Grayslake Central Students Hold Luau for Local Seniors

The rainy weather didn't dampen the atmosphere at the Senior Citizen Luau held Thursday by Public Service Practicum students from Grayslake Central High School.

Held at the Round Lake Sports Center, the luau featured festive decor—including leis and bright colors—and plenty of fun music. The guests also danced and played games.

About 75 people attended the luau, which students had been planning for about a month, said teacher Dustin Chierico.

"They've worked really hard," said Chierico, noting that even with finals coming up next week, the students dedicated their time to host the event. "It says a lot about their character."

Chierico said this was the eighth year that the Public Service Practicum (PSP) students had held an event for local senior citizens. He said the tradition started because while senior citizens pay taxes to the schools, they don't get anything in return.

In planning the luau, students have been working on marketing and fundraising. They also had to stick to a budget. Students reached out to local newspapers and handed out fliers at places like senior centers to spread the word about the event.

"It was pretty tough," said Alyssa White, a senior at GCHS. "We had to start from scratch."

Chierico, she noted, "puts a lot of trust in us."

White said students sold "puppy chow" during lunch periods to raise money for the luau. She added that funds raised from admission fees to the Mr. GCHS competition also go toward PSP projects.

Students made the food for the luau, including sandwiches and fruit kebabs.

Caitlin Tarnowski and Caitlin Flary, both seniors, said the PSP class teaches a lot about time management and working together—skills that were both necessary in planning the Senior Citizen Luau.

Getting everything planned, Tarnowski said, was particularly challenging.

"You have to use time wisely," she said.

The reward comes while talking to the seniors at the event.

"It's a joy," said Flary. "I love hearing their stories."