On her sixth birthday, Charlotte Idziak browsed items at High 5 Heights during the store’s Back to School Bash, surrounded by school spirit, family activities and plenty of smiles.
The annual event Tuesday, Aug. 18, brought families and community members to the High 5 Heights store at 12213 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights to celebrate the start of a new school year while supporting an important local mission.
Charlotte’s mother, Kristen, of Palos Heights, said attending the Back to School Bash has become a family tradition.
“We come to the back to school event here every year. It’s a nice way to support the store and the local community,” she said.
The celebration featured free Tropical Sno snow cones, Gemini Nails, face painting and a custom apparel and print-on-demand station. Guests could select a shirt and create a design that was printed on-site, giving families a chance to leave with something made especially for them.
The event also featured special orders, photo opportunities and plenty of opportunities for customers to meet the store’s newest employee and furry mascot, Bella.
High 5 Heights is a retail and job training site operated with adult student trainees with special needs from Community High School District 218. The students gain hands-on experience while developing workplace, customer service and retail skills.
The Back to School Bash gives the trainees an opportunity to interact with customers, work alongside their peers and showcase what they have learned.
“I love these events. It’s a great way to meet new people,” said High 5 Heights employee Dante Edwards, 21, of Calumet Park.
Keonte Harris, 19, of Alsip, said the event is also a chance for employees to enjoy each other’s company.
“It’s fun to be able to spend time with my peers,” Harris said.
High 5 Heights employee Julia Huscher, 25, of Oak Lawn, said she loves absolutely everything about the Back to School Bash and looks forward to it every year.
The event’s impact extends beyond the store’s walls, giving neighbors a chance to connect with the students and see their talents firsthand.
“This brings so much joy to the neighbors and showcases the talents of our students,” said Amy Kaskie, consultant at Community High School District 218.
Mariclare Kmiec, a job coach at Community High School District 218, said the event creates a sense of connection among the students, families and community members who attend.
“This event brings the school community together,” Kmiec said.
Among the biggest attractions was Bella, a sweet and sassy 17-year-old West Highland Terrier who has become part of the High 5 Heights team. Proudly described by employees as a store employee and mascot, Bella spent the Back to School Bash meeting customers, posing for photos and mingling with the crowd.
The combination of activities, family fun and student involvement made the evening about much more than preparing for the first day of school. It was a celebration of the people who make High 5 Heights special and the community that continues to support them.
With Tropical Sno snow cones in hand, custom shirts being printed and Bella making her rounds, High 5 Heights gave Palos Heights families a memorable way to kick off another school year while celebrating the students at the heart of the store.
