Grayslake North High School hosted the first Junior Success Summit, an event aimed at helping juniors from Grayslake Community High School District 127 plan for their future. The summit was structured to introduce students to various pathways including college, trades, and workforce options before they begin their senior year.
The program brought together local business leaders, trade professionals, College of Lake County representatives, and four-year university admissions counselors. Each junior participated in four sessions covering live mock interviews with business professionals, college application processes explained by admissions representatives, transfer and apprenticeship opportunities highlighted by College of Lake County staff, and information about union careers from trades professionals.
Ashley Kopecky, English Department Chair, said: “We want students to explore all of their options before senior year begins. This is about hearing it from the professionals themselves, not just from teachers, and understanding what skills really matter at the next level.”
All students attended each session rather than choosing a single focus area. Kopecky added: “We don’t want students to feel pigeonholed. A student interested in business might pursue a four-year degree, or they might work in business within the trades. We want them to see how pathways can blend.”
Jennifer Stroh, College Counselor, highlighted that broader exposure is essential for informed decision-making. “Students often think of CLC only as an associate-to-transfer option,” Stroh said. “But there are certificates, apprenticeships, and workforce-ready programs right here in our backyard. The more students see those opportunities, the more informed their decisions will be.”
The event included interactive activities such as mock interviews and Q&A discussions with professionals. It concluded with a video featuring advice from nearly 20 district alumni.
Courtney Plaza, Career Exploration and Internship Coordinator, described her role as helping students connect with their interests: “My role is about helping students connect to what they’re passionate about,” Plaza said. “Instead of asking, ‘What do you want to do after high school?’ we ask, ‘What are you interested in? What excites you?’ From there, we help them explore the pathways that align with that.”
The summit aligns with Grayslake District 127’s mission to empower learners through relevant experiences beyond classroom lessons like personal statement writing and transition planning already present in English classes.
Kopecky emphasized preparation for life after graduation: “Our job is to prepare students for the real world,” she said. “Very few students will major in English, but every student will need to communicate, interview, collaborate, and think critically. This event helps them see how those skills translate to their future.”
Plaza noted community involvement: “We are fortunate to have community members who are willing to invest in our students,” Plaza said. “When students hear consistent messages about work ethic, communication, and adaptability from multiple professionals, that’s powerful.”
Grayslake Community High School District 127 serves both Grayslake Central High School and Grayslake North High School within Lake County (source). The district enrolled 2,762 students during the 2019-2020 school year (source).
According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), District 127 spent $31,874 per student in 2020 for a total expenditure of over $88 million (source). The teaching staff consists of 195 educators earning an average salary of $79,647; women make up almost 60 percent of this group (source). Student demographics include approximately 58 percent White students; Hispanic students account for one quarter; Black and Asian populations represent smaller proportions (source).
District attendance rates also compare favorably statewide—only about 4 percent were classified as chronically truant compared with nearly ten percent statewide (source).
The Junior Success Summit did not aim to provide definitive answers but instead sought to increase awareness among juniors regarding available post-graduation paths.
“We are fortunate to have community members who are willing to invest in our students,” Plaza said again regarding ongoing support from local partners.
