CPS honors national champion Jordan Ham and Marshall High state basketball teams

The board used its April 23 meeting to spotlight student achievement across the district. Superintendent Dr. Meline King presented Jordan Ham, a senior at Southshore International High School, who won the New Balance Indoor Nationals in the 60‑meter hurdles in an Illinois state record time (8.18 seconds).

Coach Jason Cooper described the track program’s resource constraints — including a lack of an on‑campus track — and thanked the student, family and school community for their commitment to student athletics. Jordan addressed the board about the sacrifices of sport and her plans to attend the University of Wisconsin‑Madison.

The board also congratulated Marshall High School’s boys basketball team on winning the Class 1A state championship (52–44) and recognized the girls’ team for their division title. Board members used the moment to call attention to inequities in facilities and the district’s responsibility to provide high‑quality athletic and arts spaces.

What’s next: Board leaders and the superintendent said they will continue exploring how to expand safe, accessible athletics facilities so students needn’t travel far for practices.