Pride Walk set in Berwyn
The annual Berwyn Pride Walk, a celebration of inclusivity and LGBTQ+ pride, will take place in the historic Depot District from noon to 2 p.m. June 27 starting at James Boyce Irish Pub near Harlem and Windsor avenues and heading to East Avenue.
The event is supported by Bungalo+, the city’s oldest LGBTQ+ community organization, which has recently focused on “community engagement and combatting social isolation within the LGTBTQ+ community,” according to a news release. It’s also supported by the Berwyn Development Corporation and the City of Berwyn, including aldermen for the 1st, 2nd and 7th wars, as well as businesses and the Berwyn Public Library..
Attendees, who are encouraged to duress festively, will find a family-friendly atmosphere featuring local leaders, community organizations and residents gathering for a celebration. It’s open to everyone.
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“Berwyn is a city built on connection between neighbors, businesses and cultures,” Mayor Robert Lovero shared in the release. “The Pride Walk is a celebration of that spirit, and a reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued here.”
Local students named National Merit Scholars
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named winners in its 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program, worth $2,500, and local students were on that list.
They are Joshi Rishikesh, of Burr Ridge, Hinsdale South High School, who plans to study chemistry; Alexander Sjullie, of Elmhurst, York High School, who plans to study applied mathematics; Yazmin Crisostomo, of Hinsdale, Hinsdale Central High School, who wants to study medicine; and Kathleen Krasnewich, of Hinsdale, St. Ignatius College Preparatory School, who plans to study engineering.
Also, Emmie Guo, of Oak Brook, Hinsdale Central High School, who wants to study medicine; and Western Springs residents Nathan Leonauskas, Lyons Township High School, who plans to study engineering, Grace Rhoten, Lyons Township High School, who wants to study biomedical engineering, and Maclane Zich, Benet Academy, who plans to study medicine.
The winners are chosen from an initial screening of high school juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2024. By the end of the process, 6,700 finalists earn the Merit Scholar title, sharing nearly $24 million in scholarships.
Air Force second lieutenant hails from Oak Brook
Oak Brook resident Skylar Parker was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force last month at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C.
Parker, who majored in language and international health, and 40 other Air Force and Army ROTC members were commissioned second lieutenants representing four branches of the armed forces: Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Space Force.
The newly appointed officers participated in a Silver Dollar Salute afterward at the university’s Military Heritage Plaza, which marks the first salute the officers get from an enlisted member. In return, the officer gave the enlisted member a silver dollar.
Teens earn scholarship from hospital foundation
Elmhurst teens were among seven teens who received Teen Volunteer Health Profession Scholarships from the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation.
The teens, who all volunteer at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital and plan to pursue a health-related career, were Erin Horn, Sophyia Sendelbach, Teah Navarro and Ariya Shah.
The volunteers must meet a “rigorous set of criteria” to qualify for a scholarship, per a news release, including accumulated hours of volunteer service in the hospital, scholastic achievements, pursuing a career in a health-related field, and community service and a strong performance evaluation from the Volunteer Department.
Money for the scholarships, which range from $2,500 to 4,000, is raised via the annual Reindeer Route Housewalk and community donations.
Darien hosts monthly summer concert series
The city of Darien’s summer concert series kicks off with a performance of Fuze from 6 to 9 p.m. June 25 at Darien Community Park, 7100 Clarendon Hills Road.
Families and friends are invited to come to the park with their own chairs and blankets for this free music series held the last Thursdays of each month. Other groups are Dick Diamond & The Dusters on July 30 and Heart to Heartbreaker on Aug. 27.
Attendees are asked to bring canned goods and cleaning supplies to donate to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Food Pantry in Darien. Information is at www.darien.il.us.
Elmwood Park library seeks trivia fans
Trivia fans can test their knowledge at a trivia night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 30 at the Elmwood Park Public Library, 1 Conti Parkway in Elmwood Park.
Attendees can bring friends to form teams of up to six people or meet new ones.
Prizes will be given to the winners. Details are at 708-435-7645.
Authors visit Oak Park bookstore
A pair of author events are planned this week at The Book Loft, 1047 Lake St. in Oak Park.
Bestselling author Meg Waite Clayton will be in the store from 6 to 7 p.m. June 25 to talk about her book “Typewriter Beach” and to sign copies.
David Ellis, a bestselling author who is based in Chicago, will have a book launch at 6:30 p.m. June 30. Copies of his latest release, “Keep Them Close,” a sequel to his novel “Look Closer,” will be sold during this pre-sale and can be signed by the author.
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Details are at 708-665-3199.
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