There's something special about a community that shows up for each other. 

Last Saturday, hundreds of Cicero District 99 students, families, staff members, and community organizations rolled up their sleeves and came together alongside Town of Cicero President Larry Dominick and the Board of Trustees for the annual Town-Wide Spring Clean Up — one of the largest and state-recognized community clean up events in Illinois. 

But this day was about so much more than picking up litter. It was about pride. It was about unity. It was about teaching our children that when we work together, we can make a real difference. 

Across Cicero, our students walked the blocks surrounding their schools with garbage bags in hand and smiles on their faces. Teachers, parents, administrators, and volunteers worked side-by-side, showing what it truly means to care for the neighborhoods we call home. 

And perhaps the most beautiful part of all — our students witnessed the power of community firsthand. They saw neighbors helping neighbors. They saw leadership in action. They saw that even the smallest acts of service can create something bigger than ourselves. 

After a morning of hard work, everyone gathered together at Cicero Community Park to celebrate — enjoying free t-shirts, laughter, friendship, and delicious food donated by local businesses that continue to support our schools and our town year after year. 

Days like this remind us why Cicero is so special. Not because of buildings or streets... but because of the people. 

Because here in Cicero, we don't wait for someone else to make things better. We do it together. 

To every student, family member, staff member, volunteer, local business, and community partner who participated: thank you for helping make our town cleaner, stronger, and brighter. 

This is what community looks like. This is what unity looks like. This is what Cicero Pride is all about!