Sheridan sixth-grader named a safety 'patroller of the year'

Sheridan Elementary School officials have announced that sixth-grader Jennifer Lascon has been named one of AAA's Patrollers of the Year.

The national award is given to 15 individuals who demonstrate positive leadership, knowledge of safety skills, good grades and school involvement. In April, Jennifer and her family will be given an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., where she and other award winners will be honored at a banquet. Congratulations, Jennifer!

Judson announces film fest lineup: Judson University has announced films and speakers for its sixth annual Imago film festival, a Christian faith-based indie film festival with a focus on image and storytelling.

According to a college news release, speakers at the April 5-9 festival will be Gaye Williams Ortiz, author of "Theology and Film: Challenging the Sacred/Secular Divide" and professor at Augusta State University in Georgia; Darren Wilson, director of "Finger of God" and head of Wanderlust Productions; and Paul Nethercott, a missionary and filmmaker. Among the films screened and discussed will be Craig Detweiler's "Purple State of Mind" and Wilson's "Furious Love." Original films shown at the festival will be judged by a panel. An awards ceremony will be held on the final night. Tickets are $3-$8. For information about scheduled events, visit imagofilmfestival.com or e-mail Terrence Wandtke at twandtke@judsonu.edu

Seventh-grader advances to state geography bee: A Prairie Knolls Middle School student will compete in the Illinois Geography Bee in April.

Seventh-grader Thomas Crawford, 12, of Elgin, won the school level geography bee in January and took a written test to qualify for the state level contest, District 301 school officials e-mailed. The geography bee is open to students in fourth through eighth grade at participating schools. Tom won at the school level in sixth grade last year and also went to the state bee. He will be one of 100 school champions competing at the Field Museum on April 9. If he wins, he will head to the national championship in Washington, D.C., in May.

Longtime Lutheran educator honored: Good Shepherd's preschool director Dawn Knosher was honored this week for 25 years of work as a Lutheran educator. The Elgin church celebrated the milestone with cake and coffee after Good Shepherd's 9:30 a.m. service last Sunday.