Today was a big day! Grayslake North High School hosted the first-ever Junior Success Summit, a districtwide event designed to help juniors explore college, career, and workforce pathways before entering their senior year.
The half-day summit connected students with local business leaders, trade professionals, College of Lake County representatives, and four-year university admissions counselors in a single, structured, hands-on experience.
The goal was simple: give students clarity, confidence, and a plan.
“We want students to explore all of their options before senior year begins,” said Ashley Kopecky, English Department Chair. “This is about hearing it from the professionals themselves, not just from teachers, and understanding what skills really matter at the next level.”
Every junior rotated through four sessions:
Business and HR professionals leading live mock interviews and sharing employability skills
Four-year college admissions representatives explaining the application process and how to research schools
College of Lake County (CLC) representatives highlighting transfer pathways, certificate programs, and apprenticeships
Trades professionals offering insight into union careers, apprenticeships, and workforce entry
Rather than allowing students to choose a single pathway, all juniors attended each session.
“We don’t want students to feel pigeonholed,” Kopecky said. “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, emphasized that exposure is key.
“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 summit was intentionally designed to be interactive. Students participated in live mock interviews, engaged in Q&A discussions, and heard quick, digestible presentations from multiple professionals. The event closed with a video featuring nearly 20 D127 alumni sharing advice they wish they had received as juniors.
Courtney Plaza, Career Exploration and Internship Coordinator, sees the summit as an extension of the District’s growing emphasis on career readiness.
Throughout the morning, students asked questions, took notes, and began thinking more intentionally about their next steps. Several shared that hearing directly from professionals made the experience feel more “real” and less overwhelming.
“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 Junior Success Summit reflects Grayslake District 127’s mission to empower all learners to launch their futures through relevant, engaging, and authentic learning experiences.
In English classes, juniors already complete a future-planning unit that includes writing personal statements and preparing for post-secondary transitions. The summit expanded that work beyond the classroom.
“Our job is to prepare students for the real world,” Kopecky 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.”
The summit was made possible by strong community partnerships. Local professionals are volunteering their time to share expertise, answer questions, and help students envision their next steps.
“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.”
Students did not leave the Junior Success Summit with every answer, and that wasn’t the goal. Instead, they left with broader awareness, practical advice, and a clearer understanding of the many pathways available after graduation.