L-W East, L-W North students planning service projects in conjunction with Global Youth Service Day

   Students from Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North high schools are joining a worldwide effort to improve their communities by organizing a variety of service projects in conjunction with the Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) on April 27.

   “This is the first year that the southwest suburbs have had a GYSD movement,” said Lincoln-Way North social science teacher and Key Club sponsor Matthew Jordan. “They began planning their service projects in the fall with teens throughout the southwest suburbs and are now mobilizing their volunteer teams to carry out their respective projects.”

   Students plan to sort toys for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest, collect items for the Cancer Support Center of Mokena and organize a 5K to raise money and awareness for an anti-bullying nonprofit.

   Students also plan to host a Day of Play to encourage exercise and activity while raising money to benefit the Miracle League and its efforts to expand and build a special baseball field for kids with disabilities in the Frankfort area.

   Among the students leading a project from Lincoln-Way North are Tyler Sucharzewski, Frank Licka and Lauren Ashack. Leaders from Lincoln-Way East include Katie Smith and Katie Shaw.

   They will be joining students from Sandburg, Stagg, Andrew, Tinley Park and Bremen high schools as well as teens from area churches and the Bridge Teen Center to complete their mission.

   Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth, according to the group’s website. It is celebrated in more than 100 countries each year.