Evergreen Park students earn Mustang Pride Award
Evergreen park Community High School has recognized 24 students with the Mustang Pride Award during a recent breakfast.
The students were nominated by a staff member or teacher for “significant personal achievement or contributions in the classroom or a co-curricular activity,” according to a news release.
They include Muhammad Asim, Kameryn Brown, Juan Hernandez, Donavan Herrera, Lucas Landry, Gabriel Lucio, Bryanna Morin, Julia O’Hare, T.J. O’Rourke, Jacob Ramirez, Karim Rashid, Rowan Smyth, Ava Tyszkiewicz, Aubrey Walczak, Omarri Bey, Maya Cisneros, Abby Delgado, BillyDuffner, Sofia Esquivel, Hope Etapa, Moises Martinez-Liera, Nyela Owens, Antonia Padilla and Dalia Rangel.
Parents and guardians of the students were invited to the breakfast to see the students receive a certificate of recognition, Mustang Pride pin and Mustang Pride T-shirt.
OLCHS lauded for AP science program
Having achieved high female representation in AP Computer Science, Oak Lawn Community High School has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award.
Schools receiving the honor have expanded access to AP computer science courses for female students. Of the female students at Oak Lawn who took the AP exam in spring 2024, 100% percent passed and earned college credit.
School principal Lauren May is happy about the honor. “I am thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students, our AP teachers, and our school counselors on this step-increasing access to computer science education,” she shared in a news release. “The work we have been doing to create opportunities for OLCHS students to earn early college credit through AP and dual credit programs is important.”
Brats and Burn set at Orland Grassland
Join Orland Grassland Volunteers for the annual Brats and Burn event from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 15 on the west side of the site on 104th and Old Farm Road Trail at old 175th Street. Park in the subdivision across the street.
The event celebrates the winter brush clearing season. Because of Valentine’s Day, in addition to brats sizzling on the burning brush pile, foil-wrapped potatoes and green peppers and onions will be cooked. Chocolate and hot cider also will be available.
Using loppers and bow saws, volunteers hand cut shrubs and small trees and burn the cuttings in large brush piles. “Winter clearing is the very important first step in a sequential restoration strategy,” Pat Hayes, volunteer site steward for Orland Grassland Land and Water Reserve, a Forest Preserves of Cook County site, shared in a news release. “Before we can get the soil ready to receive native wildflower and grass seeds, the aggressive shrubs and trees not associated with a prairie landscape must go.”
Wear suitable clothes for weather, including sturdy shoes and socks that cover the ankle. The association will provide the tools, work gloves, guidance and refreshments. Minors 8 to 18 years old can participate as part of a sponsored group. To RSVP, call 708-220-9596 or email ptihys@yahoo.com; visit www.orlandgrassland.org for details.
Pathlights trivia night set for Feb. 20
Trivia fans can show off their skills at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at American Legion Post 854, 9701 S. Kedzie Ave., Evergreen Park.
Doors open at 5:30, and the event benefits Pathlights, which is celebrating 50 years of supporting older adults. Cost is $40 per person, which includes pizza and one drink.
Split the pot and raffles will be part of the fun. Register teams and buy tickets before Feb. 13. People without a team will be assigned to one. Sign up by visiting pathlights.org/events.
Crisis Center gala planned in Tinley Park
Crisis Center for South Suburbia’s Sweet Home Chicago Gala takes place Feb. 22 at Odyssey Country Club, 19110 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park.
Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., as well as a silent auction and raffles. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. followed by a live auction and program at 8 p.m. and live entertainment at 9 p.m.
All proceeds will benefit the organization, which helps survivors of domestic violence and their children by providing emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, housing, education and a 24-hour hotline.
Online grand raffle tickets may be bought for $50 online, and tickets to the gala cost $175 per person and can be bought at sweetchicago.givesmart.com. For information, call 708-429-7255.
Midlothian library offers Black History Month activities
There’s a little something for everyone as part of free Black History Month activities at the Midlothian Public Library, 14701 Kenton Ave.
Kids can pick up a “make art like” kit Feb. 7 and 21. Each kit guides children 6 and older in making an art work in the style of a famous Black American artist.
Teens can play “Black History Month Jeopardy” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19. Registration is required.
A kids’ drawing class featuring a project based on Black American artist Nick Cave’s “Soundsuit” series takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The program is best for children 6 and older, and registration is recommended.
Adults can join “Culinary Classics: Jerk Chicken”: from 3 to 4 p.m. Feb. 22 to learn to cook the dish, which features rice and peas or cabbage. Samples will be served, and registration is recommended.
To sign up for any of the events, call 708-535-2027 or visit midlothianlibrary.org and click on “events.”
Community health expo includes panel discussion, dancing
The Beverly Area Planning Association hosts a free community health expo that takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Drive.
Last year’s event featured more than 30 local health and fitness businesses, and this year’s event has even more.
Activities include panel discussions with experts in wellness, health and nutrition, as well as discussions on mental health, senior health, menopause, pain management and sexual wellness. Interactive demonstrations and lively cardio dance classes, healthful food and beverage tasting, merchandise and giveaways also will be featured
The expo’s other partners are the Mount Greenwood Community Business Association, the 95th Street Business Association and the Morgan Park/Beverly Hills Business Association. Information is at 773-233-3100.
Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.
