HIGHLAND PARK LITERARY FESTIVAL CELEBRATED ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR MARK SULLIVAN AS FEATURED SPEAKER OF THE COMMUNITY KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Highland Park Literary Festival (HP LitFest) proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Highland Park High School Auditorium on Thursday, February 20, 2025, with keynote speaker, Mark Sullivan. Nearly 200 attendees gathered to hear New York Times bestselling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky, share insights into his background, writing journey, and life story. Sullivan, the acclaimed author of more than 18 novels, is also known for co-writing the Private series with James Patterson. 

“We were proud to serve thousands in our community through HP LitFest this year and to celebrate this milestone of the 30th anniversary. It was a pleasure to welcome Mark Sullivan for our community keynote address and to kick off LitFest,” said HP Litfest Co-Chair Ashley Blanchette. “And, thanks to the leadership that came before us, we were successfully able to offer 25 esteemed professionals as workshop presenters on Friday to all current Highland Park High School Students.  It was truly a memorable event.”

Since its founding in 1995 by parents and Highland Park High School (HPHS) faculty members, HP LitFest has grown into a highly anticipated series of events for students and community members, culminating in a two-day festival. This year, along with the keynote speaker and workshops offered to HPHS students, HP LitFest hosted a student-run open mic night, a student writing contest and awards breakfast, a LitFest Student Committee for HPHS students, and will award two scholarships to graduating seniors. 

Each year, HP LitFest remains committed to its mission of inspiring and encouraging students and our community to celebrate language in all of its written and spoken forms. This tradition is made possible by the generous donations from sponsors including La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, HP Arts, PC Tag,  and HPHS PTA , along with donations from families within the school district and beyond. 

Donations: To support our public and student programs, please contribute by texting HPLITFEST to 44321. Thank you.