Cook County State’s Attorney’s office mentors Richards students
Recently Rachael Dovgin, the faculty sponsor for Youth and Government at Richards High School, created a partnership with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to mentor her students.
The group visited the Richards campus to mentor female students interested in pursuing careers in law and other professions.
Amy Linman, a former student of Dovgin who participated in Youth and Government as a student, today works in the State’s Attorney Office. She reached out to offer help to Richards students.
“The evening began with a question and answer panel in which students were given advice about the professional world, and then transitioned into individual partnerships for discussion. The students will be able to keep this connection throughout their college and post-college careers, offering them support and guidance along those paths,” Dovgin said.
Tinley Park High School staff raises $2K for Project Fire Buddies
Staff members at Tinley Park High School recently rallied to support Project Fire Buddies after special education teacher Lauren Brazel and counselor Shannon Gormley put together a gift card basket on behalf of TPHS for the organization’s raffle.
The initial goal of $500 was quickly surpassed, according to a release from the school, and the basket effort raised $2,000 for Project Fire Buddies, an organization founded in Oak Forest that provides support to families facing challenges similar to that of Frankie, Brazel’s son, who battles cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other ailments.
“Project Fire Buddies has done so much for our family, and we wanted to be able to give back,” Brazel said.
The school’s athletic teams joined the initiative by contributing swag items that were included in two raffle baskets donated to the organization for its Feb. 10 gala.
Stagg students cram van with winter donations
Stagg High School students embarked on a heartwarming mission this winter, cramming a van to the brim with bundles of warmth. The students contributed more than 150 coats, each accompanied by new gloves and hats, to All Kids Matter, a Chicago-based foundation that helps families in need.
The winter items were collected through the school’s Service Learning program and distributed at events coordinated by foundation chairman Michael Airhart in collaboration with Chance the Rapper, such as Taste for The Homeless’ Winterfest, an event for Chicago’s homeless and low-income communities — offering them a day of fun and entertainment, while also providing them with life’s essentials.
McAuley students team with Mercy Circle residents for service project
Students from the Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School’s Justice for Women Community joined Mercy Circle residents last week at Mercy Circle in Chicago’s Mt. Greenwood neighborhood to decorate bags and fill them with Valentine’s candy as a way to share love with families served by Pat’s Pantry.
MACs with Mercy brings together McAuley students and Mercy Circle residents to serve the greater community while they build new connections. Each month, McAuley students from a different club visit Mercy Circle to spend time with the residents.
“It is wonderful to see the residents and students working together and enjoying each other’s company,” said Katie McKirdie, life enrichment coordinator at Mercy Circle. “Both generations are eager to support the community.”
MVCC plans Public Service Career Event
A Public Service Career Event for those interested in jobs that serve the community is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 22 at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills. The event is free and registration is not required.
Information will be presented about Moraine Valley’s Career Programs such as Criminal Justice, Fire Academy, Fitness Trainer, Paralegal, Recreation Therapy, and Sport and Recreation Management. Potential employers from public service organizations such as the Cook County Sheriff’s Police, Illinois State Police and other police departments, fire departments, park districts and fitness trainers will be on hand to discuss career and employment opportunities. Information is at morainevalley.edu/publicservice.
Brats ‘n Burn set at Orland Grassland
The Orland Grassland Volunteers will celebrate the winter brush clearing season with their annual Brats N’ Burn event from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 24 at Orland Grassland’s Old Farm Road Trail entrance on the west side of the site at Old 175th Street and 104th Avenue.
After clearing small shrubs and small trees, they will be burning large brush piles to remove the debris. While they are clearing, sausages will be sizzling on the brush pile, green peppers and onions will be steaming, foil-wrapped potatoes, and perhaps sweet apples will be tossed in the hot coals.
The event is for adults who love a good physical workout in nature, according to a news release. Guidance and tools are provided. More information is at www.orlandgrasslandvolunteers. RSVPs are requested so adequate food and supplies will be available, by calling Marnie Baker at 708-942-8038, emailing marnie.baker@gmail.com through the website.
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