Students praise BAM/WOW program and board defends student-led protest

Dozens of students and Youth Guidance staff told the Waukegan Board of Education on Feb. 10 that the BAM and WOW programs provide social‑emotional support that helps students stay in school and grow personally. "BAM has really helped me a lot," student Randy Guadarama told the board, thanking a role model identified as Mr. Allen for mentorship. Several other students — Alejandro Sajuan, Bria Curiel, Allison Sonido and Sarah Gallegos — gave short statements describing how the program boosted confidence and offered a safe space.