Education notes

• Claiborne Skinner, a history/social science teacher at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, recently published a book, "The Upper Country: French Enterprise in the Colonial Great Lakes." The book for undergraduate students tells of France's imperial venture into the Great Lakes. The book is available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Borders Book and Music.

• Students at St. Rita of Cascia Catholic School in Aurora donated pairs of socks filled with gifts such as toothbrushes, art supplies and small toys to Marie Wilkinson Child Development Center on Aurora's near east side. The school also sponsors a toy drive in December to benefit the child development center.

• Traci Himes of Naperville is the newest instructor with the DuPage Art League. She will teach a class on botanical art during the winter session. Himes has a degree in art education and an illustration certificate from the Morton Arboretum Botanical Art and illustration Program. She is working on her master certificate.

• Jennifer Winkle of Aurora, a senior at Rosary High School in Aurora, received the Ted Brattin Civic Youth Award from the Aurora/Naperville Rotary Club. The annual award recognizes Fox Valley youth 19 years old or younger who have exhibited qualities of citizenship, service and leadership through activities in school, church or community. The award was presented at the annual Pearl Harbor Day Luncheon.