We are writing as parents and community members to share our support for Arlene F. Cabana’s request to speak at the upcoming 8th-grade graduation. Arlene and her family have been active members of the Pleasantdale district for 17 years, and during that time she has held several key leadership roles within our community. 

Arlene’s record of service to our students and families includes her roles as:

• President of the District 107 Board of Education

• President of the Pleasantdale PTO

• President of the Lyons Township High School PTC

Through these roles, Arlene has established deep roots and ties to our community. In these positions she has chaired numerous activities and events, built strong relationships with parents, staff, and local leaders, and strongly advocated for the safety of our students against industrial development of the LT land. As a parent whose youngest child is graduating with the Class of 2026, this marks the Cabana family’s final year at Pleasantdale.

We believe her passion and experience within our community would provide a meaningful and relevant message for our graduates as they prepare for their transition to high school.

We respectfully ask that the administration and the Board reconsider the current decision and allow Arlene the opportunity to address the 8th-grade class. We believe her involvement will help make the ceremony a memorable and successful event for the students and their families.