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
Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?

Who is the Gazan opposing Hamas, and what are his chances of success?

Demonstrators in Gaza have begun to turn against Hamas for the first…
George Retes, disabled vet and US citizen, taken during Camarillo, California immigration raid at Glass House Farms: family

Disabled Veteran George Retes Detained in Immigration Raid at Glass House Farms, Camarillo, California, Says Family

Family members are in a state of distress seeking information after a…
Tucker Carlson Epstein Israel: A Call for Accountability

Tucker Carlson on Epstein and Israel: Demanding Transparency and Responsibility

Tucker Carlson delivered a blistering critique at TPUSA, accusing Jeffrey Epstein of…
Iliamna Volcano in Alaska 'rumbling' after being inactive for a century

Alaska’s Iliamna Volcano Shows Signs of Activity After 100 Years of Dormancy

(NewsNation) — A volcano in Alaska that last erupted in 1867 is…
'You want some? Come get some'

“Craving some? Come and get yours”

During the Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit on Saturday night, Tom…
Mets' Edwin Diaz comes up clutch with 'efficient' six-out save

Mets’ Edwin Diaz Secures Crucial Win with Quick Six-Out Save

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Originally, Carlos Mendoza did not plan to deploy…
Surprise witness in Idaho student murders says she 'saw Bryan there' on deadly night

Bryan Kohberger Thought He Pulled Off ‘The Perfect Murders’—But One Crucial Error Exposed Him, Says Author

Bryan Kohberger, described as a painfully awkward and arrogant introvert and a…
Karen Read lands lucrative book deal while witnesses face continued harassment after acquittal

Karen Read secures major book deal as witnesses continue to experience harassment post-acquittal

<!–> Karen Read Disposes of Trash Behind Boston Hotel Karen Read, recently…
Leeds man facing child sexual abuse material charges

Leeds Resident Charged with Offenses Related to Child Sexual Abuse Material

LEEDS, Ala. (WIAT) — A Leeds man is facing child sexual abuse…
Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Wimbledon final between Swiatek and Anisimova

Grab a $150 Bonus or Secure a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net for the Wimbledon Final: Swiatek vs. Anisimova

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Dameonte, Gregory Watson sentenced in Chicago shooting death of WGN security guard Salena Claybourne at South Shore gas station

Gregory Watson Sentenced for Fatal Shooting of WGN Security Guard Salena Claybourne at South Shore Gas Station

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two brothers have received their sentences following the tragic…
Portrait of Caroline Dinenage, Britain's culture minister, at the G20 Culture Ministers meeting.

Young people prioritize everyday concerns over trans discussions

YOUNG people are more worried about bread and butter issues than racism…