(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Students at Chicago's Urban Prep Academy, Leo High School and Perspectives High School have been adding their voices to the conversation about crime and community policing.
Qwaylin Miller, a senior and co-captain of the basketball team at Bronzeville's Urban Prep, said he and about a dozen others are holding weekly Zoom calls to generate ideas.
“Cause I know, as a kid, I never was able to play at blacktops that I wanted to because gun violence has such a big impact on our community,” Miller said.
If they can help build stronger communities, Miller said he hopes that more people will try to stop situations from escalating into a “deadly experience.”
“Me, personally, I never had to deal with gun violence, but growing up in Chicago, I’ve seen how it impacts people’s lives,” he said. “I know that if I can make a change, then I want to do everything I possibly can.”
Cate McDonnell, a junior at Hinsdale Central High School and midfielder on the school’s soccer team, has been donating used or new sports equipment to the Off the Street Club in Chicago’s West Garfield Park neighborhood.
McDonnell said she would love for the donations to help “get kids on the field … to make lifelong memories.”
“I would love to ignite that in other kids, especially those that are in not the best situation, so it could really help them out,” she said.
The Hinsdale Central high schooler added that she would definitely do the volunteering again and that it would be “amazing” to see the impact of her effort.
Buddy’s Helpers, a local charity, recognized both students — as well as five others — for their community service. Sunday was a national Speak Up for Service Day, which calls attention to those who give back to their community.
McDonnell, Miller, and the other honorees will receive two tickets to see either the Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, or White Sox sometime this school year. They also will receive a check to donate to their favorite charity.
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