At Grayslake Central High School, students in the Public Service Practicum (PSP) class aren’t just learning leadership skills; they’re putting them into action in ways that leave a lasting impact on their school, their community, and themselves.
“Our theme is simple: Create moments,” said PSP teacher and founder Dustin Chierico. “And every year, our students do just that, for their community, and for each other.”
Founded in 2002, PSP was born out of a vision to provide students with meaningful leadership opportunities through hands-on service. Today, it’s a full-year course for juniors and seniors that blends project management, collaboration, communication, and civic engagement, anchored in the belief that learning is most powerful when it serves a greater purpose.
One of the program’s signature efforts is Gold Week, a student-led fundraising campaign supporting childhood cancer awareness and research. Throughout the week, students design and lead a variety of high-energy, community-building events, ranging from pop-up fundraisers to the crowd-favorite Ram Jam lip-sync contest. This year’s centerpiece event was Haunt for the Cure, a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt that brought more than 100 students together for a night of teamwork, fun, and purpose.
But for Chierico, the impact goes far beyond dollars raised.
“When you’re part of something bigger than yourself, and you know someone is getting an opportunity because of something you did, it changes you,” he said. “It gives you purpose.”
PSP students don’t just plan events; they negotiate business partnerships, design marketing materials, coordinate logistics, and evaluate results. Most importantly, they learn how to turn a big idea into reality and how to work as a team to make it happen.
While Gold Week is a highlight, PSP events carry through the entire school year. From hosting a Veterans Day breakfast to organizing a senior citizen dinner dance, students continually build connections and give back to our D127 community.
“Whether it's a community event or a food drive,” said Chierico, “our students know they’re part of something bigger, and that matters.”