On November 26th, Highland Park High School hosted its annual Grand-Giants Day, encouraging students to bring a guest of their choice to the high school. While the day aims to cultivate an entertaining and exciting experience for both students and their guests, this experience holds deeper, more significant implications– ones which aim to uphold the core tenets of our Giant Values.
Siblings, grandparents, parents, and HP alumni alike spent the day with their loved ones, experiencing what high school is like through a series of assemblies, performances, and classroom activities. As the day commenced, guests and students enjoyed a touching video, produced by Highland Park’s HPTV, reflecting on the beauty and joy of Grand-Giants Day.
“[The purpose of the day] is to really build sustainable, long-lasting memories of that moment,” said Dr. Joaquin Stephenson, activities director of HPHS. “Not many schools do this anymore, so I’m really glad we do.”
Grand-Giants day is an extremely memorable milestone within the Highland Park community. Through cooperative efforts and immense planning, students and administration work together to cultivate an event that stresses togetherness, Giant pride, and collaboration across generations.
“I think that a large aspect of what it is to be a giant is being good teammates, and I think the entire school is good teammates in helping organize all this. There are a lot of people who are involved in this process. Both students and teachers have a hand in making this experience,” Stephenson said. “It’s just a beautiful, beautiful moment of what it means to be a giant.”
Whilst Grand-Giants Day is an event that occurs once every year, the positivity and warmth it generates for the community carries on long after. The experience shapes the culture and community of Highland Park, contributing to a shared sense of unity and reinforcing Giant Values.
“[Grand-Giants Day] is also a solidification of how beautiful Highland Park High School is in serving the community of Highland Park, Highwood, and Fort Sheridan, and this is a moment that shines bright of what the culture of the school is, and the legacy of what has been built…We were able to carry on that torch, and it’s very humbling, and I’m proud of it.”