Libertyville High looks to tweak character-building program

Libertyville High School's renowned First Class character-building program could change its focus as part of a recently begun retooling effort, officials said.

The program, which mirrors efforts at schools across the country, has promoted teen leadership, good behavior and strong values. It involves the entire student body, not just a small group like traditional clubs.

Libertyville High's sister school, Vernon Hills High, has a First Class program, too, as do other schools in the area.

Libertyville's effort has become very community-service-oriented in recent years, said Jennifer Paul, the school's student activities director. Teen participants have raised money to build a school and wells in Africa, cleaned up the community on Make a Difference Day and supported efforts to improve education and stop child exploitation around the world.

Organizers are looking to change the group's focus now because its three-year commitment to help an international group of young activists called Free the Children recently ended, Paul said.

"It was a natural break with the people we were working with," she said.

Using surveys and other means, a steering committee will shape the group's future mission statement. That panel now consists of staff members, but Paul hopes to expand it to students and community members.

"We'd like to hear what First Class means to them, and what they see as the needs (in) the building," she said. "If we do not ask them, we'd be missing the boat entirely."

Student-to-student mentoring and teaching the need for teens to develop good decision-making skills could be part of the program's future incarnation, Principal Marina Scott said.

The First Class program will continue with its volunteer and character-based activities this school year as the steering committee prepares for the future. Right now, it's involved with an adopt-a-family program that will provide Christmas presents to needy area families.

Whatever metamorphosis Libertyville's First Class program undergoes won't affect Vernon Hills High's program, Scott said.