Palos East student wins Storyworks 3 writing contest
Palos East third grader Maria Koutsis was selected as the winner of the Storyworks 3 nonfiction writing contest for October and November 2022.
Published by Scholastic, Storyworks 3 is a magazine that focuses on key reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
Koutsis described the best uses for an old pumpkin in her winning entry, “A Pumpkin Problem and 5 Solutions!” Teacher Jolene Laka submitted her entry, which included solutions such as allowing the pumpkin to get soft and mushy, breaking it into pieces, taking it to a pumpkin smashing event, feeding leftovers to farm animals and baking the seeds for a healthy snack.
Koutsis said she hopes that people who read her entry use her advice.
“I hope that people who have read my paper try one of my suggestions for what to do with pumpkins the next time a holiday like Halloween and Thanksgiving are over,” she said.
OLCHS teachers, staff lauded by state group
Oak Lawn Community High School teachers Bob Haberstat (music), Chris Kuchyt (history) and Mike Olsson (English) were recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education for their service to the students and community.
In addition to the three classroom teachers who received Meritorious Service Classroom Teacher awards, Ricky Ragoza, a member of the maintenance staff, received the Meritorious Service Educational Support Personnel award.
District 228 students display art at MSI
Several District 228 students have artwork on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago’s Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition.
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This exhibit showcases dynamic artwork from both professional and amateur African American artists from around the country. The exhibit is open through April 23 and is included in museum entry.
Bremen’s Cahnani Thomas and Hillcrest’s Jaylen Brandon, Diamond Macklin, Gabrylle Briscoe, Albert Blake, Danielle Thompson and Najah Muhammad are among the featured artists.
Oak Lawn’s Armador earns sportsmanship award
For the last four years, senior Julian Armador has been an important part of the Oak Lawn Community High School boys bowling team. This year his positive attitude and contributions have earned him the school’s Sportsmanship Award.
“He was an extremely important member of the squad and always supported his teammates no matter what the situation,” head coach Kevin Walery said. “Lesser players might have given up, but he never stopped working and showed up to practice, matches and tournaments every day. Julian won this award because of his positive and calming influence on the team. He is a wonderful example of Spartan Pride.”
Midlothian’s Donegan presents at symposium
Midlothian’s Dominique Donegan, a junior at McKendree University and member of the University’s Honors Program, recently presented at the annual Honors Council of the Illinois Region Student Spring Symposium on Feb. 25.
Clark University fall dean’s list
Burbank: Caroline H. Cragg; Mokena: Layne A. Stevens
Emerson College fall dean’s list
Daniel Zapata, Oak Lawn
Kansas State University fall semester honors
Tinley Park: Noah Berchman, Makayla More
University of Maryland Global Campus fall dean’s list
Lockport: Samantha Vinson; New Lenox: Justin Brown; Oak Forest: Robert Marion; Orland Park: Edward Whiten; Sauk Village: Heidi Davila
Middle Tennessee State University fall dean’s list
Chicago: Ryan Maher; New Lenox: Hannah Kratochvil
University of Mississippi fall chancellor’s honor roll
Chicago: Grace McDonough, Ashlin Palzkill; Frankfort: Kailey Bell; Homer Glen: Sullivan Rakow, Payton Ward; Mokena: Baelin Behringer; New Lenox: Kaitlyn Bittner; Oak Lawn: Courtney Mayo; Orland Park: Madeline Bailey, Lindsey Sabutis
University of Mississippi fall dean’s honor roll
Bridgeview: Ryan Sullivan; Frankfort: Emma Zednick; Homer Glen: Brian Leyden; Lockport: Michael Parmigiani; Mokena: Brendan Gedville; New Lenox: Madison Fiore; Oak Lawn: Natalie Brett, John Hubbuch, Kevin Sullivan; Palos Heights: Lauren Hunt; Tinley Park: Jillian Ketchen; University Park: Princess Offord
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