Oak Lawn Community High School held its annual Shadow Days on November 25 and 26. Middle school students from Simmons and OLHMS attended these days and experienced what high school life is really like.
Shadow Days are organized by Mr.Wargin’s office and Student Helpers, co-sponsored by Thea Meierkort and Joelle Maslowski, who provide student volunteers to guide the future Spartans in their high school experience.
“While the format of the day has stayed the same for many years, I would say one difference is that we saw more eighth graders sign up and attend than we’ve had since before the pandemic. It was great to see so many students of all backgrounds,” said Meierkort. “Also, this year’s Spartan Plus Student-led presentation had more student leaders than ever before with 20 teams and clubs represented. They shared more than how many wins and losses or when their club meets but also what their community is like within the team or club and how they love being a part of that team or group. These student leaders did an amazing job.”
Many eighth graders came in with nervous faces, not knowing what to expect from the day, but they left OLCHS with not only a smile on their faces but also a new connection with someone at Oak Lawn.
During Spartan Plus the shadows were given a presentation showcasing the variety of sports and clubs OLCHS has to offer. Student athletes and club members presented for the eighth graders. Additionally, the shadows were able to have a tour of the high school allowing them to see the over all layout of their future school.
All volunteers involved in shadow days are students across all grade levels. These student helpers helped create a positive experience for their shadows and helped lead them on during their day at OLCHS.
Senior Mya Orozco said, “Personally helping on shadow day was a great experience for me. Helping show the incoming freshman around the school and answering any questions they might have had so they are not nervous for their big day made me realize that I am helping others in need, and making them feel more comfortable around the school.”
Hailey Wierzgac also was able to accompany a shadow and said, “I had a lot of fun with my shadow and enjoyed showing her around the school.”
This year’s Shadow Days came with great success to OLCHS with 162 eighth graders partaking in this event.
Oak Lawn can’t wait till next year for Shadow Days to have more future Spartans and introduce them to their future high school life.
