Southland Prep celebrates another successful graduating class
For the ninth consecutive year, members of the senior class at Southland College Prep Charter High School in Richton Park have been accepted to college.
The Class of 2022 at the predominantly African American high school also earned more than $62 million in merit-based scholarships, a record for the school. Senior Lauren Russell, who was accepted to 22 universities, was offered more than $3 million in scholarships.
Four students were admitted to five of the eight Ivy League schools, with senior Xari Carbins being admitted to both Harvard and Yale.
The accomplishment is especially significant this year when admissions to the top schools have been historically low and applications historically high, according to Robert Lane, Southland’s director of college admissions.
“Our students faced unprecedented challenges and they faced every one of them and more than met them,” said Blondean Y. Davis, Southland’s CEO. “When our students succeed, we all succeed.”
More than 40 students were accepted to top historically Black colleges and universities such as Howard, Spelman and Morehouse.
Every year since its first graduating class in 2014, Southland, whose enrollment is chosen by an annual lottery, has had a 100 % college acceptance rate.
“This is what happens when what seemed impossible becomes a reality and a vision is realized,” Davis said. “This is what happens when a community’s dreams for their children are achieved.”
Pathlights names new executive director
Elaine Grande has been appointed Executive Director of Pathlights, the Palos Heights-based nonprofit serving the area’s older residents. Grande brings more than 30 years of leadership experience and becomes only the third executive director in the nonprofit’s 46-year history.
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She currently is the organization’s director of program development and has been with the nonprofit for more than 20 years, working across every department.
Stephen Sutera, chairman of the Pathlights Board of Directors, said the board spent months reviewing candidates.
“It was clear that Elaine Grande was the perfect choice for this significant role,” he said, calling her a “highly respected mentor to staff, best known for her kind and caring approach with everyone in the community.”
Grande will take over for outgoing executive director Ken Grunke, who has led Pathlights for five years and is leaving to care for an aging loved one out of state.
“I’m thrilled to take on this new role and continue working alongside an amazing team who are deeply committed to help people on the aging journey,” Grande said. “Community service is my passion and I look forward to advancing the organization in the years ahead.”
Grande, a native of Ireland, lives in Oak Forest with her husband, two daughters and son. She is a graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.
Lane closures to clog I-57 this weekend
Major travel delays are anticipated, alternative routes are encouraged as pavement patching and repairs on will result in lane closures this weekend on Interstate 57 between Halsted and 127th streets, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The work will take place between 9 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Monday, and at least one lane will remain open in both directions. Ramps will not be affected.
Additional weekend closures will be required to complete the work, IDOT said.
Porter Place residents treat Tinley firefighters
For one former fireman, a visit to the Tinley Park Fire station stirred up a host of memories. To show his thanks to a new generation of firefighters, Allen Williams, a retired lieutenant from the Chicago Fire Department, enlisted the help of fellow residents at Porter Place, an Anthem Memory Care community specializing in dementia.
They brought care packages and cupcakes Wednesday to the Tinley Park Fire Station No. 47 on 167th Street to celebrate National Firefighter’s Day and show their appreciation. The firefighter themed cupcakes were provided by Creative Cakes in Tinley Park.
The seniors toured the firehouse, and Williams had a chance to reminisce and connect with the new generation of firefighters, said Kelley Tighe, community relations director for Porter Place.
Wolf Lake festival set for May 28
Native American artifacts in the region will be discussed at the 22nd annual Wolf Lake Bi-State Wetlands, Wind & Water festival May 28.
Sponsored by the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative, a nonprofit organization and land trust seeking to protect and enhance the Wolf Lake watershed, the festival begins at 9 a.m. at Shelter 2 at William W. Powers State Recreation Area, 12949 Avenue O., Chicago.
Les Marszalek, an archaeologist for more than 40 years and president of Gold Earth Science Club and Museum, will talk about some of the 100 Native American sites he has discovered. Most of the sites are in the south suburbs and have been recorded with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Others are located in northwest Indiana.
A 17-mile bike ride through the Wolf Lake watershed follows. Participants should arrive at 9:45 at the Visitors Center parking lot to depart for sites including Powderhorn Lake, Indian Creek, Eggers Woods, George Lake and Wolf Lake before returning to the Visitors Center about noon.
Registration is required by May 25 for both events at www.wolflakeinitiative.org.
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