Fremd senior is semifinalist in Coca-Cola Scholars Program

• William Fremd High School senior Peter Ninchich was named a semifinalist for the 2011 Class of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

As a semifinalist, Ninchich must submit additional information that will be reviewed, in January by a committee comprised of 30 educators from high schools and universities throughout the United States.

If he advances, Ninchich will be among 250 finalists who will travel to Atlanta to attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend. During the weekend, Ninchich would attend a final interview process that would determine whether he is designated as either a national or regional scholar.

Fifty National Scholars will receive a $20,000 scholarship award, while the 200 Regional Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

Additionally, Ninchich, of Palatine, was named the male winner from Fremd High School for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award, a program that recognizes students excelling in scholarship, athletics and leadership.

• The Illinois Association of School Boards will honor Alva Kreutzer, a Township High School District 214 board member, with its National School Boards Association Award for Distinguished Service to Public Education.

The award recognizes Kreutzer for her commitment to public education through school board leadership.

• Mary Insprucker of Palatine was named Northwest Regional director for Catholic Charities. As such, she will oversee operations at Catholic Charities' Des Plaines office, which include a food pantry, clothing room, suppers, counseling and mother/child and senior services.

Insprucker will also play an instrumental role in the “Hearts for Homeless Families Eighth Wonder of the World Tour” fundraiser, which is held annually at the Sanfilippo Estate.

• Congratulations to the following youth, who along with their adult partners, sunk the highest number of free throws (out of 20) in Bartlett Park District's annual Turkey Shoot.

In the 6- 8-year-old division, Chuck and Ryan Dunlap sunk a total of 19 free throws, missing only 1. In the 9- 11-year-old division, Arthur Konrad and Wazny sunk 15 free throws, and in the 12- 13-year-old division, Ludvig and Eric Johansen sunk 15 baskets free throws.

Winners took home a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.