Cornerstone Foundation hosts "It's Cool to be in School" winners at Soldier Field

On Thursday, May 29th Charles Tillman’s Cornerstone Foundation welcomed over 250 high school students from the Chicago Public Schools to experience a VIP tour of Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears.

These students completed The Cornerstone Foundation’s "It's Cool to Be in School" Program. This program was developed by Charles "Peanut" Tillman to make kids realize the importance of being in the classroom and as a result they received this once in lifetime opportunity. An advocate of staying in school himself, Charles believes that it is imperative for students to complete high school and set their goals high as they continue their education. "I know that the skills I learned off the field were just as important as what I learned on and I want kids to realize the impact that furthering their education really has on the rest of their lives.", says Tillman.

Each student enjoyed a lunch out on the green of Soldier Field overlooking Lake Michigan. They were than invited to get a behind the scenes tour of Soldier Field. The tour began with the walk past Gate O. Gate O was part of the original structure of the stadium that was built in 1920. The tour guides spoke of the significance that Soldier Field has to the city of Chicago and the memorial that represents the Soldier’s that have fought and died to defend our country.

As they walked through the Bear's Den and down into the locker room, the tour guides then stated, they themselves had only entered those doors that morning for the first time. Typically the locker room is closed off to the public and the staff as well. Charles requested as a special treat to allow these students that have worked so hard, a chance to see where it all begins. Passing through the locker room doors, a sign that reads, BEAR DOWN welcomes you into the locker room. The kids lined up to get pictures taken in front of the lockers and touching the carpet where their Bear’s players prepare for each game.

After the locker room, the groups were escorted onto the field and were able to look up into 62,000 seats above them. The Cornerstone foundation would like to thank the Soldier Field for helping us make this dream a reality for kids that truly deserve it!