Streamwood girl tops at Strawberry fest

Arielle Christopher, daughter of Cindy and Lee Christopher of Streamwood was crowned the first ever Little Miss Strawberry Princess Queen at the 26th annual Long Grove Strawberry Festival in June. Eleven titles were awarded in six age divisions ranging from 0-12 months up to 9 years old. Christopher's award included a custom -made Strawberry Queen crown, trophy, sash and a Strawberry Shortcake gift bag. Christopher is Streamwood's Miss Illinois Princess and a member of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association Princess Mentoring program, part of the Miss America organization.

•The Palatine Kiwanis Club elected the following officers for the 2008-09 administrative year to take office in October: Don Bextel, president; Jim Dewey, president-elect; Len Mazurowski, treasurer; Jim Parker, secretary and trustee. The trustees of the board also include Bruce Blanck, Dick Helland, Jack Brynildssen and Tom Kramer. Chuck Callea will serve as immediate past president, a voting position on the board.

• Jennifer Johnson of Barrington was accepted into Valparaiso University's prestigious Lutheran Leader Intern program for her exemplary church leadership and commitment to serving others. Johnson attends Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington and serves as a youth representative on the church council. She also is a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School aide and participates in the church's Leadership Lab for high school students.

• After 17 years of service with the Des Plaines Park District, Shirley Bednar retired in May. Bednar began her career in December 1991, and has taught preschool and youth classes including Tot Sports and Games, Tumbling, Racquetball and Saturday Share Time. Her retirement plans include golfing, traveling and spending time with her family.

• The Illinois CPA Society named Jay W. Cohen, CPA, professor and chairman of the Accounting department at Oakton Community College, Des Plaines, a recipient of its 2008 Outstanding Educator Award. Cohen is credited with taking ownership of the accounting program and making it a thriving area at the school. Under his leadership, enrollment in the accounting program at Oakton Community College has increased more than 25 percent.

• Congregation Beth Judea's United Synagogue Youth elected the following individuals to its executive board for 2008-09: Jeremy Drazner, president; Bryan Besser, Israeli affairs vice president; Sam Ganden, religion education vice president; Elana Zussman, membership Kadima vice president; Becca Baich, social action/Tikun Olam vice president; Ricky Brandt, communications vice president; Mathew Epstein, programming vice president; and Hannah Gottlieb, membership task force vice president.