Giving back is part of the culture at District 88
At District 88, our students and staff have truly demonstrated that giving back is part of the district’s culture.
We strive to develop a sense of community spirit in our students, and as we head into the holiday season, we want to take a moment to share a few examples of how our students and staff help better the communities in which we live.
Blazers give back
Addison Trail has led several efforts to give back to the community. In October, our students and staff were dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research through our Go Pink or Go Home fundraiser. Throughout the month, Addison Trail hosted events such as the Go Pink or Go Home Walk, Volley for the Cure and a Pink Out during the football game to not only raise money for breast cancer research, but also to educate students about breast cancer.
In November, it’s Movember at Addison Trail, as 54 male staff members are growing mustaches to raise money in support of men’s health awareness, specifically prostate and testicular cancer.
Also in November, we hosted our annual blood drive, and we’re thrilled to have had about 200 people donate this year. And on Nov. 19, the Addison Trail Lettermen Club hosted a Run-a-Thon to raise money for student scholarships and to help members of the community in need.
Last, but certainly not least, Addison Trail gives back to its community through its service clubs during the year. From participating in the Kiwanis Peanut Days, to hosting our annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Luncheon, to our INTERACT Club helping at our local homeless shelter, giving back to Addison is a cornerstone of Blazer Pride. As we move through the year, you will see our Blazers participating in community tutoring programs, Salvation Army bell ringing, the Park Pride Cleanup Day and the Salt Creek Cleanup Day, just to name a few.
We are happy to serve our community, and we thank you for your continued support of Addison Trail High School.
Warriors give back
Throughout the school year, Willowbrook assists organizations and families in need through a variety of programs. Each of those programs provides outstanding leadership opportunities for our students, as they commit to giving back to our local community and beyond.
During the holiday season, the Willowbrook Key Club coordinates an annual food drive to support local food pantries, and the Warrior Project supports local families and children by providing gifts for those who might otherwise not receive them. Our students regularly volunteer at food pantries, shelters and the Feed My Starving Children organization. And the Willowbrook Parent Organization (WPO) coordinates an annual apparel drive, which collects new or slightly used winter hats, gloves and coats for local shelters. Students also recently wrote holiday cards and thank you letters to members of the military.
Willowbrook also is dedicated to the fight against cancer and hosts the annual Relay For Life of District 88 All Youth, which has raised more than $160,000 for the American Cancer Society during the past three years. That event is complemented by our male staff members participating in Facial Hair February, where they grow beards and collect donations and sponsorships to benefit Relay For Life. Willowbrook’s commitment to fighting cancer also is seen through our Warriors For A Cure campaign, which raises funds throughout the month of October for breast cancer research.
Our Warriors give back in an effort to support local, national and even international projects. One example is the blood drives Willowbrook hosts twice a year, in partnership with LifeSource, which collects nearly 400 units of blood to help save lives. Another example is our Senior Class Service Project. This year, the class of 2014 has committed to completing 10,000 hours of community service. Last year, the class of 2013 raised $22,000 and packed 108,000 meals to help feed malnourished children in Guatemala.
Our Warriors are committed to giving back and are leaders in developing supports for those in need. We thank them for their continued commitment to those efforts, and we thank you for your support of Willowbrook High School.
- This is a column by Addison Trail Principal Adam Cibulka and Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause.