Friends of Amundsen (FOA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to aid Amundsen High School through fundraising, supporting students, staff, and parents, and promoting school spirit throughout the community.
FOA was created in 2012 and is all volunteer based. Parents, teachers, alumni and community continue to help Amundsen be an outstanding high school of choice in Chicago.
Amundsen High School is a stand-out choice among all neighborhood high schools in Chicago for many reasons, including:
- Highest CPS rating possible (Level 1+)
- Top perfoming & competitive IB program
- Thriving athletic programs
- Unwaivering committment to providing every student an authentic college & career prep experience
Amundsen High School students adopt a school-wide value system, The Viking Way, which fosters development of Accountable, Honorable, and Scholarly students.
Amundsen High School students are HAPPY!
2020-2021 FOA Board Members:
Matty May, President
Kim Belton, Vice President
Beth Benjamin, Treasurer
Molly Lane, Member (Teacher Rep)
Claes Brameus, Member
Allison Freedman, Member
Patti Morrow, Member
Anne Ryan, Member
Chris Yarusso, Member
FOA Advisory Board Members:
Stephen Reynolds (FOA Founder)
Amy Williamson (FOA Founder)
Beneen Prendiville (Former President)
Tracey Balderson, (Former President)
Linda Lesondak, (Former VP)
Jim Anderson (Former Treasurer)
Margaret O'Conor (Former Member)
Roni Walsh (Former Member)
Minh Nguyen (AHS AP)
Kristi Eilers (AHS AP)
FOA works in partnership with Grow Community and other "Friends of" programs:
Friends of Amundsen Athletics
Grow Community
Ravenswood Community Council
Friends of Coonley
Waters Today
Friends of McPherson
Friends of Ravenswood
Friends of Budlong
Lincoln Square North Neighbors
Winnemac Park Neighbors
Since becoming Principal in 2012, Anna Pavichevich (call her Ms. P) has led a remarkable and exciting transformation to bring Amundsen High School to the forefront of high school choices for Chicago students!
View Amundsen High School's neighborhood boundary map here.
Since 2012, Friends of Amundsen has supported our community by spreading the good word about and raising money for Amundsen High School.
Through fundraisers, community outreach projects, hosted events, lobbying of influential organizations and fundraising, FOA has helped celebrate and impact the positive change accomplished at Amundsen over the last several years.
