Bloom Trail Students Selected as Students of the Month

Two students from Bloom Trail were chosen for Student of the month. After hearing their stories, you learn they have accomplished more in their short lives then some in their lifetimes.

The first student, Robert Hensley of Steger has been helping others since he’s been a young boy. “I was raised to help people that are in need” Hensley explained. “It is part of my moral compass, if I don’t help, I feel guilty.”

Hensley is on the National Honor Society. He is also involved with the Bloom Trail Chess Club and the Chemistry club. Robert has participated in a chemistry night in the community at the library to teach young members in the community.

“I was able to raise money for Bloom Trail’s chess club” explains Hensley. “Eric, the owner of 7-11 in Steger donated pizzas where the chess club sold them and were able to put funds for the chess club.” The funds go directly for the chess club members to attend the state tournament. Hensley also organized a Shop and Share with Jewel to raise funds for Bloom Trails Chemistry Club.

Many of Hensley’s hours are spent volunteering for the Community Closet of Steger and Southlands. The organization was started by his older sister Michelle when she was a student at Bloom Trail. The organization was created to help struggling families in Steger, Crete and the surrounding communities. They take in new and/or gently used clothing and small items and pass them onto members of the community that are in need.

Almost everyday you will find Hensley sorting bags of clothing and shoes that have been donated to the non-profit.

“We help over one thousand families in a year” said Hensley. “We work from our house, a trophy shop in Steger and the First Christian Church of Lansing.”

Hensley doesn’t stop there. His family has collected hundreds of books and donated them to Bloom Trail high school. Some of the books were donated to families during the recent parent teacher conferences. “We gave out over two hundred books for free” explains Hensley. “Anyone who wanted books for their children or themselves were given away. We did that event to promote literacy in the community.”

Recently one of Hensley’s ideas made the news. When he found out that two sick little boys couldn’t go out trick or treating for Halloween, he thought of people going to the boy’s home in Crete and bring them candy. He called it, Reverse Trick or Treating.

It turned out bigger than what he had planned. “I was giving out candy at a trunk or treat at First Christian Church of Lansing” explains Hensley. “I found out about these brothers who are terminally ill and not able to go out for Halloween. One of the boys is confined to a chair. I wanted to return Halloween to them.”

From what was supposed to be a small event, Over two hundred people came out to drop off puzzles, coloring books, Lego sets and more. Hensley wandered through the crowd to greet everyone and say hello.

The biggest surprise came from the Crete Township Fire Prevention District and the Crete Township Firefighters who donated two recliners, two custom blankets. They delivered, set up and moved them into the boy’s home.

It all began with an idea from Hensley.

Glynis Keene is proud of every student, she talks about watching Robert grow and give his time to the school. “Robert is so humble” explains Keene. “He had a mini van pull up at the school last year full of coats that he and his family collected for a coat drive here.”

Meeting Bloom Trail student, Allysa Fryer from Sauk Village, you feel the sun come out. With a sparkling personality, she lights up a room when walking through the door.

“This is such an honor” Fryer smiles. “I have come such a long way. “As a freshman, I was never able to talk to people. I can now do that.”

Fryer runs track. “I love the coach and the girls on the team” said Fryer. “I also do PE Leadership with Mr. Radtke. I help the disabled with activities and help them in gym” she adds. “It is such a great class, because you see them develop. Mr. Radtke said it would take me out of my shell and it certainly did.”

Because of her working in the PE Leadership class, Fryer wants to volunteer for Special Olympics. Fryer has won several awards for her track performances. “I was named captain for the 100 and 200 sprints” Fryer explains. “Last year I took second in 4x1 and 4x2.” Fryer helped the track team come home with a trophy.

For Bloom Trail principal, Glynis Keene, she is so proud of both students. “Allysa has been a leader on the track team” said Keene. “She has led the team for scoring high points at State. Also we participated in something called ten principle’s with the Illinois Chief’s of Police. They talk about policing and interactions with the community. AT H/F high school they have a round table where they have high school students speak to them. This year, we are sending five students, Allysa was one of the students that attended.”

Fryer plans to enter the criminal justice system. She is studying psychology in criminal justice, currently taking a college course at Prairie State College where she is part of Bloom Township District 206 college initiative program.

“She has served as a really good ambassador for this district’ said Keene. “She has been contacted by the Chief of police in Olympia Fields to help with social media.”

“This is a really big deal for me” explains Fryer. “I used to be that girl that was shy. I’m overcoming that now and it feels great. I’ve learned a lot here at Bloom Trail. I’ve learned to stop doubting myself. I have a lot of potential and I overthink my choices when I shouldn’t. I would encourage other students not to stress so much. Get along with your teachers, they’re here to listen, build that connection. Also be kind to others.”

If you would like to donate new/used clothes to the Community Closet of Steger, you can drop donations off to Trophies and Awards Plus located at 3344 Chicago Road #3 in Steger from 10AM-3PM. They are still in need of teen and children’s coats, gloves and hats and in desperate need of new undergarments for teens and children. Some teens are also adult sizes. Some of the donations will be given to students in need in Bloom Township District 206.

Both students were recently honored at the Bloom Township District 206 school board meeting where Dr. Lenell Navarre presented both with certificates.