Thurs, Nov 26, more than 6,700 community members bundled in the chilly weather for Downers Grove’s annual 5k; the Grove Express. In preparation for the feasts that many families cook later in the day, more community members than any previous year signed up for this Thanksgiving tradition.
“The Grove Express organization is run by a small group of people who foster a welcoming and triumphant culture that I will remember for years to come. The people are what truly have made the experience incredible for me these past two years,” junior board member Ryan Gustis (12) said.
The junior board helps organize the Grove Express, made up of students from both DGN and DGS. These students must apply and interview from these spots, consisting of two juniors and two seniors from each school.
“The junior board members are all in different committees that serve different goals,” junior board member Lily Eddington (11) said. “My committee is race day, so I work on preparing for the race, like getting race bibs and setting up timing.”
Members of the Grove Express junior board are not the only teenagers involved in this wide spread event. DGS 2024 graduate Sara Ryan became the head volunteer coordinator this fall.
“I am responsible for getting out advertisements for volunteers and all communication that goes out in regards to volunteers.” Ryan said. “I have to organize everything so all the events that lead up to race day – packet pickup, race route distribution – will get done effectively and efficiently.”
A member of the debut junior board in 2022 and returner her senior year, Ryan has stepped into this leading role with help from her experience in the junior board.
“I definitely think that people should try to apply for it. It was a good experience. I have a lot of connections now and met people who have become important to me,” Ryan said. ”You definitely have to prove yourself. It is not guaranteed. But I would say it is worth it.”
The process of being chosen includes interviews from the executive board. As many students from each school apply for this role, it is not an easy application process.
“While the position itself is great, I also believe the process to obtain the role can teach someone a lot. Just like the real world there is an application and interview for those who will be selected,” Gustis said. “This process teaches how to craft a proper application and present yourself in an interview. Whether accepted to the position or not there is something to learn throughout the professional approach the Grove Express uses.”
Other junior board members echo the notion of the benefits of working with the Grove Express.
“Not only do I think the position itself provides a unique opportunity to be involved in the inner workings of a nonprofit organization but the involvement the executive board allows is like no other. From day one ideas are welcomed and encouraged, and the sheer responsibility the Jr. board is able to account for in this organization is incredible,” Gustis said. “This is not just a chance to shadow or get a glimpse of the race, but an opportunity to show your creative potential in a group who value all ideas and criticisms.”
One of these ideas created by the junior board was the 2023 DGN vs DGS competition. The school with the most students involved in the Grove Express, either through participating in the race or volunteering, won a trophy to display at their school. This crosstown competition looked different this year.
“Unfortunately this year there was a lot of push back from schools in regards to advertising because we are not a school affiliated event. We couldn’t advertise in schools anymore, and North was advertising beforehand, so we decided not to go through with the competition this year because it would have been unfair from the start,” Ryan said.
DGN won the participant competition last year. This friendly competition was able to continue this November in a different form.
“Instead, there was a fundraising competition. There were teams of fundraising – a South and North team – and whoever would raise the most money would win the trophy this year. The money raised would be split evenly between the schools and donated back.”
The winning school of this year’s competition would also receive an additional sum from The Grove Express foundation. This event not only fosters community on this national holiday, but it also gives back to it.
“It has definitely become a favorite tradition of mine. I know that even if I wasn’t involved with Grove Express in this capacity, I would still run or volunteer. It has that family sort of feel,” Ryan said. “I get that first hand experience with the board. These people have become my friends. It is something that you enjoy doing and it has that aspect of community.”
Ryan will likely not be the only member who chooses to stay involved in the Grove Express past high school. This experience has impacted these teens into their adulthood.
“I would like to come back and help out in any way I could to stay involved with such a good group of people that really helped me get out of my comfort zone and try new things,” Eddington said.
These teens are able to help foster community by learning hard work and leadership in their roles in the junior board. Whether creating new ideas to bring together communities or helping the race run smoothly, this group has continued to improve this holiday tradition.
“One of the executive board members already welcomed me to assist them in future years and it is an opportunity that will be hard to resist,” Gustis said. “Whatever a future role is, even just being a part of race day as a volunteer or runner, this is a wonderful organization to be a part of.”
