Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White hosts 11th annual 'Off to College Trunk Party' for Chicago high school graduates
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

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.

I’m feeling really excited, ready for new beginnings. It’s just a blessing. I just feel very happy to be able to get this opportunity.

Rain Coleman, Southland College Prep graduate

“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.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Illegal immigrant allegedly kills county board member and wife in fatal DUI crash: DHS

Tragic DUI Crash: Illegal Immigrant Accused in Fatal Collision with County Board Member and Spouse – DHS Report

Two undocumented immigrants now face charges following a tragic accident that resulted…
Alabama man accused of violent threats against synagogues ‘had intentions of not being taken alive’: sheriff

Alabama Man’s Disturbing Synagogue Threats: Sheriff Reveals ‘Suicide by Cop’ Intentions

An Alabama resident has been apprehended following revelations of a chilling plot…
Hollywood producer sentenced in women's deaths also accused of rape by hero officer who died helping others

Hollywood Producer Convicted in Women’s Deaths Faces Additional Rape Allegations from Deceased Hero Officer

A Hollywood producer was given a prison sentence on Wednesday for the…
Erika Kirk’s delivers raw, faith-filled tribute to late husband at Ole Miss: ‘I slept on his side of the bed’

Erika Kirk Honors Late Husband with Heartfelt, Faith-Filled Tribute at Ole Miss: ‘I Slept on His Side of the Bed’

Erika Kirk took to the stage at the University of Mississippi on…
'Choose Wisely...': White House Dishing Out Treats With Hilarious Halloween Memes Aimed at Dems

White House Unleashes Hilarious Halloween Memes Targeting Democrats: A Treat You Can’t Miss!

President Donald Trump appears to be embracing the Halloween spirit with a…
Fury over Dictionary.com's Word Of The Year: '6 7'

Controversy Erupts as Dictionary.com Announces ‘6 7’ as Word of the Year

Dictionary.com has revealed its Word of the Year, and it’s likely not…
Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh indicted over role in ICE protests

Democratic Hopeful Kat Abughazaleh Faces Indictment Over Involvement in ICE Protest Actions

In a significant legal development, a Democratic congressional hopeful from Illinois, Kat…
Passenger found dead on island after being left behind on cruise ship stop

Tragic End: Passenger Left Behind on Cruise Stop Found Dead on Remote Island

The Coral Adventurer had barely set sail on its 60-day expedition when…
Massive crowds line up in the rain at Ole Miss for Turning Point USA event with VP Vance, Erika Kirk

Huge Turnout Braves Rain for Turning Point USA Event at Ole Miss Featuring VP Vance and Erika Kirk

In a show of unwavering enthusiasm, hundreds of University of Mississippi students…
Harvard hosts panel on bridging political divide featuring only Democrats, NAACP president

Harvard Hosts Panel on Political Unity, Showcasing Democrat Leaders and NAACP President

This article is a segment of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus…
Immigration enforcement continues to affect life-saving health care in Chicago, missed appointments rising, hospital officials say

Immigration Enforcement Impacts Vital Health Care in Chicago: Hospital Officials Report Rise in Missed Appointments

CHICAGO — In the heart of Chicago, the ongoing actions of immigration…
Police say they're 'tired' of Dem cities spending billions on illegal aliens over cops: law enforcement group

Law Enforcement Group Criticizes Allocation of Billions to Support Undocumented Immigrants Over Police in Democratic Cities

Law enforcement representatives express growing frustration in cities and states governed by…