District 59 students start off year with fun

Thanks to the District 59 Education Foundation, CCSD59 students won't be starting the school year with the end-of-summer blues.

In spite of the uncooperative weather, the second annual Back to School Celebration, held Aug. 29, was a success. The event, sponsored by the D59 Education Foundation, was moved indoors at Grove Junior High School due to rainy conditions.

Local community partners, including park districts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, PTOs and others, were seen throughout the event. They provided information about upcoming offerings and activities.

Activities included inflatable jumps, basketball hoops, bean bag tosses and many other games and crafts. Lunch was provided for everyone by donations from Sodexo, CCSD59's food supplier, including hot dogs, chips, fruit and bottled water.

Marlene Pasdo, the D59 Education Foundation chairwoman for the event, said everyone does their part.

"We have many junior high students volunteer to help, and their hard work and kindness to others is great for our younger students to observe," she said. "All of our community groups come together to share information, learn from one another and focus on how our continued partnerships benefit District 59 students."

Perhaps the highlights of the entertainment provided were the shows.

Matt Wilhelm, who has won three X-Games Medals, two National Championships, and was seen on "America's Got Talent" for his BMX bike stunts, put on two exciting shows for the CCSD59 crowd.

Students cheered for free posters, shirts and giveaways in addition to his stunts, which included spins, jumps, and even wall-climbing with his bike. Wilhelm weaved positive messages into his performance, speaking about the importance of hard work, perseverance, education, safety and standing up to bullying.

"Thanks for the opportunity to share my message and talents with the students in District 59," said Wilhelm. "I love hearing from parents that their kids have quoted my message of 'Never Give Up' in their own day to day lives, and that I've made a difference to them. To me, there is nothing greater than to make a difference in the life of a child or teen."

American Tiger Karate Academy also put on a great show for the students and families, showing different karate levels and methods. The presentation included demonstrations of proper techniques, sparring matches, self-defense moves and culminated in displays of breaking wooden boards.

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