Antioch, IL — Seventh graders at Grass Lake School recently took the lead in organizing a community fundraising event to support Spring Grove Storytelling, featuring nationally recognized storyteller Megan Wells. The event provided students with a hands-on learning experience that blended creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.
This partnership began when the Spring Grove Storytelling Board was seeking a venue for its annual fundraiser. One of the board members, who works closely with Grass Lake School, recognized the school’s strong commitment to Project-Based Learning (PBL) — an instructional approach that encourages students to explore authentic challenges while developing skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
Language Arts teacher Jen Lubar collaborated with the Storytelling Board to guide students through every step of planning and hosting the event. The 7th graders worked in teams to design decorations, create advertising materials, distribute flyers, organize concessions, manage staging and lighting, plan music, and serve as parking attendants, hosts, and emcees for the evening.
“We really had a choice in what we could do for decorations, music, and more,” said one student. “We had a lot of student choice and voice — it was very different from our usual work.”
Students reflected that the project taught them valuable life skills:
Ms. Lubar led the initiative with support from the Art Teacher, Music Teacher, and Learning Center Director, allowing students to take full ownership of the event. The experience emphasized student agency and real-world learning — key components of Grass Lake School’s educational philosophy.
“Nothing is closer to my heart than students engaged and the thrill of story1telling touching them,” said storyteller Megan Wells. “Not only did we each fulfill our roles for the audience, we educated, built community, and lifted students into their gifts.”
The evening was a success — not only as a fundraiser for Spring Grove Storytelling, but as an unforgettable educational experience that empowered students to learn, lead, and connect through the art of storytelling.
About Grass Lake School
Grass Lake School serves students in grades PreK–8 and is committed to fostering academic excellence, creativity, and community engagement through innovative learning approaches such as Project-Based Learning.
About Spring Grove Storytelling
Spring Grove Storytelling is a community organization dedicated to promoting the art of storytelling through performances, workshops, and educational partnerships.