Neighbors in the news: District 62 names new assistant principal for Forest School

• Community Consolidated School District 62 has named Traci Reiner assistant principal at Forest Elementary School, Des Plaines.

Reiner, who is currently a first grade teacher in Schaumburg Community Consolidated School District 54, has also taught fourth and fifth grade and served as a reading and math interventionist throughout her nine years with District 54.

"It is such an honor and privilege to join and serve District 62 and the Forest Elementary School team," said Reiner. "I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students to build upon the school's strong tradition of academic excellence and community involvement."

Reiner, a Chicago resident, is a graduate of Illinois State University and holds a master's degree in educational administration from Concordia University, Chicago. She has a passion for reading, cooking, travel and yoga.

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With a 25-year legal career in litigation, transactional business law, commercial real estate and estates and trust administration, Jasmina de la Torre has joined Arlington Heights-based Navigant Law Group LLC as a senior attorney on the Business Law team.

De la Torre received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago before earning her J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law. She speaks Spanish and Serbian, and has studied multiple other languages, allowing her to assist a broader range of clients.

"I am genuinely excited to join Susan Dawson and Mildred Palmer, the founders of this successful women-owned enterprise," de la Torre said. "Much like the example they have set, when I represent a client, I will invest the time needed to learn about the client's background, their industry, and their legal needs inside and out. Gaining my clients' trust is essential."

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Kristen Daniels was appointed executive director at Bernie's Book Bank, Lake Bluff, which creates pathways to success through free, quality books for children.

CEO Darrin Utynek and founder Brian Floriani will focus their attention on national expansion as Daniels will oversee the Chicago area operations and funding the mission locally.

Daniels, who has deep nonprofit experience, previously served as senior director of external relations at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights. Prior to Saint Viator, she held a variety of leadership roles at nonprofits including Clearbrook, YMCA and USA Swimming Foundation.

"As a business leader, a neighbor and, most importantly, as a mother to three young children, I know full well the power of book ownership," Daniels said. "To be a part of Bernie's Book Bank team and to share the gift of reading, creativity, and confidence with children in the local community is a dream come true."

• The Waukegan Park District's board of commissioners elected and appointed new officers at its May 9 meeting.

The newly elected officers are: President, Jeremiah Johnson; vice president, Anton L. Mathews; and treasurer, Jacqueline Herrera Giron. Commissioner George Bridges, Jr. and Commissioner Janet E. Kilkelly also serve on the board.

Commissioner appointments to serve on the advisory committees and as a liaison to the Waukegan Parks Foundation board of directors were also approved for a one-year term.

Appointments are: Jeremiah Johnson, Golf Advisory committee; George Bridges, Jr. and Jacqueline Herrera Giron, Recreation Advisory committee; and Anton L. Mathews, Waukegan Parks Foundation board of directors.

• Camden Ellingsen and Connell Fryer, both of Lake Villa, and Peter Wall of Lincolnshire were part of the Baja SAE team from the Milwaukee School of Engineering that cruised through the SAE National Competition in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Baja SAE challenges students to build an off-road vehicle that can endure the rough terrain of competition tracks. Students must design, test, manufacture and solve technical challenges to perfect their vehicle.

The team participated in the Cost event, Acceleration Test, Sled Pull, Design presentation, Maneuverability, Suspension and the four-hour Endurance event, which was their best event with a 21st place finish out of 82 teams.

The team completed the Endurance event with 24 laps, making them the highest-ranking school in Wisconsin for that event.

• Submit 'Neighbors in the News' items to ntwohey@dailyherald.com.