We're Proud of Our Ravenswood Graduates.

Our former students have made incredible strides beyond Ravenswood Elementary School.  Many have moved on to wonderful high schools and colleges, both here in the city and across the country, while some students' paths have taken them around the world.  We have former students who are currently serving our country and others who have found successful careers here at home.  We are in the process of compiling information on our past and recent graduates to share with you, so please check this page again and again!

Carlos Olivero, Class of '03.  Carlos Olivero is among the five new members of the group MENUDO, a polished, highly professional singing-and-dancing boy group.  Coming out of Puerto Rico in the 1970s, MENUDO was the first, and the greatest, of a wave of talented singing and dancing groups that's still relevant 30 years later. The legendary group has sold over 40 million records worldwide, broke numerous attendance records and launched the career of international superstar Ricky Martin.  Now – two generations later – a new, updated version of MENUDO is back, with a contemporary sound and look, and the same universal appeal.  The members are young, polished, professional, dedicated and ultra talented.  They have undergone a rigorous process of musical, choreographic, and professional education that required them to excel individually and to work together as a cohesive unit.  Menudo released a preview of new music on their More Than Words EP in December, 2007 followed by their full length album, LOST, in spring of 2008, both via Epic Records.  If you ask Carlos what he brings to the group, he'll tell you, "I'm the urban one; I'm the little hip hop guy in the group." He says he's goofy and he cracks a lot of jokes, but he's focused on his music. "I learned how to dance from my father, because he was a break dancer, so I picked up dancing at a young age – I think I was about five years old when I started dancing. Music was always in my blood because my uncles and aunts, they danced, they sang, they performed." Ask him what it means to be in the new MENUDO, and you'll find someone who believes in his mission: "The way we all look at it is" – he emphasizes group effort – "We're bringing Latino back and to a whole new audience!"  Read more about MENUDO and our very own Carlos Olivero at www.Menudo.com.


Mini Reunion - Class of '87
Recently the Class of '87 had a small class reunion.  It was a time for them to reminisce with old time friends and they're looking forward to reuniting again soon.  They were kind enough to contact our website and provide us with these great photos.  We heard a fun time was had by all!


Left to Right:  Gary Sarpy, Rafael Castillo, Elia Baez, Kenya Gunart ('86), Lysa Aleman, Cindy Portillo, Rick Rodriguez, Lupe Espinosa, Marcela Araya-Sherwin, Giovanny Espinosa


Elia Baez, Marcela Araya-Sherwin, Lysa Aleman


Rick Rodriquez, Cindy Portillo, Kenya Gunart ('86)


Gary Sarpy, Rafael Castillo, Giovanny Espinosa

Thanks Class of '87!


Bob Fosse (1927-1987)  is a legendary song and dance man.  Fosse left his mark on Broadway and Hollywood with a style that continues to influence musical theater today. During his career, he earned nine Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, three Emmy Awards, an Oscar and the Palme d'Or.


If you are a graduate of Ravenswood School - we want to hear from you!  If you are a teacher, friend or relative with information on any Ravenswood graduate, please send it to Website@RavenswoodElementary.com.

CPS Alumni are a part of something big!  If you attended a Chicago Public School, you are one of 3 million living alumni! CPSalumni.org was created to build relationships among alumni of the Chicago Public Schools, their former schools, and classmates.  Learn more by visiting www.CPSAlumni.org.