The Reporter
Southwest Regional Publishing
For nearly 40 years, Helen Whalen dedicated herself to the students of District 123, championing education and making children her top priority.
As president of the Hometown School PTA, the Illinois State PTA and the District 123 Board of Education, she worked tirelessly to support local schools. Though she passed away, her legacy lives on through the Helen Whalen Scholarship Fund, which helps graduating high school seniors take the next step in their education.
To continue that tradition of giving, School District 123 PTA Council hosted its first-ever community parking lot sale on April 5 at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, 5345 W. 99th St.
The event, which offered 43 vendor spots for purchase, raised funds to provide three $1,000 scholarships to deserving students.
“All the money raised from vendor fees goes directly into our scholarship fund,” said Kari Devine, president of the District 123 PTA Council. “It was important to us to create something that not only raised money but also brought people together for a great cause.”
Devine first came up with the idea for the parking lot sale last year when she planned to participate in a similar fundraiser for the Oak Lawn High School Booster Club. That event, however, was rained out. Undeterred, she saw an opportunity to create a new tradition within District 123.
“I wanted to have a fundraiser that could bring our community together,” she said. “When I pitched the idea at our first meeting, I was so grateful that the entire team embraced it. We knew this could be something special.”
The scholarship application process requires students to submit various documents, including an essay that is graded by a team of five judges. To ensure fairness, each essay is reviewed anonymously using a rubric. The three selected recipients will be honored at a celebration dinner on May 5.
“For the students who receive these scholarships, it’s more than just financial help—it’s a reminder that their community believes in them,” Devine said. “Helen Whalen spent her life making sure students had every opportunity to succeed, and it’s incredible to see that mission continue.”
For Devine, the most meaningful part of organizing the event was witnessing the collective effort of the community.
“What I like most about this endeavor is how we all come together to make a difference,” she said. “None of this would be possible without the amazing team of dedicated parents who have poured their hearts and souls into their schools’ PTAs, PTSA, and PTO and still come together to help with this district council.”
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