Black History Showcase draws hundreds to GSU
The 2026 Black History Showcase at Governors State University, which celebrates African American history, achievement and culture, drew more than 500 students from five area school districts.
The event included a musical tribute to the late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and student performances of selections from “The Lion King,” the Jackson 5 and Chicago House music.
Participating schools were from Elementary School District 159, Rich Township High School District 227, Southland College Prep Charter High School and Matteson School Districts 162 and 153.
“This showcase demonstrates what is possible when districts collaborate with purpose. Our students are not only performing – they are learning, leading and honoring history,” Rich Township High School District 227 Superintendent Johnnie Thomas shared via a news release. He and Matteson School District 162 Superintendent Blondean Davis, who is CEO of Southland College Prep, developed the showcase.
Oak Lawn VFW post hosts blood drive
The community is invited to help others by giving blood during a drive set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at Johnson-Phelps Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5220, 9514 S. 52nd Ave. in Oak Lawn.
The event is sponsored by the post, the VFW Third District, Cares for Cancer NFP and Blue Reckoning Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. All donors receive a free breakfast as well as a voucher for a free pint of Culver’s and the chance to enter a raffle for a $10,000 gift cart.
Appointments may be scheduled by calling 877-258-48256 or via Vitalant.org and use the group code ORDVOR30.
Founder of iCan Dream Center recognized by Titan CEO
Titan CEO recently honored Flossmoor resident Evisha Ford, founding executive director of iCan Dream Center in Tinley Park, by including her as a 2026 Chicago Titan.
The organization recognizes Chicago’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives who have built companies and redefined what it means to be a leader.
Ford, a licensed social worker and TEDx speaker with a long history in public education, founded iCan Dream Center, a school in Illinois that serves at-risk learners and their families in Chicago’s south suburbs.
She shared in a news release that she was honored as one of the few nonprofit leaders but doesn’t consider the honor as a personal achievement. “Rather, I carry it as evidence: evidence that when you build for the unseen, advocate for the unheard, and refuse to measure student potential by standard metrics, possibilities begin to expand. This is for every student whose gifts were hidden in plain sight.”
D230 students lauded at regional art events
Several student artists with Consolidated High School District 230 earned awards when competing against hundreds of students from dozens of high schools in the Regional Scholastic Arts competition and Southwest Suburban Conference Art Festival.
Scholastic arts contest jurors looked at work that exemplified skill, originality and a personal voice or vision. The festival featured an art exhibition of student work, interactive workshops and professional speakers. Awards recognize a single work from a school based on creativity, technical skill and personal artistic voice.
Stagg High School senior Yaxanie Salas won Best of School at the festival for her digital media piece.
At Andrew High School, Best of School was awarded to junior Danya Zastawny for a ceramics piece and Visionary Award went to senior Ashley Napierkowski for her mixed media piece. At the festival, junior Meka Leach won honorable mention for a mixed media piece and senior Allyson Jeziowski earned honorable mention for her piece in digital painting, drawing and collage.
Sandburg High School senior Emmerson Karris won Best of School for her ceramics piece. At the festival, junior Olivia Piwowarczyk won Silver Key Mixed Media for her piece and junior Lina Sabbahi earned a Silver Key Photography award.
Frankfort seeks artisans for fall fest
March 31 is the last day for artisan and gourmet food vendors to apply for the 58th annual Frankfort Fall Festival, set for Sept. 5-7 in downtown Frankfort.
The event, sponsored by the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, draws thousands of visitors to specialty foods, live entertainment, unique handmade goods and activities for families.
Applications are available online at frankfortfallfestival.com. Details are found at 815-469-3356 or via office@frankfortchamber.com.
D230 Foundation puts on full-court press for benefit
The District 230 Foundation hopes fans of March Madness who are 21 and older will turn out for its annual fundraiser Whoop It Up!, which starts at 4:30 p.m. March 28 at the Odyssey, 16235 S. LaGrand Road in Orland Park.
Proceeds go “toward funding innovative teacher grants and life-changing scholarships for graduating seniors at Sandburg, Stagg, and Andrew High Schools,” a news release notes.
The event, which cost $65 per person, includes a buffet, open bar, NCAA regional championship games on big screens, silent auction, games and raffles. Tickets are sold at www.d230foundation.org/whoop-it-up.
New purse, toiletries drive set for Love Purse
To honor Women’s History Month, Hooters has partnered with Love Purse to collect new purses and toiletries through March 23 at all Chicago-area restaurants.
These include the Hooters at 17060 S. Torrence Ave. in Lansing, 9159 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn, 15300 S. LaGrand Road in Orland Park and 3301 Hennepin Drive in Joliet.
The items will be put in the purses and given to Metropolitan Family Services and WINGS Program Inc. for women in need and survivors of domestic violence. Donors are encouraged to write inspiring notes.
Toiletries needed are bar soap, toothpaste, face cream, body wash, compact mirror, body lotion, nail files, toothbrushes, floss, nonalcoholic mouthwash, face cream, deodorant, full-size shampoo, full-size conditioner, combs and brushes. Other items also needed are chocolates, mints, note pads, pens, socks, shower slippers and a few coins for good luck. Information is at lovepurse.org.
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