Lake County Gazette

What began as a simple hallway display at Grayslake Central High School has developed into an extensive storytelling project called "They Walked These Halls." The initiative, led by Social Studies Department Chair Jason Janczak, connects current students with alumni through video interviews that share the diverse experiences of former students after graduation.

“The whole idea is showing students what’s possible, and that there’s life after high school, no matter what these four years feel like,” said Janczak. “Our goal is to build connection, hope, and a sense of legacy.”

Janczak initially anticipated responses from only a few dozen alumni when he reached out to staff and social media networks. Instead, more than 250 former students responded and participated in interviews. The growing collection includes graduates working in fields such as healthcare, journalism, public service, and entrepreneurship. Examples include a Jersey Mike’s franchise owner who once aspired to be an attorney, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health, a land surveyor, an Army psychiatrist, and a critical care EMT at the Mayo Clinic.

The interviews focus on each alumnus's current occupation, their journey since high school, and advice for their younger selves. Many highlight themes such as adapting to change and seeking support during challenges. One interview features an alum reflecting on feeling isolated during high school but now thriving in a leadership role. “It’s a reminder,” Janczak said, “that you can struggle in high school and still go on to do amazing things.”

Students will watch these stories during Rams Block Advisory sessions. There are also plans to expand the project into career exploration activities and curriculum integration. Some alumni requested to be interviewed alongside former teachers, creating reunions that emphasize the lasting impact of student-teacher relationships.

Janczak described the project as personally rewarding: “We don’t always get to see the finished product,” he said. “But this is proof that our students go out and do amazing things, and that what we do matters.”

The Grayslake Community High School District 127 represents Lake County schools including Grayslake Central High School and Grayslake North High School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), District 127 employs 195 teachers with an average salary of $79,647 before pension contributions; nearly 60 percent are women while about 40 percent are men. The district reports no teachers with more than ten absences per year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

Demographically, District 127's student body is approximately 58.5 percent White, 25 percent Hispanic, 7.2 percent Asian, and 4.3 percent Black (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020, spending per student was $31,874 for a total expenditure of $88 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

For today’s students at Grayslake Central High School—part of this diverse district—the message remains consistent: being part of the Ram community means joining a legacy built on curiosity and resilience.