On November 14th, Joliet Central hosted their first ever First-Gen Celebration. Hosted for juniors who were encouraged to gather in the auditorium during the last two periods of the school day. The First-Gen celebration is an event revolving around juniors with parents who have not completed a four year college degree. Generally an event to bring in juniors and enjoy themselves by getting together.
To begin the event, Joliet Central had former Steelmen speak and introduce the event. Ranging from first-gen students such as Holly Ramirez, April Ortiz, Mariah Kristina, Laniyah Daniels, Juan Franco Burgos, and Jennifer Castillo. The guest speakers offered programs and assistance by answering questions.
College and career specialist, Erika Martinez expressed the success of the event by concluding, “Joliet Central’s First-Gen Celebration honored the power of being ‘first’— first to dream big, first to break barriers, and first to lead the way.”
Furthermore, students participated in a game of jeopardy, including questions about things such as finance and terms. Receiving sugar cookies for guessing the correct answer. Towards the end of the event students received a bag of snacks including chips and candies. Additionally, four containing tickets that would reward those scholars with free beats headphones. Others were able to take pins, stickers, and even a book giving information on the Cardinal First program at North Central College. Concluding the event, it is hoped that students were able to enjoy the time spent to celebrate individuals with different backgrounds coming together to have a good time. It is definitely motivated that scholars attend events in and outside of campus through their accounts on SchooLinks.