Mundelein After School Coalition

This is MASC's fifth year of existence. I joined MASC my Freshman year when there were only five members. We were all very passionate, so despite the fact we had limited manpower, we still planned events throughout the year. We started small with two dances a year and a sports night, but every event, more students showed up. That summer, we were nominated for the Illinois Governor's Hometown Award for Youth Involvement, and in the fall of my sophomore year, we won first place in our category. That same year, as co president, we expanded our group, with about 35 members, as well as the activities we hosted. We had two dances again, plus various other community activities. This year, as a junior, the organization won the Governor's Hometown Cup for best organization in Illinois. We have already held two dances and are planning two others. We've expanded our influence to the younger ages by hosting a basketball tournament, playing games with children at the Night Before Halloween Celebration, and doing crafts at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. I also was a DARE Role Model and talked to students about the dangers of getting involved in drugs and gang activity. MASC also was one of three organizations nationwide that got to participate in the first ever Leadership Institute within the Underage Drinking Education Training Center. Finally, our main event that we hold every year is the MASC Christmas Party in which we invite struggling families to a party hosted at the high school. We have crafts and games for the children as well as tons of food to eat and take home. We fundraise, buy, and wrap presents, which we give to every child. I truly believe this organization has made a huge impact. At all the events, one of the members or I have at least one student come up to us and talk to us about what MASC is and say they really like coming to the events we hold. We've taken pictures with students, gotten hugs, and received requests to join MASC when the students come to Mundelein High School. Families are always calling the Police Station and the school to see what we are up to and if they can participate. We are known and respected around the town, as well as in Lake County and the nation. Many other communities are trying to start their own After School Coalition, and we plan to help them!