District 88 hosts annual Parents of Black Scholars (PBS88) Family Dinner to welcome families and prepare students/parents for year ahead

To view a photo gallery from the event, click on the image above (or go to www.dupage88.net/PBSDinner2026). 

On Aug. 20, District 88 parents/guardians, students, staff members and community supporters gathered for the district’s annual Parents of Black Scholars (PBS88) Family Dinner.

Led by District 88 Student Success Coordinator Dr. VaLarie Humphrey, the evening welcomed families into the PBS88 Village and set the tone for a year filled with connection, preparation and opportunity.

PBS88 is grounded in a clear purpose: engaged parents, empowered scholars and extraordinary futures. The Family Dinner gave black families from Addison Trail and Willowbrook an opportunity to build relationships with staff members, connect with one another and learn about the programs and experiences available at the schools.

A central message of the evening was “Prepared and Ready.” Families were reminded that being prepared means being made ready in advance for a particular purpose, event, or situation. Students were encouraged to take advantage of every opportunity offered throughout the school year, so they can develop the confidence, skills and experiences needed for life after graduation.

Dr. Humphrey shared information about the Beyond BOSS Community, which empowers black students through meaningful experiences that celebrate identity, build leadership, strengthen connections and prepare students to thrive academically, socially and personally. Families also learned about monthly meetings and other student programs, including the Talented Scholars Network (District 88’s Black Scholars Honors Network) and Reign (which aims to empower female students through a series of workshops and activities focused on academic excellence, self-empowerment, issue resolution and more).

The presentation highlighted an exciting year of experiences, exposure and opportunities. Students will have access to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College and Career Fair, Black Energy Awareness Month, career pathway exploration, financial literacy instruction, stock market competitions, workforce behavior training, mock interviews, leadership development and opportunities to teach younger students through the High School Heroes Program.

Families also received information about the district’s BLACKtopia event (an annual conference focused on leadership, learning and legacy); Student African American Conference (SAACON); U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program (led by MSG William E. Jones, JROTC Instructor at Addison Trail, and Lieutenant Colonel Mike Reardon, Senior Army Instructor/JROTC Instructor at Willowbrook); and the new graduation requirement for students to complete at least one career-related experience (presented by District 88 Director of Student Career Development Iridia Nevarez).

District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente shared district updates, successes and future plans (including information about the board approving the placement of a referendum question on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot to address facility needs at Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools – see details at www.dupage88.net/Proposal).

The evening would not have been possible without the District 88 staff members and volunteers who welcomed families and helped create a warm atmosphere. Their involvement demonstrated the power of a school community that intentionally surrounds students with support.

The PBS88 Family Dinner was more than an event. It was a reminder that family connection matters, representation matters and preparation matters. When families, schools and community partners work together, black scholars are better positioned to succeed.