Oak Lawn Community High School has become a beloved place for students and teachers alike since it’s opening in the early 1950’s.
Mary Kay Nichols has been a Physical Education teacher at Oak Lawn for 31 years, and over this time, she’s made countless meaningful friendships with the community.
Mrs. Nichols describes her experience at Oak Lawn, “My time at OLCHS has been amazing. I have been here over half of my life and experienced so many great things since I have been here. I met my husband because of OLCHS and I have two great kids. I have been here for my friends’ marriages and their children and I know their families too. I have watched my students and players go on to do great things and have been to their weddings and know their children. So the theme is family, students and friends have been fantastic here at OLCHS.” The impact of this school on the community is hard to deny.
Mrs. Nichols has made a lot of fond memories throughout here time at Oak Lawn,”My favorite memories are the everyday interactions with my friends and students. Teaching PE is so amazing as we get to see students in a different way. It has made coming to work easy where it didn’t feel like work.”
Mrs. Nichols recalls some exciting moments being the assistant coach for the Boys State Volleyball team, Being the Fred Parks Coach of the Year, Coached conference and regionals championship volleyball teams, and being the Social Committee Chairman where she got to plan and organize union parties and festivities.
Mrs. Nichols says, “I will miss my Department. The PE department was such a great group of people. We all had so much fun and built friendships that will last a lifetime. I will miss teaching my students everyday and watching them grow into young adults from sophomore year to Senior year. I will miss all of the great colleagues who are my friends. Oak Lawn has been an amazing place to work and I am lucky to have spent 31 years here.”
Oak Lawn Community High School holds a lot of sentimental value for the people that grew in it. It’s been a place of many friendships, relationships, and Learning. The impact of Mrs. Nichols in this school will forever be remembered.
