SSC finishes second at national basketball tourney
The South Suburban College men’s basketball team made it to the championship game and ended up finishing second in the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament March 23 at the Mary Miller Center in Danville. The title was won by National Park College from Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The South Suburban team finished with a 34-3 record,which included key victories in the Midwest District A Championship over Waubonsee Community College. Standout players Quentin Heady and Reggie Abram earned spots on the District Tournament All-Tournament Team, while Jemel Jones was named tournament MVP.
Head coach John Pigatti was named the Midwest District A Coach of the Year, and Jones was named Region IV Player of the Year after scoring over 1,000 points this season. Heady and Julius Byrd were also recognized for their exceptional contributions, earning spots on the Region IV 1st and 2nd teams, respectively.
“To get to the National Championship game was quite an accomplishment,” Pigatti said in a news release. “We had a lot of accolades this season, but more importantly was their ability to come together as a team and grow as young men.”
Lemont refinery worker lauded as hero
CITGO Lemont Refinery employee Jared Read recently received two Lifesaving Awards for his actions in January saving a motorist who was trapped in a burning vehicle.
Read, a maintenance journeyman, was working the evening shift Jan. 19 at the refinery when a van ran off a nearby road just after 1 a.m. and stopped on railroad tracks. Read noticed the van was on fire and climbed over a barbed-wire security fence to assist any passengers. He was joined by an arriving Illinois Department of Transportation worker and they helped break through the back door to pull the driver out to safety. Police and paramedics arrived shortly afterward and provided medical treatment.
Read received the Lemont Police Department’s Lifesaving Award at a village meeting Feb. 26 and was recognized by CITGO Lemont Refinery leadership on March 18.
“I was there at the right place and right time,” Read said. “I think it’s important to not be afraid and do your part.”
Dolton 149 tech students showcase progress
Dolton School District 149 students recently had the opportunity to showcase the skills they are learning in the district’s Career and Technical Education program for 7th and 8th graders, which was launched this school year.
The program allows students to gain hands-on experience from experts in the fields of agriculture, performing arts, music production, skilled trades, and culinary arts.
After hearing from students about their experiences, District 149 Superintendent Maureen White called the program “a critical connection for affirming in them a sense of possibility.”
Violence prevention program set in Park Forest
Kingdom Church International is presenting a Gun Violence Prevention & Mental Health Workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 13 at its Empowerment Center, 202 Forest Blvd., Park Forest.
The church is the south suburban lead agency for the Violence Prevention Coordinating Council, according to a news release. The event will include workshops on gun violence prevention, domestic violence prevention, mental health and youth empowerment. The workshops are free and include lunch as well as free resources such as gun locks. Registration guarantees access to lunch and the other free items. Information is at www.trykci.org/vpcc-workshop, 708-252-3648 or email info@trykci.org.
Reptile Uproar planned in Midlothian
The Midlothian Park District and Crosstown Exotics will present the annual Reptile Uproar event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14 at the Athletic & Recreation Center, 14500 S. Kostner Ave., Midlothian. The event features several species of reptiles, bugs and amphibians on display as well as two mini shows by Crosstown Exotics, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., where people can witness the creatures in action and learn more about their lives.
Tickets for Reptile Uproar are $15 at the door. More information is with the Midlothian Park District at 708-371-6191.
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