Briefs: S. Elgin students honored

Two South Elgin High School students have been recognized for exemplary volunteer service with a President's Volunteer Service Award. Bianca Favia, a junior from Bartlett, went on a church trip to Nicaragua to work at an orphanage, install a water line to a small village and deliver food to a refugee community displaced 10 years ago by Hurricane Mitch. Bolatito Soetan, a senior from South Elgin, was recognized for volunteer efforts to help a neighbor in need. Sponsored by Prudential Financial, the President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes young people across the country for outstanding community service activities. Volunteer activities are judged on personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth.

New operations chief OK'd

Community Unit District 300 will soon have a new director of operations: Mike Prombo, a full-time finance intern for the district. The school board approved Prombo for the post on March 10. On April 1, Prombo will replace Chuck Bumbales, who is serving both as operations chief and principal of Hampshire High School. Prombo will have a $98,705 salary. Prombo has an MBA from Illinois State University and interned with the district through a program offered at Northern Illinois University.

Time to screen trash bin

Carpentersville residents who have to store their garbage carts in front of their homes have until March 30 to properly screen the cart. The village adopted an ordinance last month that allows some residents in the Morningside and Berkshire neighborhoods to leave carts in the front instead of in the side or rear yard. The cart must be blocked from view by a shrub, fence or wall. Since cold weather prohibits planting foliage or installing a fence, the village extended the deadline to the end of the month. Enforcement will begin April 1.

U-46 elementary art show

A few days ago the Elgin area had an opportunity to see the work of high school students. Now it is the younger students' turn. Art is Elementary, featuring the artwork of Elgin Area School District U-46 elementary students, is on display at the First Community Bank, 50 Tyler Creek Plaza, Elgin. The show runs through April 4. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. For details, call Terri DeDecker, U-46's fine arts coordinator, at (847) 888-5000, ext. 7007.