Best & Brightest

• Kimberly Burton, daughter of Walt and Maggie Burton of Palatine, received recognition on the national dean's list for the spring semester of the 2009 academic year at Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Ind.

• Lauren Grace Kaczor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn J. Kaczor of Hoffman Estates graduated summa cum laude with Bronze Tablet honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has accepted a teaching position at South Middle School in Arlington Heights. Kaczor is a 2005 Fremd High School graduate.

• Carleen Maki, daughter of Sam and Cheryl Maki of Palatine, was named to the dean's list at Monmouth College for the spring 2009 semester. Maki served as president for Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society the past year and was inducted into Blue Key Honor Society, where she serves as an officer for 2009-10.

• Heather Volkamer, daughter of Dale and Sharon, graduated from DePaul University, magna cum laude, June 14, with a bachelor of science degree in biology. She is now in the process of applying to medical schools.