Fifth grader Toni Rogers had a very special ride to Indiana School in Park Forest on Oct. 13.

Rogers, the first place winner of the “Cooking Safety Starts with You” Park Forest Fire Prevention Poster contest, was escorted to school by two fire trucks and an ambulance.

Rogers’ artwork earned first place out of more than 150 entrants.

With sirens blaring and lights flashing, Rogers was greeted by her class as well as her teacher Ellen Stidham, principal Tracye Hutsona and assistant principal Christina King.

Rogers also won a bicycle and the fire department brought her breakfast.

Fire Prevention Safety Week was Oct. 8-14.

Providence’s Conser scholar semifinalist

Providence Catholic senior Peter Conser has been named a semifinalist in the 2023-2024 Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

Semifinalists are competing for 150 college scholarships worth $20,000.

“I was surprised when I was notified, because there is less than a 1% acceptance rate,” Conser said. “I have always had a large curiosity to learn and gain more knowledge, especially pertaining to subjects like science. This scholarship would be a tremendous help to me in paying for college.”

Conser is a Lockport resident and graduate of Homer Junior High. He plans to study molecular biology on a premed track in college. At Providence Catholic, he is involved in many clubs and activities, including serving as president and chief editor of the school newspaper Proviscope, leading as a student ambassador and a student council representative.

The scholarship winners will be named in March.

New Lenox’s D’Angelo earns national certification

The National Court Reporters Association representing stenographic court reporters, captioners and legal videographers, has announced that New Lenox’s Deanna D’Angelo has earned the nationally recognized Certified Realtime Reporter certification, reflecting her timely knowledge of cutting-edge real time technology, and proficiency and accuracy of reporting.

Earning CRR credentials ensure a reporter is an expert in the specialized field of real time reporting.

D’Angelo is a member of NCRA and has worked as a court reporter for 14 years. She also holds the professional certifications of Registered Professional Reporter and is currently an official court reporter for the state.

Evergreen Park’s Grace Leonard named to UW-Whitewater bowling team

Evergreen Park’s Grace Leonard, who is studying chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned a roster spot on the Warhawk women’s bowling team for the 2023-24 season.

Entering their 22nd season as an NCAA program, the Warhawks perennially rank among the top teams in Division II and III and have reached the NCAA Championship three times.

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