Students, celebrities praise service at Rosemont event
A Grammy-winning singer, a "Dancing with the Stars" champion and a former prime minister of Australia joined about 15,000 students and educators from across the region Wednesday at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont for We Day, a celebration of community service and efforts to make the world a better place.
Started in 2007 in Canada, WE Day brings people together in stadiums around the globe to experience "the greatest classroom in the world." Celebrities, musicians, activists and educators lead the events, which applaud acts of service and inspire more work to improve local communities and the world.
Wednesday's event was the fourth edition of WE Day Illinois at the Allstate Arena. This year's lineup of speakers and performers included former Australian Prime Minster Julia Gillard; actor, signer and "Dancing with the Stars" champ Jordan Fisher; Grammy-winning performer Daya; and Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez.
Attendance is by invite only - students earn their admission through community service projects and other good deeds.