Oak Lawn’s McCarthy receives Distinguished Service to Society Award
Oak Lawn resident Heather Rusch McCarthy, an Elmhurst University graduate who teaches in the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123, recently won the Distinguished Service to Society Award for using her passion for literature to spread the message of love and equality through service-learning projects with her students.
The Alumni Merit Awards celebrate Elmhurst graduates who have made outstanding contributions to the community and to their alma mater.
McCarthy and her students host an annual meal-packaging event for families and veterans in need. She and her students also have been recognized for their work on climate change and a variety of other projects.
Orland Park’s Eloise Bielawski performs for 1,200 people
In front of 1,200 spectators, Orland Park 6-year-old Eloise Bielawski, of Orland Park sang the national anthem Oct. 14 at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills.
Bielawski is part of the Orland Park Platinum Cheer Associations 1st grade cheer team — Opal. The competitive cheer program put on showcase performances to family, friends and guests at Moraine Valley featuring the competition routines that the eight teams in the program will compete with this season.
Providence’s Timm scores perfect 36 on ACT
Katherine Timm, a junior at Providence Catholic, earned a perfect 36 on the ACT test.
Fewer than half of one percent of the 1.3 million students who take the ACT earn a top score.
“I prepared for the ACT by taking the Pre-ACT 8/9 and Pre-ACT at Providence,” Timm said. “I also did practice tests out of the official Princeton Review ACT prep book. Providence helped me prepare for the ACT by offering the Pre-ACT 8/9 and the Pre-ACT my freshman and sophomore years, respectively, and by teaching the English, math, and science skills I needed for the test.”
At Providence, Timm is a dedicated member of the band/percussion ensemble. She is on the Math Team and Scholastic Bowl Team, writes for the Proviscope newspaper and is a member of the Forensics Club and Girls Support Girls Club. She is also a member of the Spanish Honor Society and the Music Honor Society.
Timm plans to study history in college, likely with a minor in math or design. Her goal is to work as a curator in a museum.
District 227 board member Clark recognized as leader
Rich Township High School District 227 Board Member Mia Clark was recently recognized as a Board Leader by the Illinois Association of School Boards.
This honor goes to her for her commitment to education and for her professional development and leadership activities.
Oak Lawn’s O’Reilly initiated into Omicron Delta Kappa
Caitlyn O’Reilly, a native of Oak Lawn, was recently initiated into the St. Norbert College Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.
Frankfort’s Bednar awarded University of Arkansas scholarship
Lydia Bednar of Frankfort was awarded the Epley Razorback Marching Band Scholarship this fall from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
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“We want to celebrate Lydia for their incredible achievement and reward their hard work,” said Kathryn Sloan, interim dean of Fulbright College. “Lydia is an invaluable member of the Fulbright College family and the entire University of Arkansas community. We’re so proud to support their learning and research successes.”
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