CCSD 46 Alumnus Returns to Park Campus as a U.S. Marine

As a fifth-grade student at Park Campus in Round Lake, Reid Luczak made a life-changing decision.

He read a book about serving your country and decided he wanted to become a United States Marine. Eight years later, Reid returned to Park Campus in full dress uniform as a Marine, days after graduating from boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego, Calif., according to a news release.

Luczak, his mother Laurie, and his younger brother Jace, visited with two classes at Park Campus and shared stories of why he made this decision, what boot camp is like, and what the future holds for him.

He is “one of the lucky ones” who received three weeks of Recruiter’s Assistance over the holidays and was able to spend time with family while working in the area. Students in Mrs. Frederick’s second-grade class and Mrs. Morello’s fifth-grade class sent letters and cards to Reid while he was in boot camp in California, and the students got to ask him questions upon his visit.

“What is the food like?” was a common inquiry.

In anticipation of Luczak’s arrival, the students wrote notes on the board in the classroom – you are so brave, congratulations, thank you for your service.

The students also presented Reid with a stuffed animal Wolf, the mascot of Park Campus. After the visit students lined up to take photos with Reid or have him sign a slip of paper as a reminder of his visit. Luczak reports back to active duty on January 10, 2017.