72nd Plainfield Community Homecoming Parade Steps Off Sept. 28

Submitted by District 202

PLAINFIELD, IL – The 72nd Annual Plainfield Community Homecoming Parade, themed "America the Beautiful" will step off at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.

The parade will wind through downtown Plainfield, led by this year’s Grand Marshal, Audrey Stein.

The Community Homecoming Parade features entries from all grade levels.

Raised in the Chicagoland area, Stein, a former dedicated bookkeeper for over 25 years, volunteers her time and resources to support students and families in need. Over the years, she has personally funded school supplies for underprivileged children, ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed in the classroom or at home.

Mrs. Stein’s legacy is her work with the Wildcat Fund (formerly the Needy Family Fund). With her help and organization, tens of thousands of dollars were raised to help purchase essentials such as backpacks, clothing, food and learning materials for students.

Mrs. Stein has spent her adult life helping children around Plainfield. Her kind-hearted nature is evident in her commitment to making sure every child has a chance to thrive, both academically and personally. Through her selfless giving, Stein has touched the lives of countless families, fostering a sense of hope and community.

Then-District 202 Superintendent of Schools Walter Niehus started the homecoming parade in 1952 to celebrate Plainfield High School’s homecoming week. It has grown over the years into a community event bringing the whole town together.

After the parade, all PHSCC alumni and friends are invited to attend the PHS Alumni Tea in the PHSCC Main Cafeteria where the Class of 1974 will be honored, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive.

The Annual PHS All Class Reunion will be held from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Plainfield American Legion Hall, 24741 W Renwick Road. The All Class Reunion was started for those alums who were not attending a milestone reunion that year.

There will be a cash bar, pizza, DJ,and $10 per person admission will be charged at the door. All alumni and friends of homecoming are welcome. Contact Ingrid Andreasen Price at (815) 436-7300 for more information.

PHS Athletic Hall of Fame

The 2024 PHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include:

Individual
Luke Winder ‘11 (pole vault - track and field)

Team
The 2010-2011 girls bowling team, which finished second in the state. The coaches and team members include:

• Connie McGrath-Roberts, head coach
• Megan Ryan-Madsen, assistant coach
• Ashley Bennett '11
• Autumn Lee '12
• Samantha Burchart '11
• Jordan Leikel '11
• Alannah Courtney '12
• Tricia Zimmerman '11
• Chelsea Oshita '11
• Kristine Countryman '14
• Aileen McGuire '11

The inductees will be inducted at the PHSCC varsity home football game on Sept. 27.

Other Homecoming/Alumni Events

Plainfield High School – Central Campus

• Varsity football game – 7 p.m., Sept. 27, versus Plainfield East High School
• Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 6 p.m. in the auditorium– inductees will be honored at the varsity football game on Sept. 27.
• Alumni Tea – PHSCC main cafeteria immediately after the parade on Sept. 28.

Plainfield South High School

• Varsity football game – 7 p.m. Oct. 4 versus Joliet West High School

Plainfield North High School

• Varsity football game – 7 p.m. Sept. 20 versus Joliet West High School

Plainfield East High School

• Varsity football game – 7 p.m. Oct. 4 versus Joliet Central High School

For more information about this year’s Community Homecoming Parade or to nominate a Grand Marshal for the 73rd annual Community Homecoming Parade next year, please contact Chari Rahn at [email protected] or 815-436-3200 or the PHS Alumni Association Events Coordinator, Ingrid Andreasen Price at 815-436-7300.