On April 21, 2012 an international event took place in the field house of Joliet West. Global Youth Service Day recognizes, celebrates, and encourages youths to make a change in their community.

Global Youth Service Day is a campaign of YSA (Youth Service America). YSA is dedicated to improving communities by engaging youth around the world to a life committed to service, learning, leadership, and achievement. YSA campaigns Global Youth Service Days in over one hundred countries on six continents. This is the only recognized day dedicated to the service of children in the community.

This year, youth service organizations from the Joliet area were represented at Joliet West. Groups from the ages of first grade through high school participated in the festivities of the day including guest speakers, awards, and entertainment. Some speakers at the event consisted of Senator Pat McGuire and Will County State’s Attorney, James Glasgow.

Several service based organizations from Joliet Township were represented at the event, some including Friends of Rachel, Student Council, and No Kid Hungry. Youth Service Day recognizes, celebrates, and encourages youths to make a change in their community.

To kick off the event, Superintendent Dr. Cheryl McCarthy and JTHS Board President Jeff Pierson began with a speech. After certificates were presented to organizations dedicated to service in the Joliet area, a youth entertainment program was presented by Dream Out Loud.