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CCSD 46 alumnus returns to Park Campus as a U.S. Marine

As a fifth-grade student at Park Campus in Round Lake, Reid Luczak made a life-changing decision. He read a book about serving the country and decided he wanted to become a United States Marine. Eight years later, Reid returned to Park Campus in full dress uniform as a Marine, days after graduating from boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California.

Luczak, his mother Laurie, and his younger brother Jace, visited with two classes at Park Campus and shared stories of why he made this decision, what boot camp is like, and what the future holds for him. He is "one of the lucky ones" who received three weeks of Recruiter's Assistance over the holidays and was able to spend time with family while working in the area.

Students in Geralyn Frederick's second-grade class and Lisa Morello's fifth-grade class sent letters and cards to Reid while he was in boot camp in California, and the students got to ask him questions upon his visit. Frederick was Reid's first-grade teacher.

"What is the food like?" was a common inquiry.

In anticipation of Luczak's arrival, the students wrote notes on the board in the classroom: "You are so brave," "Congratulations," "Thank you for your service." The students also presented Reid with a stuffed animal: Wolf, the mascot of Park Campus.

After the visit, students lined up to take photos with Reid or have him sign a slip of paper as a reminder of his visit.

Community Consolidated School District 46 serves parts of the villages of Grayslake, Third Lake, Hainesville, Round Lake, Round Lake Park, Round Lake Beach, and Lake Villa.

Fifth-graders at Park Campus in Round Lake write notes of appreciation on the classroom whiteboard before Reid Luczak's arrival. Courtesy of Community Consolidated School District 46
A student presents Luczak with a stuffed animal representing Wolf, the Park Campus mascot. Courtesy of Community Consolidated School District 46
Reid Luczak with his mother Laurie Luczak at graduation ceremonies at Camp Pendleton. Courtesy of Community Consolidated School District 46
Once a student, now a Marine, Reid Luczak, Laurie Luczak, and little brother Jace Luczak make their way to Lisa Morello's fifth-grade classroom. Courtesy of Community Consolidated School District 46
Reid Luczak, with mom Laurie looking on, describes life as a U.S. Marine Corps recruit at boot camp. Courtesy of Community Consolidated School District 46
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