On February 20, 2025, we hosted the Mikva Challenge at Cristo Rey St. Martin. Students from three area high schools (Round Lake, Stevenson, and North Chicago) joined CRSM students for the event. According to the program’s website, the Mikva Challenge develops youth to be empowered, informed, and engaged citizens who will promote a just and equitable society.
This particular event was held in the Perry-Schreiber Pavilion and allowed the students to engage directly with Illinois-based Democratic representatives and local Lake County non-profits, learning more about the issues impacting our community. Those participating individuals and organizations included Illinois State Senator Adrianne Johnson, a representative from State Representative Rita Mayfield’s office, The Josselyn Center, the Lake County Regional Office of Education, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, and the Mano a Mano Family Resource Center.
The benefit of the Mikva Challenge program is that it gives students a chance to participate in meaningful discussions about the role of government and nonprofits in addressing community needs and ultimately gives students the tools they need to spread the word in the community about these programs in future Mikva events.
We are grateful for the opportunity to host this event, the participating organizations, and the dedicated students who came together to make a difference in our community.