This past October, Americans celebrated the national Make a Difference Day in communities all across our country. For students at Community Unit School District 200, Make a Difference Day was an opportunity to give back in a big way. CUSD 200 schools were so committed to giving back that the City of Wheaton honored nine classrooms with the City’s “Do-Gooders Award.”  Today, Friday, Dec. 3, during their regular meeting, the Student Council at Monroe Middle School was honored by Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk and several members from the City’s Community Relations Commission.

The student council was recognized for their unique approach to “giving back.” Gresk told the Monroe Student Council, “You students did a great thing by giving back. Volunteering and giving to others makes Wheaton a special place.” Student Council members from Monroe Middle School took the opportunity to brighten the lives of deserving seniors in Wheaton by visiting Wynscape Rehabilitation Center on Oct. 21. Students facilitated and played games with the residents and delivered treat bags and spoke with residents who could not participate in games. Students put together treat bags consisting of pens, paper, lotion, cookies, and personal notes using money that was raised by the Student Council. Over 30 students participated in the activity.  

In receiving the “Do-Gooder Award,” the Monroe Student Council Members received an award from the City and a small party with treats.  In honor of Make a Difference Day, Community Unit School District 200 students gave back this year—BIG TIME. Make a Difference Day is the largest and most encompassing day of helping others in the United States.  This year, nearly all of CUSD 200 schools participated in Make a Difference Day 2010 with various activities either on or off-site the schools. With so many of CUSD 200 schools participating, the District estimates that over 5,000 of our students made a difference this year.

CUSD 200 Superintendent Dr. Brian Harris said that, “Our schools committed to ‘making a difference" and teaching the importance of service in our learning environments. District 200 believes that successful schools result when a partnership exists between the schools, parents, and the community. We are very proud of all of our students.”