Sarussi becomes Lemont’s first 3-time All-State performer
Lemont High School senior Destina Sarussi became the school’s first-ever three-time all-state performer at the 2024 Illinois Music Education Conference recently at the Peoria Civic Center. Fellow Lemont seniors Angelo Babista and Casey Treanor participated in the IMEC for the first time.
Entering this year, Sarussi was one of just eight Lemont students ever to earn all-state accolades twice in their careers. However, she moved into a class of her own by earning first chair in the flute for the All-State Honors Orchestra.
Treanor (French Horn) was selected to the All-State Orchestra. Babista participated in the All-State Composition contest, collecting a runner-up finish in Remix and placing third in Rock Band.
After auditions and district festivals throughout the state, more than 1,000 students were selected to participate in the ILMEA’s 2024 All-State Student Programs. Students who were part of all-state performing ensembles capped their experience by performing in concerts that were led by distinguished conductors and educators from across the country.
Lockport’s Mondrella publishes ‘Swanocerosman Two’
Lockport’s Joseph Mondrella, writer of “Swanocerosman,” has now written “Swanocerosman Two.” It’s a 96-page paperback retailing for $14 from Dorrance Publishing Co.
Glenwood’s Parker publishes book of self-discovery
Glenwood’s S. Jernard Parker, who has served in Christian ministry for over 30 years, has written “A Well-Dressed Lie,” a 304-page paperback retailing for $73 (eBook $68) from Dorrance Publishing Co.
Homewood’s Kenebrew performs in ‘Exit Strategy’
Homewood’s Devin Kenebrew was one of the students performing in “Exit Strategy” at Lewis University, which wrapped Feb. 22-25.
University of Buffalo fall dean’s list
Elissa Rizek, Palos Heights
Carthage College J-Term study tours list
Homer Glen: Anna Arens (Photographing Nature in Costa Rica); Lockport: Julia Habas (Spanish Language Immersion in Costa Rica), Patrick Kunst (Photographing Nature in Costa Rica); Midlothian: Madison Conway (Geography and Biology of Nicaragua); New Lenox: Quinn Roth (Sports Journalism in Europe), Matthew Ruggiero (Photographing Nature in Costa Rica), Bradley Szubryt (Biodiversity, Brains and Behavior in Honduras); Oak Forest: Stewart Lilly (Photographing Nature in Costa Rica); Oak Lawn: Jessica Kasprzak (Exploring Personal Health in Greece); Palos Heights: Jillian King (Paris: A Capital Experience); Tinley Park: Gianna Ennis (Photographing Nature in Costa Rica)
Central College fall dean’s list
Trent Dian, Midlothian
Elmhurst University fall dean’s list
Alsip: Josie Babicz, Cassadie Comiskey; Evergreen Park: Samantha Pack; Homer Glen: Stefan Carlson; Lockport: Marisa Brown, Brooke Sartin, Maisie Steele, Ethan Stepanek; Matteson: Sarah Dasilva, Joshua MacKey; Mokena: Nathaniel Lovell; New Lenox: Alexi Littmann, Lindsey O’Donnell, Avery Stevenson, Skylar Stevenson; Oak Forest: Alexa Simonsis; Oak Lawn: Vanessa Carr, Emma Garrett, Sadie Hartmann, Andrew Stritch, Amy Wilkus; Orland Park: Zackary Browne, Alexis Elizondo, Aron Gomez, Mary Graves, Alex Grezlovski, Ahlam Mohammed; Palos Heights: Reem Turkmani; Palos Park: Kayleigh O’Brien; Tinley Park: Davionne Jakes; Worth: Jessica Marszalek, Randa Qatanani
Send news to communitynews@southtownstar.com.
