Once a Grover, Always a Grover: 1990s Alumni Reunite to Give Back
District 3 takes pride in being a place where every child is #KnownByName, and that culture stays with students long after they walk through the doors for the last time. In fact, last summer, a group of 1990s alumni proved that connection lasts a lifetime with the inaugural Groverpalooza, a community reunion born from a desire to celebrate Fox River Grove together.
With the help of some local staples, dozens of proud Grovers celebrated their past and at the same time gave back to where their stories began by raising money for the backpack program at FRGMS. This program, which was started by the Board President, Melissa Brennan, provides meals for students in need. These meals are provided in backpacks that the students can take home with them over the weekend. The program is organized by our school nurses, Lisa Liparoto and Alison Poore.
One thing I love about this community is their support for one another,” Superintendent Matt Mayer stated. “Once a grover, always a grover captures the spirit of support in this community. I find it absolutely amazing how this group came together to support our students and families.”
The original idea for Groverpalooza, a reunion for D3 alumni from all of the 1990s, can be traced back to Kelly Hoffman and DJ Witchie, both members of the D3 Class of 1993. They ran into each other at a funeral. Then, after the service, they spent two hours talking in the parking lot about all things Fox River Grove and their time in school.
The two made the decision at that moment—we don’t need to only see old friends during sad times.
"There was something special about growing up in the Grove,” Kelly said. “Even at a sad event, there was the feeling, 'I haven't seen you in forever, but I feel like no time has passed.' We have a shared childhood experience. That's what made Groverpalooza awesome.”
Kelly and DJ quickly enlisted the help of some fellow Grovers in Paul Dimmick (‘93), Eric Barham (‘92) and Stephanie Stantion (‘90). The group knew some local staples had to be included in the celebration, but they also knew they wanted to give back to D3 in any way they could.
“Fox River Grove is small-town USA,” Paul said. “We are a tight-knit town where people grow roots. You see 10 people in the grocery store before you even get back to the milk.”
“It is a special place in large part because of the great schools that make it a very family-oriented community. We knew we wanted to give back.”
On a Saturday night in late July, after months of planning, Groverpalooza came to life. Nearly 100 Grovers gathered at the base of the Norge Ski Club jumps and reunited like hardly no time had passed. A $25 admission ticket bought Grovers a night of fun, food and fellowship, and also left enough to donate $2,500 to D3.Before the music started and the stories began to flow, the group paused for a heartfelt moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragic 1995 Fox River Grove bus accident—a shared memory that deeply defined the 1990s generation of Grovers. Starting the night by honoring those lost brought the crowd even closer together, setting a tone of deep gratitude and community pride for the rest of the evening.
In addition to being held at one the Grove’s iconic locations, the gathering also included some past and present local powerhouses. The Lions Club donated the original Mr. Beefy’s sign and attendees enjoyed a recreation of their famous hot dogs. New China egg rolls and Dead End pizza were served.
The food was great, but the Grovers and their shared connections are what made it a night no one would forget. Alumni traveled from as far as Texas, Montana and Colorado to reminisce and soak up the Fox River Grove spirit.
Ryan Budyak, a lifelong Grover, put together a band that played 90s covers all night. Adam Stantion, another born-and-raised Grover, DJed between sets. In all, nearly 100 former Grovers and their families celebrated well into the night.
“We wanted to set an example for the younger generations to show what it's like coming from a small community,” DJ said. “You saw people you haven’t seen in 20 years, and it was like no time had passed. You instantly have that Grover connection to share.”
What started as a simple conversation in a parking lot turned into a powerful reminder of what makes Fox River Grove so unique. Long after graduation, these alumni proved that being part of D3 means being #KnownByName for life.
By coming together to support current students, the founders of Groverpalooza ensured that the next generation receives that same dedicated care and the Grover spirit will continue to live on and be celebrated.