VOL. XVI, NO. 4
NOVEMBER 22, 1974
Youth Week
Juniors Govern City On November 14
Juniors Govern City On November 14
Youth Appreciation Week, held last week, was sponsored by the Optimist Club; and its purpose was to interest students in government and industry.
The Optimist Club has sponsored Youth Appreciation Week for the past 18 years. They offer the opportunity to juniors interested in government to participate for a week as junior officials.
In addition to being officials ranging from clerk to mayor, those who participated had to turn in an essay. Prizes were given for the best essays which were read in the City Council.
"Youth Appreciation Week is part of an educational process of clinical government programs in association with the city of Des Plaines," explains Mr. Eric Edstrom, Maine West Social Science Department chairman. "High school students come closer to the understanding of what activities and involvements are in government."
Maine West juniors participating in Youth Week activities were David Beedy, Cindy Burgstrom, Dora Castillo, Julia Claus Joan Delaet, Cheryl DeMichelle, Elizabeth Forkins, Tony Gates, Sandra Grueter, Tor Johnson (Maine West's AFS senior from Norway), William Klein, Anne Kuite, Linda Lowenherz, John LaPlant, Susan Matkovic, Kevin Miller, Eric Moberg, Bob Pawelko, Dan Pocius, Robin Downing, and Deborah Dockter.
The Optimist Club has sponsored Youth Appreciation Week for the past 18 years. They offer the opportunity to juniors interested in government to participate for a week as junior officials.
In addition to being officials ranging from clerk to mayor, those who participated had to turn in an essay. Prizes were given for the best essays which were read in the City Council.
"Youth Appreciation Week is part of an educational process of clinical government programs in association with the city of Des Plaines," explains Mr. Eric Edstrom, Maine West Social Science Department chairman. "High school students come closer to the understanding of what activities and involvements are in government."
Maine West juniors participating in Youth Week activities were David Beedy, Cindy Burgstrom, Dora Castillo, Julia Claus Joan Delaet, Cheryl DeMichelle, Elizabeth Forkins, Tony Gates, Sandra Grueter, Tor Johnson (Maine West's AFS senior from Norway), William Klein, Anne Kuite, Linda Lowenherz, John LaPlant, Susan Matkovic, Kevin Miller, Eric Moberg, Bob Pawelko, Dan Pocius, Robin Downing, and Deborah Dockter.
They started their busy week on Saturday, November 9, at 8:45 a.m. Students then selected their officials. After swearing-in ceremonies, they toured the police department, fire department, city garage, and the city pumping station. Students then had a luncheon with city officials at the Des Plaines Elk's Club.
On Tuesday, November 12, the group received tours of Universal Oil Products, TWA, Chicago Civic Center, and Forest Hospital.
Thursday, November 14, was known as Junior Official Day. Students spent part of the afternoon with the official whom they represented.
On Friday, November 15, the students left on a bus trip for Springfield, Illinois. They stayed overnight in a motel; and that Saturday they toured Lincoln's Home, Lincoln's Tomb, the Old Court House, the Capitol, and New Salem. They then took a bus ride back to Des Plaines.
Students finished off the week by attending a City Council meeting on Monday, November 18.
Dora Castillo stated, "I found the week very interesting. I never thought there was so much to government, and each must do its part in the system."
Betsy Forkins related, "The tours were done well. I especially enjoyed the trials we were able to hear in the Center."
On Tuesday, November 12, the group received tours of Universal Oil Products, TWA, Chicago Civic Center, and Forest Hospital.
Thursday, November 14, was known as Junior Official Day. Students spent part of the afternoon with the official whom they represented.
On Friday, November 15, the students left on a bus trip for Springfield, Illinois. They stayed overnight in a motel; and that Saturday they toured Lincoln's Home, Lincoln's Tomb, the Old Court House, the Capitol, and New Salem. They then took a bus ride back to Des Plaines.
Students finished off the week by attending a City Council meeting on Monday, November 18.
Dora Castillo stated, "I found the week very interesting. I never thought there was so much to government, and each must do its part in the system."
Betsy Forkins related, "The tours were done well. I especially enjoyed the trials we were able to hear in the Center."
