Pioneering New Trier Teachers Grandson Continues Legacy

New Trier High School ranks 2nd in Illinois thanks to the efforts of such teachers as James Landers, a former literature teacher who founded the drama and theater program. Landers grandson, famous actor Rikki Lee Travolta, has set aside his Hollywood career to follow in his grandfathers footsteps by writing a brand new literary novel and picking up a teaching certificate.

Illinois annual student testing for 2002 revealed New Trier High School of Winnetka as the second ranked school statewide while boasting the
overall top scores on ACT college admissions tests.

The ranking is a testament to generations of teachers that paved the way for the current academic programs, including James Landers the literature and English teacher credited with planting the seeds for the
schools acclaimed drama and theater program before his untimely death in the late 1960s.

Another testament to the pioneering New Trier teachers legacy is that his grandson has just become a published author after excelling in a career in drama.

The popular fiction novel My Fractured Life" by Rikki Lee Travolta, bridges his grandfathers affinities for literature and the dramatic arts. The novel is being compared to Carrie Fishers wildly popular Post Cards from the Edge" for its witty accounts of the morally-deficient members of the entertainment industry.

Not since Postcards from the Edge has an author offered such a raw, unapologetic look at the seedy side of Hollywood," wrote Jordana Bieze of CMP Media.

A good guilty pleasure book," adds a review from book giant Amazon.com, where the book is available to millions of shoppers.

Born in Marlon Brandos hometown of Libertyville in 1975, Travolta spent much of his youth on the road as a touring actor. He returned to Chicago in 1997 to star in the hit comedy Tony n Tinas Wedding," and again in 2001 to play legendary French icon Sir Lancelot to Chicago Lyric Operas Bruce Wallaces King Arthur in Donna DeCarls revival of the classic musical Camelot."

He is currently training for his role as agenetically engineered soldier in the television movie Hero Before Dawn" with Michael Dorn of Star Trek The Next Generation fame.

As a lifelong advocate of education and literacy, since his return to Chicago Travolta followed in his grandfathers footsteps -- adding state substitute teaching credentials to his resume. He also served as a
celebrity spokesperson for the Indian Trails Public Library District to raise funding.

Although his grandfather passed away before Travolta was born, he has said that he has visited with him spiritually.

Asked if he would ever consider a fulltime career in teaching like his grandfather, Travolta emphatically endorsed area schools commitment to both literature and fine arts stating he is always honored to be
affiliated with quality programs that gives back to the community.

One way the author gives back to the community is through donation of proceeds from the sale of merchandise. Fifty percent of the author proceeds from copies of My Fractured Life" sold through www.TravoltaNet.com go to the Rikki Lee Travolta American Hero Foundation, established following the September 11th tragedies.

Over the years Travolta has collected for such programs as Even Start Literacy Campaign and Season of Concern.