If you have ever walked by the LRC at West Chicago Community High School, you have probably seen, through the windows, students wearing shirts that say “ROAR Mentor” as they lead a group of students to walk left, right, and drop to the floor while playing “Ships and Sailors.”
The 10th annual ROAR event returned this year, continuing a tradition that brings students together to connect and build friendships during their time at WEGO. Many students who experience ROAR for the first time return as mentors, hoping to inspire others in similar situations.
ROAR is a program held three times a year, offering students a break from their usual routine to focus on fun and community-building. While it is the longest-running program at WEGO, it is not the oldest, and its success is a testament to the support and enthusiasm of both staff and students.
“The whole point is to kind of bring our school together. Get to know people that you might not have ever gotten to know. Our groups are diverse. So like all different grades, all different genders,” ROAR adviser Krysta Schoenbeck said.
The student mentors see ROAR as a place where people can be themselves around people they have not met before.
“I wanted to spread the same positivity I got from ROAR to others, so that kind of was what inspired me,” senior Eilynne Hernandez said.
Every student at WEGO is invited to attend ROAR at least once in their high school career. As participants step into ROAR for the first time, they may not know what to expect. But by the end of the day, they walk away with new friendships and connections. The full-day event includes a variety of activities, some of which students may not initially be comfortable doing.
“I felt more connected, and it was a great way for me to meet new people and make new friends. I would recommend it just because it’s a great opportunity, and you get to see what people are going through,” junior Callie O’Donoghue said.
From ice-breakers to group activities, the program offers students a chance to connect with others in ways that are different from daily life. One activity, “Crossing the Line,” leaves a lasting impact on many students, encouraging vulnerability in a space where everyone can just be themselves.
“That game was really fun because you got to learn more stuff about other people, but no one could judge you,” sophomore Aylin Ocampo said.
This year’s ROAR also marked a milestone: the program’s 10th anniversary. To honor a decade of impact, organizers brought back the original royal blue shirts from the very first ROAR event. While there was no formal celebration, mentors participated in activities like a white elephant gift exchange and a holiday giving event, highlighting the strong sense of community ROAR has brought to the school.
The continued success of ROAR reflects its importance, made possible through the support of administrators, staff, students, the community, and the Board of Education.
“This program has been around for ten years, and I think it symbolizes the need and the importance of the program. It is an expensive program to keep running, but I think that the amount of help, success, and community that we’re bringing in our building is absolutely amazing,” ROAR adviser Jennifer Culbertson said.
