Mende princess, author shares story at Rich Township
Sarah Jane Culberson’s journey as an adopted daughter in West Virginia with little knowledge of her ancestry through her discovery that she is by birth a Mende princess of Bumpe — Gao Chiefdom in Sierra Leone has been featured on national news outlets. She presented her story Wednesday to students at Rich Township High School’s Fine Arts and Communications Campus Auditorium in Richton Park.
Culberson cofounded Sierra Leone Rising, a nonprofit that raises funds to improve education, economic opportunities, and sustainable living for people in that country. Her book, “A Princess Found: An American Family, an African Chiefdom, and the Daughter Who Connected Them All,” is being considered for a film by Disney Studios, and her experience in education over the past 15 years has led her to present and create curriculum for schools, universities and corporations.
Students team with Grace Point Place residents on Easter baskets
About two dozen first graders from Southwest Chicago Christian School joined residents with dementia at Grace Point Place in Oak Lawn last week to create Easter baskets for staff at the Anthem Memory Care community in Oak Lawn.
“This was a great opportunity for our seniors to reminisce about past Easter celebrations while showing their appreciation for the staff,” said Shannon Dahlman, community relations director for Grace Point Place. “It’s a wonderful way to share their creativity and at the same time form new friendships with the next generation.”
Richards students bake for families of hospitalized kids
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Leo Club members from Richards High School in Oak Lawn spent part of their spring break baking for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, which provides free accommodations for families of pediatric patients at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.
Faculty sponsor Karen Lavin brought students Maggie Macias, Aine Kelly and Molly McGinnis to the Cookies from the Heart event.
“I am proud of them for choosing to volunteer, especially during their spring break,” Lavin said. “We baked chocolate chip cookies, brownies, muffins and Rice Krispies treats for families staying at the house. Families at the house have a child receiving medical attention at the hospital, so we hope our baked goods gave them a chance to enjoy something comforting and delicious during an otherwise stressful time,” Lavin said.
Palos students raise over $3K for earthquake relief
Members of student councils at all three schools in Palos District 118 collected over $3,100 during a March fundraiser to benefit those impacted by earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.
Students at Palos East and West elementary schools and Palos South Middle School also collected 25 boxes of essential supplies to be donated to the humanitarian relief efforts. Donated items included tents, sleeping bags, blankets, and other necessities like diapers, socks, hats, and gloves.
All funds and items were donated to the Zakat Foundation of America, a nonprofit which is coordinating relief efforts for those impacted by the earthquakes.
‘Secret NWI’ at Calumet City Historical Society meeting
The Calumet City Historical Society presents a free program by Joseph Pete, author of “Secret Northwest Indiana: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure” at 3 p.m. April 16 at the society, 760 Wentworth Ave., Calumet City. Pete’s book will be available for sale, and he will have a book signing afterward. The program will be preceded at 2 p.m. by a general membership meeting.
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