Donate It Instead!
Deer Park Schools is also asking alumni and community members to help preserve the district’s history. If you have Deer Park memorabilia — such as yearbooks, photographs, letterman jackets, uniforms, or other school items — please consider donating them back to the district so they can be featured during bicentennial celebrations.
Alumni & Community Story Submission
As Deer Park Schools prepares to celebrate its 200th Anniversary in 2026, we are collecting memories, photos, and memorabilia from alumni and community members to help tell the story of Deer Park Schools.
If you have a favorite memory, historic photo, or item connected to Deer Park Schools, we would love to hear from you.
Your submission may be featured in Bicentennial displays, district publications, social media features, or community events throughout the celebration.