2023 Hall of Fame
Alumni Day and Hall of Fame Inductions
Friday, November 3, 2023
Thornton Machine Shop Program
Designed so students can transition directly into entry-level positions as machinists with area businesses, or enter higher education already armed with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in the latest world-of-work methods.
Aviation Careers for TTHS Students
The Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund is now capitalizing on this jobs opportunity by developing and supporting a new Aerospace and Aviation program for Thornton and District 205.
TALF Scholarship Awards
TALF Board Members 2023
A Message from Kay
[Posted 5-1-23]
Welcome back to our updated website.
During the early COVID days, the Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund continued our work for Thornton high school students. Via zoom meetings, we continued our scholarship programs ($57,000 donated in 2022) and funded many special projects per teacher’s requests.
We invite you to check out the website and the new information provided. We also invite you to our Hall of Fame Day to be held on November 3, 2023. Looking forward to visiting with you.
Kay Barnhill Bush
President, TALF
The Hall of Fame is Coming Back! In Person!
[Posted 4-11-23]
In the past few years COVID-19 caused TALF to put many activities on hiatus, just like many organizations across the country. This year, things are much better, and like everyone else, we’re getting back to “normal.”
The Hall of Fame is one of the most important programs for TALF. Nomination forms will be available here soon. The Hall of Fame program will take place later in the year, as we usually have done int he past.
Stay tuned.
A sport hero, a writer and a comedian — all from Thornton
[Posted 4-11-23]
“Leaving Glory For Greatness” is the story of LaMarr Thomas. He had it all—All-State and High School All American in basketball and football. Lou Macaluso published this book in December 2022.
About LaMarr and Lou,Tom Dreesen (comedian, actor, author, motivational speaker) says: “Lou Macaluso has captured the very soul and spirit of a man that I thought I knew and loved. Now I know so much more and wish I could have my friend back for one more conversation.
Some men get to the mountaintop and shout out all the great deeds they have done and shout their name as well. LaMarr Thomas never mentioned his great deeds and would only whisper his name. Thank you, Lou, for taking LaMarr to the mountaintop and shouting out his name. This book is a must read for all who want to know about a great man who only wanted us all to love one another.”
Every major college and university wanted him. After a stellar season as running back for the Michigan State Spartans, the NFL’s most “sought after” prospect chose to leave football and fight for human rights as a scholar/activist. What led him to this decision, and what was the outcome? Leaving Glory for Greatness explores the human triumph and tragedy of this unsung American hero.
Thornton Township H.S. Dist. 205 has ordered over 300 copies of LEAVING GLORY FOR GREATNESS to be used in the History and/or English curriculum. That means students at Thornton, Thornridge, and Thornwood high schools will not only be learning about LaMarr Thomas but also learning from his extraordinary, exemplary life. . . It is the proudest moment of my writing career and perhaps my life.
“Leaving Glory For Greatness” is available for $20 paperback at this link:
See TALF’s Most Recent Newsletter
Where Are We In 2020 And Where Are We Going?
by Kay Barnhill Bush, TTHS Class of 1961
President of the Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund
It has been challenging these past several months as we navigate the pandemic, civil unrest, academic education of our children at home, the destruction caused by West Coast fires, the presidential election, and problems within our surrounding communities.
What each of us CAN do as we deal with these challenges is to remember that we are in this together.
Staying informed, advocating, volunteering, and donating; we need to support one another – large or small – in any way that we can. As Americans we can unify to meet all these challenges.
►Click here to read the rest of Kay’s article as well as the entire newsletter in full size.
Due to the pandemic the Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund has decided to cancel the Hall of Fame day for 2020. We are tentatively scheduling it for October 28, 2021.
Nominations for 2020 will be considered for that year.
The Lou Boudreau Room
The TALF Endowment
Since its establishment in 2004 the Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund (TALF has raised more than $500,000 to support student programming and activities at Thornton Township High School. Our alumni and school supporters make donations via PayPal, iGive and through the Vanguard 300.
► From Eric Fox: The case for giving
Here’s why you should give:
TTHS Successes
Wildcat giving leads to roaring successes for today’s generation of Thornton students.
- Thornton student receives Gates Millennium Scholarship
- Chess team achieves success, thanks in part to TALF donation
- Thornton Township Academy of Truck and Diesel Technology-Powered by Navistar trains a new generation of engineers
Scholarships (updated with 2017 information)
Where the Funds Go
2017-18 allocations from the Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund
Ways to Support TALF
TALF Newsletter
Vanguard 300
This video was produced at the Hall of Fame/Alumni Day 2013. Learn more about the Vanguard 300 fund here.
The Thornton Alumni Legacy Fund, whose goal is to cultivate change for the benefit of current and future students at Thornton Township High School, is an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Resources are secured from Thornton High School alumni and friends to create new and to enhance current academic and extracurricular programs. For example, TALF has revived the yearbook, purchased world history maps, restarted a girls’ dance group (the SophistiCats), refurbished the auditorium, provided technology for the science labs, and much more, as you can see in the section titled allocations on the right.
Additionally, TALF created and continues to bring the Distinguished Speakers Series to TTHS several times each year. The Speakers Series invites alumni to return and talk with students about their keys to their success, and provides insight into their chosen profession..
We invite you to look through our website in order to learn more about us. Please contact us to ask questions, sign up for our newsletter, and join our efforts. We look forward to hearing from you! Our e-mail address is TALF@district205.net. Mail us at P.O. Box 998, Mokena, IL 60448, or call us at (708) 225-4094.
Thornton Township High School Alumni Legacy Fund 