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Orland Hills

Characters roam the halls at CJB

Second-grade students at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School in Orland Hills recently dressed as their favorite book characters and marched into classrooms carrying the corresponding books the characters were from.

Students prepared by reading their book, researching the author and writing and preparing their presentation. The children then gave short oral presentations to classmates, parents, grandparents and teachers.

Mokena

Noonan students present solo competition

Band students at Noonan Elementary Academy in Mokena recently performed their first solo competition, which was sponsored by the Illinois Grade School Music Association.

Nine band students from the two concert bands at the school participated in the state sponsored competition at Liberty Junior High in New Lenox. The students had to prepare a solo as well as showcase their knowledge of music theory.

Justin Luminga, Chad Yranela, Julianna Lynch, Kelsey Co, Sophia Pagni, Sophia Cho , Phillip Lynch and Lexie Kruspke all received “superior” and “excellent” ratings.

“We have a wonderful young band program here at Noonan Academy that consists of hard-working students who want more than just preparing music for our concerts,” said band director Rocco Carioto. “They want to push themselves to be the best they can be.”

District 210

L-Way students win big at bridge contest

Lincoln-Way High School District 210 students recently captured nine of the top 20 places at the Chicago South Suburban Regional Bridge Building contest.

Lincoln-Way West High School student Alex Studnicka brought home a second-place trophy, and Lincoln-Way North High School students Dominique Petrassi and Emily Seyforth captured fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Orland Park

Free Cybercafe open to residents

The Orland Township Cybercafe is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays in the Technology Center at 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park.

The cafe features free internet access, Microsoft Office 2010 and more. A computer expert also is available to assist participants with computer challenges. Complimentary coffee and snacks are served.

“Orland Township, in 2010, created several new programs to teach residents and the community’s seniors computer skills,” said Orland Township supervisor Paul O’Grady. “The Orland Township Cybercafe is a natural extension of that. Residents will be able to put the skills they’re learning to use at the Cybercafe and, if questions arise, consult the computer guru and get immediate answers.”

Proof of residency is required.

Information: (708) 403-4222.

Chiro One hosts Wellness Revolution Seminar

Chiro One recently held its Wellness Revolution Seminar at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park.

Participants were able to learn how to eat, think and move at their highest levels. The event also included free spinal wellness screenings and lectures by Dr. Stuart Bernsen, CEO of Chiro One Wellness Centers; Brett Penager, CMO of Chiro One Wellness Centers; and Dr. David Plourde, of the Plourde Institute.

Frankfort

Bertucci honored at national art competition

Peter Bertucci, a senior at Lincoln-Way North High School, recently received an award for his artwork through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, which is a national program that recognizes outstanding creative teenagers and offers scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors.

Bertucci’s drawing, “Urban Relapse,” received a gold medal, while his portfolio of eight drawings received a silver medal.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of Peter,” said Phil Labriola, the art department chair at Lincoln-Way North and Lincoln-Way East high schools. “He has devoted so much time and effort to his artwork, and we are glad to see his talents and hard work honored with national recognition.”

Tinley Park

Crisis center receives Sperling Brothers grant

The Sperling Brothers Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 grant to the Crisis Center for South Suburbia that will be used to upgrade the resident computer lab.

Since its inception in 2007, the Sperling Brothers Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 to individuals and nonprofit organizations that served people need.

The grant money will be used for upgrades and renovations to the computer lab at the crisis center including new hardware, software and improved internet access. The lab is used by residents at the crisis center for employment search, resume preparation, research and communication.

The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a nonprofit organization located in Tinley Park that provides emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence.

Information: www.crisisctr.org.

Orland Park

Student participate in chemistry challenge

Several students from District 135 schools recently participated in the You Be the Chemist Challenge at Sandburg High School.

The challenge is an academic quiz show-style competition that engages students in learning about important chemistry concepts, discoveries and chemical safety.

Jerling Junior High School student Tim Orth qualified to compete at the state competition in Des Plaines, where he could then qualify to attend the national competition in Philadelphia in June.

Orth received a $100 savings bond as a reward for his success.

All participants received a $25 Best Buy gift card. Plourde Institute.

Tinley Park

Walker students take part in annual Science Fair

Sixth-grade students at Walker Intermediate School in Tinley Park recently participated in the annual Science Fair.

The students learned the scientific method through classroom experiments and chose a topic to investigate and perform at home. After compiling their results, students presented their data on a show board and in a lab report.