Over 400 students ranging from second to eighth grade from North and South Lawndale communities took over Douglas Park last Friday as part of the Global Youth Service Day 3K race, an event designed to raise awareness and fight neighborhood violence and childhood obesity. Several Lawndale schools and youth organizations, including Chicago West Side Christian School, Henson Elementary School, Lazaro Cardenas Elementary, and Lawndale Christian Fitness and Health Center, among others, helped to develop a six week training plan for participating students. Political leaders Alderman Michael Chandler, 24th Ward, and Alderman Ricardo Muñoz, 22nd Ward, were present to help kick-off the event. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the world and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth.