Ex-Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White Celebrates 11th ‘Off to College Trunk Party’ for Chicago Graduates

CHICAGO (WLS) — Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White hosted his annual “Off to College Trunk Party” Saturday on Chicago’s Near North Side.

The event equipped numerous high school graduates with the necessary resources for their first day at college. This tradition keeps making a significant impact on the upcoming generation.

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With the school year right around the corner, the eager Chicago high school graduates packed up for their next adventure as one.

“I’m excited. I’ve been anticipating this moment throughout high school,” expressed Larome Moore, a graduate from Leo High School. “I’m eager to form new connections, friendships, and things like that.”

Saturday marked the 11th year of the “Off to College Trunk Party,” White and his foundation.

“Today we’re giving out trunks of school supplies for young people who’ve indicated they’ve graduated from high school,” White said.

The former Illinois Secretary of State highlighted that this event serves as his chance to invest in the city’s emerging college students, contributing to easing some of the financial challenges associated with higher education.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a morning with White without a performance from the world famous Jesse White Tumblers.

“We’ve been around for exactly 65 years,” White said. “Our mission says help young people grow tall and straight, stay away from gangs drugs and negative aspects of life.”

The recent grads snagged everything from bedding and toiletries, to laptops, school supplies and so much more.

“I think a lot of us gave them a lot of important things to be aware of, work hard first and play later,” 2th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. said. “Thank your parents for getting you to where you are and thank all the people who helped you and come back and do something in your neighborhood.”

The trunk party took over the Jesse White Community Center in the Near North neighborhood, where 500 students went home geared up and ready to hit campus.

“I’m feeling really excited, ready for new beginnings,” Southland College Prep graduate Rain Coleman said.

Coleman said the trunk party has them even more thrilled to get to work and to hit the books as the students packed for the future a trunk at a time.

“It’s just a blessing,” Coleman said. “I just feel very happy to be able to get this opportunity.”