Superintendents’ scholarship gala honors Jesse Jackson
The legacy of the late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. was honored by more than 1,000 educators, civic leaders and families gathered Friday in Tinley Park at an event that has generated more than $1 million in scholarships for area students.
The fourth annual We Are Stronger Together Scholarship Gala was organized by the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity in partnership with the United Negro College Fund.
The partnership was fostered by Blondean Y. Davis, CEO and founder of Southland College Prep Charter High School and superintendent of Matteson School District 162, who united nearly 40 suburban superintendents to work collectively with UNCF to expand college opportunities for their students. Davis co-chaired the gala alongside Johnnie Thomas, superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227.
“Our partnership with UNCF means more resources and more opportunity for students in our community,” Thomas said. “For many families, these scholarships are life-changing.”
The financial impact extended beyond the fundraising total. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane presented seven full-ride scholarships, each valued at $108,000, totaling $756,000 in awards for local students.
Tougaloo College, a historically Black college in Tougaloo, Mississippi, has awarded 27 full-ride scholarships through the partnership over the past several years and presented eight additional scholarships this year.
More than 400 students from 10 Chicagoland high schools joined together in a mass choir performance that served as both a celebration and a reminder of the extraordinary talent and promise represented in the next generation, organizers said.
Lemont Artists Guild hosts metal sculptor
The Lemont Artists Guild with help from the Homer Township Public Library, host Steve Kost, who will talk about his work making metal sculptures during a program set for 6:30 p.m. March 11 at the library, 14320 W. 151st St. in Homer Glen.
Kost, who served for four years in the Navy, including the Seabees as a steelworker, became an ironworker in Chicago but turned to counseling – and then art – as a way to improve his mental health. He creates sculptures using scrap metal in his studio, named Metal Health Artwork.
Kost’s “upcycled” animal sculptures have been shown at such places as the Illinois State Museum, the U.S. Library of Congress, Joliet Historical Society.
Guild meetings are free and open to all. Information is at www.lemontartistsguild.org.
Low-income families can apply for grant to pay gas bill
Nicor Gas is accepting applications for its Shield of Caring program for income-eligible residential customers.
Residents who have a gross household income below 400% of the federal poverty level in the last 30 days can apply at shieldofcaring.com.
Shield of Caring offers grants of up to $250 per year. The emergency assistance program, run by The Salvation Army, helps residential customers who are behind on paying their Nicor Gas bill and experiencing financial hardship because of military deployment, job loss, illness, a disability or other issues. Last year the company and The Salvation Army gave out $1.5 million in grants to more than 6,000 customers.
Those eligible for financial help from other programs, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, are encouraged to apply to those programs first. The federally funded program helps economically vulnerable families by providing financial assistance for heating and cooling bills. For LIHEAP, a household’s gross income for the month before applying must be at or below 60% of the state median income, which is $6,407 monthly for a family of four.
Nicor also offers other resources for customers, such as a sharing program, low-income discount program, energy aid program, payment arrangements, budget plan and energy efficiency program. Details are found at nicorgas.com/billpaymentassistance.
Annual fleadh race, parade planned in Oak Forest
The City of Oak Forest and the Oak Forest-Crestwood Chamber of Commerce are joining forces for the 17th annual Oak Forest Fleadh on March 7.
The CNB Oak Forest Fleadh 5K race starts at 8:30 a.m. The race typically draws more than 500 runners and walkers. Pre- and post-race activities take place in Fire Station 1, 5620 James Drive. Several nearby streets will be closed for about an hour. Sign up for the race at www.oak-frest.org.
The family parade steps off at 11 a.m. from Central Avenue and 151st Street and heads south to the Oak Forest Park District for activities aimed at families. St. Damian School is this year’s grand marshal. Information is at www.oak-forest.org or 708-687-4600.
Mercy Circle nurse surprised with award
Licensed practical nurse Sandra Ramirez recently was surprised when she learned she had won the DAISY Award after being nominated by Sister Mary DePaul Palaszek of the Sisters of Mercy.
Ramirez, who cares for seniors at Mercy Circle in Chicago, was chosen from more than 25 other not-for-profit senior living communities in eight states. Stacey and Jonathan Frazier presented the award to her on behalf of Trinity Health Senior Communities.
Benefit connects kids to nature at The Center’s camps
Help pay for children to attend summer camp at The Center in Palos Park by joining A Night to Linger, set for March 12 at Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant in Orland Park.
The Center’s overnight summer camps, held for a week or more, aim to connect children with nature and teach them life skills. This year’s goal is to raise $65,000.
The event features live music, a silent auction, raffles and other activities. Tickets cost $50 per person. A matching pledge for $10,000 in donations has been made. Buy tickets at thecenterpalos.org or by calling 708-361-3650.
Mother McAuley students show portraits at EP library
A collaborative art exhibit at the Evergreen Park Public Library featuring pieces by students at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School includes an artist reception at 6:30 p.m. March 12 at the library, 9400 S. Troy Ave.
The free exhibit, open until April 5, highlights biographies and portraits of inspirational women who have made their mark on history, such as Princess Diana, Aretha Franklin, Kamala Harris, Joan of Arc and others.
Literary works star in symphony performance
The Southwest Symphony Orchestra performs “Literature Comes to Live” at 4 p.m. March 8 in Ozinga Chapel at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W/ College Drive, Palos Heights.
The event features youth concerto winner Chloe Vasilakis, who plays the flute, and performances from “The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring,” “Overture from Der Freischütz,” “Thoreau Contemplates Eternity at Walden Pond” and “The Firebird Suite.”
Tickets are $25 to $35 and are free for full-time students and children. Information is at southwestsymphony.com or 708-802-0686.
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