Arlington Heights Declares 'Stranger Things' Day for Local Teen Actor

13-year-old Jake Connelly will be honored at village board meeting for his role on hit Netflix show.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The village of Arlington Heights, Illinois, has declared Tuesday 'Stranger Things' Day to honor local teen actor Jake Connelly, who plays the role of Derek Turnbow on the popular Netflix series. Connelly, an eighth grader at Thomas Middle School, will be recognized at the village board meeting for his 'professional and creative work as an actor' that has brought positive attention to the community.

Why it matters

Connelly's breakout role on 'Stranger Things' has thrust the young actor into the national spotlight, highlighting the talent and potential of youth in the Arlington Heights community. The proclamation celebrates Connelly's character arc and the show's themes of personal growth and redemption.

The details

Connelly, 13, relocated to Atlanta for 11 months in 2024 to film the final season of 'Stranger Things,' where he plays the role of bully-turned-ally Derek Turnbow. The proclamation notes that Derek 'begins as closed off to others, combative … but whose story ultimately becomes one of trust, personal evolution and courage,' and that he 'rises to the moment when it matters most' to prove 'that anyone can become 'Delightful,' a nod to his nickname. Since returning home and the final season's release, Connelly has been in the national spotlight, including a recent appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' His next project is an indie feature film that begins shooting this month in northern Illinois.

  • Tuesday, February 18, 2026 is 'Stranger Things' Day in Arlington Heights.
  • The village board recognition will be at the beginning of the meeting that starts at 7:30 p.m. at village hall.

The players

Jake Connelly

A 13-year-old eighth grader at Thomas Middle School who plays the role of bully-turned-ally Derek Turnbow on the hit Netflix series 'Stranger Things.'

Jim Tinaglia

The mayor of Arlington Heights, Illinois.

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What’s next

Connelly will attend the Tuesday night village board meeting to receive the proclamation declaring 'Stranger Things' Day in Arlington Heights.

The takeaway

This recognition of a local teen actor's breakout role on a hit Netflix series highlights the talent and potential within the Arlington Heights community, and celebrates the show's themes of personal growth and redemption.