Parents, students, administrators and local leaders turned out in Oak Park last week to celebrate the newly transformed St. HOPE Public School 7 at 5201 Strawberry Lane.

“This day marks the culmination of a $34 million dollar investment in the heart of Oak Park,” said Carolyn Veal-Hunter, Chair of the St. HOPE Public Schools Board. “What once were outdated classrooms, have been transformed into what you see today: a vibrant state of the art learning environment, through modernized classrooms, a refreshed administration building, a new multi-purpose room and outdoor play areas, including a basketball court.”

Veal-Hunter spoke for many when she put the school’s transformation into historical context.

“I was filled pride watching the first shovel of dirt on the project that was headed by a

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