On Friday, Oct. 17, with Oak Park High School football facing off against Buena High School, the football stadium was packed to the brim with members of the Oak Park community to also celebrate the life of Jordyn Solny, elementary kindergarten teacher at Oak Hills Elementary School.

“I want everyone to know that she was a kind, inclusive, and compassionate individual,” Oak Hills Elementary School kindergarten aide and mother of Jordyn Solny, Lisa Solny said to the Talon. “She always wanted everyone to feel like they belonged whether it was in her classroom or in life.”

Oak Park Unified School District had an influential role in Jordyn Solny’s life. She attended Oak Hills Elementary School, Medea Creek Middle School and graduated from Oak Park High School in 2015. She passed away in April 2025 at the age of 27.

“Her dream was to be a kindergarten teacher in Oak Park and she accomplished that dream in her 27 short years on Earth,” Lisa Solny said. “We are so lucky that she was able to be a kindergarten teacher of Oak Hills Elementary her last three years.”

The theme of the football game was “Dodger Blue,” inspired by her favorite sports team. Attendees wore jerseys and the color blue to show their support for the Solny family. ASB sold blue merchandise, including bandanas, leis and pom-pons as well.

“They [the Solny family] are 100% Oak Park family that is fully invested in this community so anything we can do to help support them and keep her memory alive is exciting and important,” assistant principal Jason Meskis said.

The Solny family has started a scholarship fund to help students to lead with love, follow their dreams and above all, to live like Jordyn. Donations can be made through Zelle, Venmo or by check to the Live Like Jordyn Solny Scholarship Fund, an educational scholarship.

“I just want to thank the teachers and staff and students and parents who have supported us,” Lisa Solny said. “They are our village and we could not do anything without them so we really thank you guys.”