Chicago students participate in event aimed at uplifting and inspiring youth

CHICAGO – Several students in Chicago participated in an event Saturday morning where the focus was all about them.

Within moments of talking to 12-year-old Harper Anthony, you quickly find out he has a bright future ahead of him.

“I love math because I love problem solving and one of my main goals honestly is to one day become the president,” Anthony said.

Anthony, a seventh-grader at Robert Lindbloom Math and Science Academy, is serious.

“The reason I want to become president is because I want to make a change in the world,” Anthony said. “I hate that we’re not as united when the name of our country is literally the United States.”

While Anthony has got some time to prepare for that role, he’s getting involved in community events like Saturday’s “Love Your School Friendraiser.”

“I’ve networked with so many people today. I’ve met people. I’ve seen people I know,” Anthony said.

The event was co-sponsored by the nonprofit organization “Communities In Schools of Chicago,” which helped organize the friendraiser.

It featured over 100 community organizations, students and educators working to uplift young people in Chicago. It was a day full of connection and inspiration through table talks and panels.

“We can only go so far by ourselves Are you a mentoring organization? Are you a financial literacy organization? How do we all show up for students and make sure they are in spaces where they are safe and have a sense of belonging,” Robin Koelsch of Communities In Schools of Chicago said.

“We are around making sure that we retain our educators, our school leaders, but also make sure that we build some social, emotional learning with our adults and also our students,” Tamiko Nettles of Let Go-Be Great said.

The event’s goal was for everybody to walk away with a new connection in a continued effort to boost our youth.

“Communities In Schools of Chicago is really dedicated to relationships. This event really highlights what we care about – the power of the collective collaborating with others and what’s best for Chicago students,” Koelsch said.

Anthony, who is wise beyond his years, said he’s grateful for the many people dedicated to making he and his peers’ futures shine.

“Just seeing all these programs that are really trying to help the next generation to strive and thrive to create a better future for all of us is just amazing,” Anthony said.