Addison Trail hosts annual Pay It Forward event for incoming freshmen

Top left: Volunteers help prepare lunch during Addison Trail's Pay It Forward/Freshmen Orientation event on Feb. 16. The day provides an opportunity for eighth-graders to build a foundation at Addison Trail and learn what it means to be a Blazer. Top right: Pictured are Addison Trail students and staff members who helped coordinate the event. Bottom: Students participate in a Pay It Forward/Freshmen Orientation activity.

On Feb. 16, Addison Trail hosted its annual Pay It Forward event for incoming students, which also included a Freshman Orientation component.

More than 350 students, including 260 eighth-graders, participated in this year’s event, which featured a clubs and sports theme. Incoming freshmen spent the day with Addison Trail students and staff, learning what it means to be an Addison Trail Blazer.

The day included various leadership workshops, speakers, team building exercises and activities to help students understand what it means to “Pay It Forward” in high school and in life. Participants also were able to watch a Boys Varsity Basketball Game (which was Senior Night, and the team won against Wheaton Academy) to gain firsthand experience of Addison Trail Blazer Pride. The event concluded with a reflection period and a dance, where students were able to celebrate their work.

A CORE team of high school student leaders led Pay It Forward, and volunteer staff leaders were present to assist with the team building exercises and to answer questions throughout the day. Pay It Forward gives eighth-grade students an opportunity to build a foundation at Addison Trail.

For more information about Pay It Forward, contact Addison Trail Assistant Principal Iridia Niewinski at iniewinski@dupage88.net or 630-628-3307.