Above Guest Speakers left to right: Dr. Dana Krilich, Niles West Athletic Director, Jenna Micor, Niles West Cheerleader, Andrea Espino, Niles West Cheerleader, Angelina Boudouvas, Niles West Cheerleader
Jenna, Andrea and Angelina represented the Niles West High School Cheerleaders who participated in the 2nd Annual "Wolf Pack Gives Back" program on Saturday, February 23rd, where over 120 students and adults gathered together to give back to the community. They volunteered at a group home that housed young adults from ages 17-23 who are in need of living assistance which includes a place to stay, food, and job search assistance. The cheerleaders' responsibility was to wash up the walls to prepare for painting, and in one room they painted the Counselor's office. They explained that this was a great experience because they were able to be in the environment with visibility to the group home, and saw first-hand what services Connections for the Homeless provides those in need. In addition, they felt it was a great opportunity to be part of something that was going to help make the group home a more comfortable environment for those young adults who would be living there.
In addition to the cheerleaders' project to wash and paint walls for The Connections for the Homeless group home, they shared the accomplishments of their fellow Niles West students from various clubs and organizations including Yearbook, Freshman Cabinet, Peer Leaders, Boys Basketball, National Honor Society, Girls Water Polo, Sophomore Cabinet, Football, Social Justice & Equity class, and Girls Gymnastics, who also volunteered their time for other community organizational needs. In three hours the groups were able to accomplish the following:
- Cleaned/Organized the Niles Township Clothing Closet and packed a truck full of extra clothes so that the Clothing Closet may receive a check in order to purchase new undergarments for distribution
- Made 212 tug toys and 64 blankets for Wrightway Rescue (animals)
- Made 132 heart pillows that will be distributed to local oncology units for those who have breast cancer
- Made over 200 bagged lunches for The Niles Township Food Pantry
The Niles West Cheerleaders also performed a brief cheer for the Rotary Club members and answered a variety of questions.