Lake County Gazette

Spark Week at Grayslake North High School is set to return from March 30 to April 2, 2026, aiming to inspire students by highlighting creativity in a variety of fields. The event, now entering a new phase of development, is organized by Fine Arts Teacher Randy Sweitzer and seeks participation from community members willing to serve as "Igniters."

Sweitzer emphasized the event’s unique focus: “It’s not a job fair. We say that all the time,” he said. “Spark Week is about showing students what’s possible, how creativity is everywhere, even in places they wouldn’t expect.”

The program features workshops and interactive sessions designed to help students explore creative thinking beyond traditional art forms. Past participants have included professionals such as barbers, biomedical illustrators, chefs, tattoo artists, product designers, and balloon artists. These sessions allow students to see how imagination plays a role in diverse careers.

One notable moment involved a former student who left engineering for product design and returned to share her experience with current students. “They saw themselves in her,” Sweitzer explained. “That one story changed how they saw their future.”

This year’s Spark Week will offer more targeted workshops that align with student interests and career goals. The planning team includes staff from English, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Fine Arts departments, a student intern, and representatives from Grayslake North High School and the District Pathways team.

The organizers are seeking more Igniters from outside traditional creative professions. “We’re especially looking for collaborators outside the traditional creative fields,” Sweitzer said. “If creativity plays a role in your career, or even just in your life, we want students to hear from you.”

Those interested in participating or recommending speakers are encouraged to contact Randy Sweitzer by December 1.

Grayslake North High School is part of Grayslake Community High School District 127 in Lake County, which also includes Grayslake Central High School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to state data, the district employs 195 teachers with an average salary of $79,647; nearly 60 percent are women (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district serves a diverse student body: approximately 58 percent White, 25 percent Hispanic, 7 percent Asian, and over 4 percent Black (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, spending per student was $31,874 for a total budget of $88 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).