West Chicago Community High School will mark its 100th anniversary with a yearlong celebration that opens at a fireworks-capped Homecoming football game Friday, Sept. 25, at Memorial Stadium.

The school is spreading the centennial across the full 2026-27 school year rather than packing it into a single weekend. Three anchor events shape the schedule: Homecoming this fall, winter music performances and a community block party in the spring. District 94 serves students from West Chicago, Wheaton, Warrenville, Winfield and Carol Stream.

Business partners and vendors contributed roughly $12,000 to $13,000 for giveaway items such as shirts, miniature footballs and pins, Superintendent Kurt Johansen told the Wildcat Chronicle, the school's student newspaper. The contributions reduced the cost to the district. Planning began in March and involved students, teachers, administrators and community members.

Sept. 25 lineup

Students will follow a half-day schedule before a pep assembly and Homecoming parade. The West Chicago City Council approved a special event permit for the parade in June. Food will be available near the school after the parade, and alumni will have access to a dedicated tent at the south end of Memorial Stadium during the football game.

Organizers plan to give free shirts to students at the game. The halftime show will feature the band, cheerleaders, dance team and fireworks.

Johansen said hearing from graduates who left the school 60 or 70 years ago is one of the most exciting parts of the centennial. "… It's really exciting to hear those kind of nostalgic stories from people who graduated 60 years ago, 70 years ago," he said.

Winter and spring events

Alumni may be invited to perform alongside current students during winter music concerts.

The final anchor event, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2027, would resemble a block party with student clubs, food trucks and inflatable attractions. Families from feeder schools, including West Chicago Elementary District 33, Benjamin District 25 and Winfield District 34, will be invited. The event is meant to introduce younger students to the high school and welcome them as future Wildcats.

Johansen said he hopes the original 1926 building will be preserved for generations of students to come. He pointed to the school's recently renovated auditorium as an example of that effort.

The Sept. 25 Homecoming game at Memorial Stadium is free and open to the public.