H-F’s Kobie Davis wins SSG scholarship contest
Kobie Davis, a graduate of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, won the $1,000 South Suburbs for Greenspace 2021 scholarship contest. Davis started at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earlier this month, where he is majoring in industrial engineering.
SSG offered this scholarship to support youth in the South Suburbs and to bring attention to environmental racism. Applicants were asked to write an essay about environmental injustice and the extent to which environmental racism affects the health and overall well-being of the Southland, including what steps they can take to become an agent of change in the fight for environmental justice.
In his winning essay, Davis wrote, “Each of us has a vital role in preserving the longevity of our community, this means acknowledging the impact of global warming. By reducing our carbon footprint, and insisting local businesses do the same, we can improve the air quality in our community and other communities that for decades have been adversely impacted by environmental racism.”
Davis also wrote about the need to “elect politicians that take global warming seriously.”
Orland Park’s Ackerman’s business lauded
Bruce Ackerman, a native of Orland Park, has turned the business he founded in a backroom on the campus of the University of Illinois in Champaign, into one of the businesses on Inc. 5000’s annual list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies.
Printavo, a provider of online shop management software for screen printers, embroiderer and custom apparel manufacturers, saw a 404% revenue growth.
Ackerman created his company in 2011 with a 4-color Riley Hopkins screen printing press. Now based in downtown Chicago, Printavo also helped customers stay afloat during the pandemic by creating fundraisers for small businesses. The company employs 26 people and helps thousands of shops all over the world keep their workflow organized so they can focus on growing their business.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition, particularly in a very interesting and turbulent period in our world’s history,” Ackerman said. “Our team never stopped and only continued to work harder and smarter. We’re constantly coming up with new solutions and ways to help our customers succeed and grow. I’m incredibly proud of the team and humbled to receive this recognition.”
Manchester University spring graduates list
Nour Salah, Oak Forest
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