Thinking big in Oak Grove, inspiration in Palatine, a special gift in Batavia and more.

What will it take to have a conversation?

A horrible tragedy strikes a school in Florida and you'd think we could talk meaningfully about it. Instead, the right denigrates students who call for gun control. And the left laughs off the president's suggestions to harden school protections. If the obligation to keep our kids safe won't bring us together in an honest effort to find solutions, what will?

Family comes first

We ask a lot from star athletes, with winning and entertainment among the top priorities. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who checks those boxes, also reminded us of the importance of family and communities as he returned to Florida to provide support following the school shootings in his hometown. It's reassuring when athletes exercise their heart.

Thinking big

A year ago, we wrote about Oak Grove Elementary District 68 Superintendent Lonny Lemon and his annual mission to collect pencils for a school in need in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Now, he's trying to raise $25,000 with a GoFundMe campaign - including $1,000 of his own money - to buy 400 desks for the school. Best of luck in a worthy cause.

Remember Rosie

Next time you're feeling too tired, too busy or too indifferent to contribute to your community, remember Rosie Colucci. Despite battling inoperable cancerous brain tumors most of her life, the 13-year-old Palatine girl has worked to raise about $500,000 for cancer research. That's earned her the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, not to mention our admiration.

Well done, Bradie

If we focus on Bradie Tennell's falls and the disappointment that U.S. women skaters didn't medal, we're being shortsighted. The Carpentersville athlete shocked the world by making the team and helping them win a bronze in the team event. Although she finished ninth in the singles, she posted her highest score of the season. That's impressive.

All that jazz ...

It's great to see Elmhurst College back in the musical spotlight this weekend as it plays host to its 51st annual Jazz Festival. The event, which combines professional and student musicians, opened Thursday and continues through Sunday in the school's Hammerschmift Memorial Chapel. For fans of jazz - and just great music - it's a real treat.

... And more

If you love jazz in all its forms, and you've never been to the annual Jazz in the Meadows festival, oh, what you've been missing. Jazz bands from all over the Midwest will play at Rolling Meadows High School today, as will the U of I Jazz Band and the East Hubbard Jazz Orchestra. Guaranteed you'll walk out humming.

Be like Mike

The story we published Friday about Prospect and Illini grad Mike LaTulip's incredible bond with his Wright State basketball teammate who uses a wheelchair was a heartwarming reminder of the bonds we create in life and the difference we can make in the lives of others. Thanks, Mike. Just like your friend Ryan, we needed that.

Remembering Will Freiburger

Will Freiburger, a 17-year-old Batavia High School senior, lost his fight against a rare brain condition this week. Friends and family remember his infectious spirit and zest for life - a gift he'll share, literally, with the future. His donated organs could help as many as 170 recipients, doctors said. We mourn his loss but are grateful for his legacy.