Student Council Partnership

A group of Hawthorn Middle School South students spent a recent Saturday playing basketball, volleyball, soccer and baggo with students from Diamond Lake School as part of a new partnership. At one station, Middle South students helped girls improve cheerleading skills. Soccer and basketball was played with seasoned middle schoolers who helped guide the younger students to become better players.

Earlier this fall, student council members at Hawthorn Middle South brainstormed various ideas for service projects. Among many positive efforts the members have participated in this year, they were asked to choose a particular event to represent a local initiative and a global initiative, as part of their commitment to Free the Children, a non-profit international charity organization that both Hawthorn middle schools have aligned with. After some research, the Hawthorn Middle School South Student Council students chose to partner with third and fourth grade students from Diamond Lake School in Mundelein for their local project. This activity was part of their overall service learning, where students reach out to assist others.

“Our hope is that Diamond Lake School will become a ‘sister school’ for us, and that we can develop an ongoing relationship, where their younger students will engage in various structured activities with our students over time”, said April Foley, student council co-sponsor, and school social worker.

Students and parents in attendance were treated to a delicious lunch catered by Maciano’s Restaurant in Vernon Hills. All Diamond Lake School students received participation prizes, which were purchased with grant money from Free the Children. Diamond Lake School received a check in the amount of $500 on behalf of the South Student Council, which will be used for sports equipment at their school.