Prospect H.S. senior photo contest winner
Ÿ Peter Szoepe of Mount Prospect, a senior at Prospect High School, was selected as a Region-at-Large Gold Key Award winner for his photography portfolio through the Scholastic Art Awards program. His outstanding portfolio of work received recognition in a 16-state region from a field of over 12,000 entries.
As a regional Gold Key winner, Szoepe’s portfolio was sent on to the next level for national judging.
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious awards and recognition program for creative teenagers, has been in existence for over 80 years.
Ÿ Greta Rakow was appointed the new principal of Carl Sandburg Junior High School, effective July 1. She will succeed current principal Ed Nelson, who is retiring at the end of the school year, after 33 years of service with District 15.
Rakow, who has served as assistant principal at Huntley High School since 2008, holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Valparaiso University, and a master’s degree in administration and educational leadership from Aurora University.
Ÿ Gloria J. Ludwig, Des Plaines city clerk, was awarded a Conference Registration Scholarship by the Municipal Clerks’ Association of the North and Northwest Suburbs, Cook County, to attend the International Institute of Municipal Clerks annual conference in Nashville, Tenn., in May.
The IIMC is a professional, nonprofit association that promotes continuing education and certification through university and college-based institutes and provides networking solutions, services and benefits to its members.
In addition, Ludwig was also awarded a scholarship from the Municipal Clerks Education Foundation of IIMC to defray a portion of the costs of attending the Municipal Clerks of Illinois Institute being held in Springfield, Oct. 9-14. Upon completion of year three, participants become eligible to earn the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk.
Ÿ Prospect Heights resident Melissa Neff, a senior at John Hersey High School, joined other outstanding musicians from across the nation March 16-19, as a part of Music for All’s 2011 Honor Band of America.
The Honor Band of America performed in concert at Clowes Memorial Hall, located on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind. The national ensemble was conducted by Richard Clary, conductor of the Florida State University Wind Orchestra. Renowned trumpeter Allen Vizzutti performed as a guest artist.
Melissa, the daughter of David and Sharon Neff, is a member of the John Hersey High School Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band and Jazz Combo. She has also participated in the District 214 Honors Orchestra and Honors Band, the IDEA District VII Band and Jazz Band, and the Illinois All State Honors Band.
Ÿ Veronica Grgin, of Palatine, was awarded a $9,500, merit-based Presidential scholarship from MacMurray College.
Grgin, a senior at Palatine High School, participates in several clubs, plays softball and is a photographer. She is the daughter of Doris and Tommy Grgin.
MacMurray’s Presidential Scholarships, which are in addition to any need-based financial aid, are based on a student’s high school grade-point average, ACT score and on a writing test and an interview during a scholarship competition at the college last month.
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