Palos South student sits on City Council
An essay written by Gabriela Espinoza, an eighth grade student at Palos South Middle School, earned her a spot as clerk and treasurer of the Palos Heights City Council for one night in October.
Espinoza joined other area students to conduct a mock meeting Oct. 17 after her essay was selected as one of the winners of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club Mayor for a Day essay writing contest. The meeting took place before the Palos Heights City Council’s regular monthly meeting.
The Palos Heights Woman’s Club started the essay contest in 1977 as a way to get students interested in serving in local government and public service.
Espinoza also received a plaque and certificate for her winning essay that was presented by Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz. All of the winners were treated to a pizza dinner at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens clubhouse before the meeting where their winning essays were read.
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While she is leaning toward a future career in business, Espinoza said that she may now also consider government service after this experience.
District 230’s Malec named Coach of the Year
Jim Malec, who is the varsity coach of the District 230 United girls lacrosse team, was recently named the Illinois High School Association Lacrosse Coach of the Year.
Malec was recognized after leading the District 230 United girls lacrosse team, which consists of athletes from Stagg, Sandburg and Andrew high schools, to the state finals in the spring. District 230 United finished 20-0 in the regular season before placing fourth in the state.
“It is very impressive that Coach Malec has been able to build such a successful program so quickly, especially when pulling players from three different high school campuses, which can sometimes be an impediment in building a cohesive program,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Susie Knoblauch. “The fact that his team accomplished so much so quickly, especially with a roster that featured 17 underclassmen in 2023, speaks volumes about him as a tactician and coach.”
Area students host Augustana focus groups
Among the 30 Augustana College students who hosted public health focus groups at the school’s fall Symposium Day on Oct. 11 were Orland Park’s Patrick Roche and Lockport’s Joseph Ruffato.
Roche, a kinesiology major, led a group about student access to health care on campus. Ruffato, a neuroscience and public health major, led a group about college men’s mental health.
Alsip’s Woods earns scholarship at Baldwin Wallace
Taylor Woods of Alsip, a graduate of Noble Charter School Muchin College Preparatory, earned a $21,000 President’s Scholarship based on outstanding academic achievements in high school. Woods is majoring in dual primary and primary intervention specialist.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 2023-24 scholarship list
Burbank: Edwin Villagomez (King Chavez Scholarship (Admissions) Scholarship; King Chavez Scholarship (Foundation) Scholarship; Chicago Heights: Brandon Annang (King Chavez Scholarship (Admissions) Scholarship; King Chavez Scholarship (Foundation) Scholarship; McGregory-Gibson Scholarship); Lockport: Michael Bates (Wynett Barnett Scholarship); Mokena: Faith Jones (Chancellor Scholars); New Lenox: Miles Hagen (Joseph and Madeline Chopp Scholarship); Orland Park: Jack Le (Transfer Excellence Scholarship); Tinley Park: Isabella Podewell (UW-Whitewater Foundation Freshman Academic Scholarship).
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