Student tells Lions about challenges, goals

At its March meeting, the Elgin Lions Club welcomed guest speaker Jose Torres, superintendent of Elgin Area School District U-46.

He reviewed the many financial issues facing the district primarily due to the reduction of state funds to schools throughout the state.

On a much brighter note, Elgin High School junior Alejandra Palomar also spoke to the club.

Alejandra is the Elgin Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year and was scheduled to compete for the Illinois title on March 26 in Champaign. Her talk summarized some of the challenges facing minority youth within today's society.

She differentiated her own ambitions from those concerns and described her intense desire to succeed. All of the attendees were very impressed by her mature and confident manner.

The Elgin Lions Club is conducting its annual Rose Day. A dozen beautiful roses are being sold for $15.

Deliveries will be made March 31 through April 2. People can take advantage of this sale that pays for a great number of eyeglasses for U-46 schoolchildren by contacting any Elgin Lions Club member or by calling (847) 289-4206 and leaving a message.

Interested parties may take advantage of this offering by e-mailing the club president, Ed Bates, at batesed@cod.edu.