Youth Appreciation Week, the Optimist's yearly feature placing high school juniors as city officials, was kicked off two years ago.

This program, sponsored by the Optimists Club of Des Plaines and in conjunction with the Des Plaines City Council, has annually given high school youth a chance to observe the workings of our city government.

These students were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge Smeigle on November 14. At that time each student was given a position in City Council by drawing names out of a hat. The last name drawn was appointed to the position of mayor. Joe Jobst '74 of Maine West received that honor.

The 21 other students from Maine West were Brock Akers, John Aniol, Margaret Bednarz, Martha Clement, Scott Davis, Peter Farmer, Robin Ferraiolo, Noreen Gilbertsen, Richard Glitz, Gail Kaechele, Karen McGavin, Tern Nelson, Doug Peterson, Jeff Storer, Marcia Strykowski, Alan Varga, and Jean Wolf.

After having been sworn in and choosing positions, the Junior City Officials were taken for a tour of the facilities of Des Plaines. Starting at the Police Department the group was shown the facilities of all the service departments run by the city.

The next activity was a tour of Chicago. From O'Hare Airport, where they toured TWA airlines and the two jets, the 747 and L‑1011, the group traveled to the Chicago Fire Academy. After lunch at Tiffany's they visited the City Morgue and then saw the Chicago Tribune, where they were provided with an extensive tour.

The next feature on the program was an overnight trip to Springfield. There the juniors toured Lincoln's home, Lincoln's tomb, the old State Capitol, and New Salem.