Extra credit
• Heather Zhuang, a student at Waubonsie Valley High School, recently was crowned National All-American Miss Teen 2007-08 in Disneyland, Calif. Each contestant was judged on community involvement, formal wear, personal introduction and interview. Zhuang, 16, also competed in the optional talent and spokesmodel contests. She received second runner-up in talent for her Chopin's Prelude No. 24, and first runner-up in spokesmodel for her speech on human trafficking. She received a $1,000 scholarship and more than $600 in cash and prizes.
• A number of students at Rosary High School in Aurora were named 2007 State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The program recognizes Illinois high school students for outstanding academic achievement based on ACT test scores and stellar high school records. The State Scholars include: Jean Danner of Lisle; and Kelsey Demetralis, Elizabeth Emanuel, Danielle Froehlich, Molly King, Shannon O'Shea, Amanda Roche of Aurora.
• Dan Mogan of Naperville recently became an Eagle Scout. For his service project, he recruited more than 30 volunteers who put in more than 100 hours on safety and beautification projects at St. John's Episcopal Church in Naperville. Projects included scraping and repainting metal hand railings and installing stone pathways. A member of Boy Scout Troop 75, Mogan has been in Scouting 11 years. He is a senior at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora and is spending his final year as an exchange student in Naples, Italy. His parents are Jack and Janine Mogan.
• Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 has announced the winners of its Voice of Democracy scholarships, an annual audio-essay contest. First place and a $1,000 prize went to Claire Simpson of Neuqua Valley High School; second place and a $500 prize was awarded to Nicholas Weithman of Naperville Central High School; and third place honors, along with a $250 prize, were given to Marlena Maria May of Naperville North High School. The first-place winner will continue on to the VFW's District 19 competition.
• In the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873's Patriot's Pen youth essay writing contest, first place and a $300 prize went to Julie Collette Vandewille of Washington Junior High School; second place and a $200 prize was awarded to Charlie Benoit of Kennedy Junior High School; and third place honors, along with a $100 prize, were given to Katrina Bakker of Calvary Christian School. The winners, their parents and teachers are invited to the Patriot Pen Banquet. There, the next level of judging will be held and that winner will go on to the state level.
• Andrew Thomas of Naperville will achieve Boy Scouting's highest rank at an Eagle Court of Honor on Jan. 19. For his service project, he worked with Operation Support Our Troops-Illinois to organize a drive to collect personal care items for U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. A graduate of Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, he is now attending College of DuPage. His parents are Mark and Kathy Thomas.