Lane’s third annual Green and Gold Gala taking place on Friday, Apr. 17, is offering something brand new to students.

For the first time ever, parents of students will be able to be bid on shadow days. Students can experience a vocation of their choosing by shadowing working professionals.

Friends of Lane (formerly known as PTSO) chose this year’s theme to be named “Let’s Glow,” and the event is taking place at the Ravenswood Event Center.

Friends of Lane is offering many auction items, such as a Las Vegas getaway, two tickets to the sold out Foo Fighters concert, and six VIP Seats for Lane’s Class of 2017 Graduation and VIP Seats for the LTAC Graduation.

Susan Ciastko, a member of the publicity team for the gala, encourages teachers to sign up for teacher grants, which are opportunities for teachers to request items for their classrooms.

“Teacher grants are more than available, and parents can actually donate specific items,” Ciastko said.

Although shadow days are new to Lane, Ciastko hopes it becomes a tradition at the Gala.

“This is an opportunity for students to get a feel for a career by spending a day in someone else’s profession,” chairwoman of the gala, Kathy Argentar said. “It’ll be very interesting to see if this appeals to students.”

Argentar said that there are many careers to shadow, such as industrial designer, music teacher,

state representative, architect, veterinarian, physical therapist, and alderman.

“I think teaching, politics, and architecture opportunities will be of interest,” Argentar said.

Shadowing not only benefits the students, but also those in the professions.

“A lot of organizations use it for community out-reach and to give back to the community. It’s also for information and while students get internships, it helps employees see what kids want,”Argentar said.

Argentar said that the day a student would shadow ranges, and it can even take place during school. However, this would count as an excused absence, because it has academic purpose.

“This is the first year we are doing this [shadowing], and I hope it’s something we can expand,” Ciastko said.

Argentar said that the bids for a shadow day begin around $25, and one can bid online or at the gala. The money goes directly to Friends of Lane and helps fund the programs that CPS does not, such as the Aquaponics and Makers lab.

“The gala offers an opportunity for everyone to come together. The parents connect, the students connect,” Ciastko said.