Palos West student food drive collects 10,000 donations
During the week leading up to the Super Bowl, students at Palos School District 118’s West Elementary School collected nonperishable food for benefit local food pantries.
Students in each grade also compete to see who can collect the most donations for the school’s “Souper” Bowl of Caring. Students who bring in at least one item are entered into a prize drawing.
Principal Jennifer Peloquin said that the community outreach event has been a tradition for over 20 years at the school and is a great way to get students involved in helping the community.
“Each year we collaborate with Palos Township and they are so grateful for all the donations,” she said.
This year, the school gathered over 10,000 nonperishable food items which doubled their goal of 5,000. The fourth grade earned bragging rights, collecting the most donations and will receive an outdoor tailgate recess in the spring.
A cappella group from Richards takes second
The a cappella group from Richards High School in Oak Lawn took second place at the Varsity Vocals International Championship of High School A Cappella last weekend at the Great Lakes Quarterfinal at Buffalo Grove High School.
Richards student Cheyenne Martin also received an Outstanding Soloist award.
The group now advances to the ICHSA semifinals at Pabst Theater in Milwaukee on Saturday, March 12 where they will compete against the top two groups from each of other four quarterfinal contests held in the Great Lakes region.
Group donates $40K in school supplies to Cal City students
Dolton School District 149 was a recipient of the generosity of the nonprofit Enchanted Backpack, which donated $40,000 in school supplies to the students of Caroline Sibley Elementary School in Calumet City.
Enchanted Backpack, a charitable organization founded in 2017 by the Lavin Family Foundation that helps elementary and middle schools in Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana, delivered two van loads of items Feb. 8, including art supplies, winter clothing, hats, gloves, shoes, personal hygiene items, recess equipment, 1,500 new books and more.
Caroline Sibley principal BeNita Parker, was alerted to Enchanted Backpack’s charitable work and subsequently submitted an application on behalf of the school to the Chicago-based nonprofit, according to a district news release.
“I am ecstatic and overjoyed, and most appreciative to Enchanted Backpack,” she said in the release. “Our students and our teachers will benefit from Enchanted Backpack’s generous donation.”
South Suburban College board gives ovation to soccer team
The entire South Suburban College Board of Trustees and President Lynette D. Stokes gave a standing ovation last week to the college’s Lady Bulldogs soccer team for its historic 2021 season.
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“This was the first time in school history that the SSC women’s soccer team experienced the National Tournament,” said Terry Wells, board chairman. “We are extremely proud of these talented student-athletes.”
Following this acknowledgment, the student-athletes, coaching staff, family and friends gathered in the PAC lobby for refreshments and celebratory cupcakes as they reflected on moments from a historic campaign.
“My favorite part about the season was getting to develop relationships with my teammates and build a strong bond with them through our love of soccer,” said Amaris González, a forward from Lansing and daughter of head coach Tony González.
González led the division with 105 points, 118 shots and 29 assists, earning the title of First Team All-American during her freshman season by the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Women’s Soccer Committee.
Coach González remarked, “I’ve always been a local guy. That’s why I’m very passionate about the soccer program at South Suburban College. We strive to make our community proud. The way the girls played this season and how they handled themselves at the national tournament is really commendable.”
The SSC Women’s Soccer Team went on a 13-game winning streak during the regular season. They won 16 out of 20 games in 2021.
Stagg Music Boosters seek craft, art vendors for March show
The A.A. Stagg High School Music Boosters organization is accepting applications from crafters and artists for the March 19 and 20 Art for the Season show.
The show is well-received and well-attended, according the group said in a news release. Cost is $90 per 80 sq. ft. booth space for the two day run of the show.
Stagg High School is located at the intersection of 111th Street and Roberts Road in Palos Hills.
More information is at 708-974-7520 or aastaggmusicboosters.org or by email at [email protected].
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