MCC to host LGBTQ conference, drag show
McHenry County College's Student Pride Club will host two events this week - Mr. and Mrs. Drag Show and LGBTQ Conference.
The drag show will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 11, in the Luecht Conference Center in Building B on campus, 8900 U.S. Route 14 in Crystal Lake. It will feature professional drag queens with performances by MCC students and staff.
The Pride Conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Saturday, April 12 in the Commons area, Building B. The conference theme is "Pride: The Changing Perspective of the LGBTQ Community." The keynote presentation will begin at 9 a.m. featuring Chicken Lips, who will present "Laugh As Though Your Life Depended On It: Raise morale, ignite energy, improve health." The acting/comedy duo of Dave Johnson and Bob Wells will present a fresh perspective on how positive attitudes and inclusive humor influence workplace atmosphere, productivity, team trust and health. Chicken Lips also will facilitate two breakouts sessions. Chicken Lips is part of the World Humor Organization.
The Pride Conference will feature more than 14 educational breakouts sessions. Presenters include Patty Dillon of Equality Illinois, Tracy Baim, publisher of Windy City Media Group, Toni Weaver of PFLAG, several faculty members from MCC and community guests.
Several informational booths will be available, along with a resource table from the Center on Halsted.
The conference is open to the public and admission is free for students, staff and faculty. To register online, visit mchenry.edu/pride.
General admission tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. The ticket cost is $20 for the conference only and $25 for the conference and drag show when purchased in advance. Tickets at the door are $25 for the conference only, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch, $35 for both the conference and drag show, and $10 for the drag show only.
Proceeds benefit the MCC Pride Club and a scholarship for the LGBTQ student population.
The events are sponsored by McHenry County College Pride Club, MCC College Democrats, Illinois Equality, PFLAG, Open Door Clinic, and Parents of Transgendered Individuals.
For information, contact Em Rademaker at (815) 455-8772.
College fair at SEHS: South Elgin High School will host the annual Fox Valley College Fair Monday, April 14.
It is the largest spring college fair in the area with representatives from more than 200 colleges and universities expected to be in attendance.
Elgin Area School District U-46 encourages all sophomore and junior students and their parents to attend this event, if they are planning on going to college after graduation. Students will meet with college representatives, learn about financial aid, and get their questions answered about college admission.
The event is part of the Illinois College Exposition, a project of the Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling.
The fair will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of the high school at 760 E. Main St., South Elgin. For more information and a list of participating colleges, visit u-46.org.
Bartlett High launches Best Buddies chapter: Bartlett High School now has a Best Buddies chapter.
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To support the chapter, join the Best Buddies Walk at noon Sunday, April 13, at Adlai Stevenson High School, 1 Stevenson Drive, Lincolnshire, or participate in the Best Buddies bowling fundraiser, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Poplar Creek Bowl, 2354 W Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. Participants can enjoy bowling, pizza and fountain drinks for $15 or just pizza and drinks for $5. RSVP to HeatherSpencer@u-46.org.