For four Rybicki siblings stalking the halls at Oak Lawn High School this year, family is never far away.
Luke Rybicki, 14, is a freshman adjusting to the fast pace between classes. Abby, 15, is a sophomore becoming more confident in her routine. Keira, 16, is a junior managing a full schedule of AP courses and extracurriculars. Gavin, 17, is a senior focused on his final year and the transition ahead.
“It’s like having a best friend with you everywhere you go,” Abby said. “If I’m bored in school during passing period, I can bother one of my siblings to bring me up.”
The Rybicki family has deep roots in Oak Lawn. Parents Sarah and Frank grew up in the area, with Sarah graduating from Oak Lawn Community High School in 2000 and Frank from Richards High School in 2001.
Raising four children in the community they grew up in has been quite an experience.
“It went too fast. Faster than what every parent says. And very repetitive, but it was nice that they always had someone to hang out with, especially because we had two of each,” Sarah Rybicki said.
“If anything, the only difficulty came when they were babies and the cost of raising a child. Diapers weren’t cheap, but our goal was to have one in diapers at a time, and it worked. Now that they are all teenagers, the cost is different—with sports, school, travel, and, of course, teenagers can eat.”
Now that they’re older, the challenges have shifted from pricey diapers to demanding schedules.
With each sibling involved in different sports and activities, the Rybickis are constantly on the move — juggling practices, games, and school commitments.
And the Rybicki siblings certainly stay busy both in and out of the classroom.
Gavin, the eldest, competes in track and field, baseball, bowling, and cross-country.
Keira, once a volleyball player, is now involved in drama club and cross-country.
Abby plays volleyball and softball, while Luke takes on football, basketball, and baseball.
Beyond sports, they support each other in other ways.
“They still help each other with homework and practice sports together,” said their mother, Sarah.
When asked about sharing a high school, Gavin was quick to answer.
“It’s kind of odd,” he said. “Yeah, sure, it’s annoying to drive them everywhere, but it’s good to know I have family I can trust in the school.”
Keira echoed that sentiment.
“I’ll always have a familiar face in the halls when I feel lonely,” she said.
For Luke, the youngest, having his siblings nearby is about more than convenience — it’s about connection.
“It helps us have a better relationship, even if we aren’t always on good terms,” Luke said. “We can ask each other for help and talk about things related to high school.”
For the Rybicki siblings, 2024-25 is a one-of-a-kind year at Oak Lawn Community High School. It’s the first — and last — time they’ll all be there together.
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