The scandal involving accused pervert teacher Christina Formella has sent shockwaves through Downers Grove South High School in suburban Chicago. Despite no longer working at the school, Formella’s presence can still be felt in the latest yearbook, where she appears not once, but three times.
Formella, who tied the knot with her high school sweetheart in August, was arrested in March on charges of raping a teenage student approximately 50 times. The Illinois State Board of Education confirmed that she surrendered her “professional educator license” on June 17, marking the end of her teaching career.
Charged with 55 crimes including aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sex abuse, and grooming, Formella faces a potential sentence of up to 60 years if convicted. The 2024-25 yearbook prominently features her headshot, as well as group photos showing her posing with the boys’ soccer team and JV girls’ soccer teams that she coached.
Throughout court appearances, Formella’s husband has remained by her side, offering support in the face of mounting legal challenges. Prosecutors allege that Formella began grooming the victim when he was just 14 years old, leading to a series of disturbing encounters that took place at the school where she worked as a special education teacher.
Investigators claim that Formella raped the teen at least 45 times on school grounds, with an additional five assaults occurring at her home during school hours. Despite the damning evidence presented by prosecutors, Formella has vehemently denied the allegations, even going so far as to claim that she was being blackmailed by her accuser.
The illicit relationship between Formella and the victim reportedly began in January 2023, only coming to an end in September of the same year. In a statement to The Post, a school spokesperson noted that the yearbooks were printed in March, prior to Formella’s arrest. Despite her legal troubles, Formella’s inclusion in the yearbook was deemed necessary given her status as a former employee of the school district.
The shocking revelations surrounding Formella serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in educational settings. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community of Downers Grove South High School grapples with the aftermath of a scandal that has left a lasting impact on all those involved.
