Northbrook student raises funds to help buy ventilator

Ryan Feinstein, 12, of Northbrook likes playing guitar, video games and volunteering. He also donates his time to about 10 local charity projects every year.

This year, Ryan has decided to help his community by raising funds to support the purchase of a ventilator for patients at NorthShore University HealthSystem's Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview.

“I realized that hospitals are in need of ventilators for people suffering from this horrible COVID-19,” said Feinstein. “So, my hope is that by my Bar-Mitzvah (Aug. 29) I can raise money toward ventilators. I know ventilators are a lot of money, but every little bit raised counts.”

In addition to donations, Feinstein has started selling yard signs that say, “Smiles Shine Through Masks” to raise money for his project. He has sold 70 signs so far.

For information on Feinstein's Bar-Mitzvah project, visit https://foundation.northshore.org/ryan-feinstein.

Spencer Burkhalter, a recent John Hersey High School graduate, was named an incoming Stamps Scholar at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Stamps Scholars demonstrate academic merit, strong leadership potential and exceptional character.

Spencer, who will study engineering, excelled inside and outside the classroom at Hersey. He was named a National Merit Commended Scholar and graduated with Highest Honors. Spencer was a member of the swim and dive water polo teams, holding several school records in both sports.

The Stamps Leadership Scholars Program covers a student's full cost of attendance and connects students with a national network of peers, represented at nearly 40 universities. Funded by the Strive Foundation, the award also gives scholars access to an academic enrichment fund to finance activities such as academic conferences, study abroad experiences or internships.

Christopher Nelson, a recent graduate of Warren Township High School, Gurnee, was the recipient of a Kimberly-Clark Corporation 2020 Bright Futures Scholarship.

Marking its 28th year, the Bright Futures program is administered by the Kimberly-Clark Foundation and awards college scholarships to children of Kimberly-Clark employees across North America. Students are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, work experience and involvement in extracurricular activities.

“We are proud to present Christopher with a Bright Futures college scholarship in recognition of his academic accomplishments,” said Jenny Lewis, vice president of the Kimberly-Clark Foundation. “We are pleased to support him as he pursues his studies in higher education, and we wish him continued success.”

Christopher, the son of Lisa Mulvaney-Nelson and Michael Nelson, plans to attend Fordham University.

Schaumburg-based Andigo Credit Union awarded five $2,500 scholarships to college-bound seniors who were recognized for their community involvement and academic achievement. The winners are: Alyssa T. from Hanover Park; Andrew D. of Palatine; Ellen M. of Vernon Hills; Megan S. of Palatine and Rhea S. from South Barrington.

Send your 'Neighbors in the News' items to Norrine Twohey at ntwohey@dailyherald.com.