Hersey alumna earns national honors from pharmacy group

Marilyn Gaske, a 2010 graduate of John Hersey High School and third-year pharmacy student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, received the Good Government Student Pharmacist of the Year Award from the American Pharmacists Association. The Arlington Heights native is a 2014 UIC graduate, with a major in chemistry and minor in Spanish. She was recognized for her "innovative efforts and unique ability to engage her classmates at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy in policy advocacy." Gaske founded the Student Pharmacist Advocacy Coalition through which she has united nine student and professional pharmacist organizations in the name of advocacy.

• Gene Haring, marketing and communications manager for the Des Plaines Park District, was recognized with the district's Dedicated to Excellence Award. The award is presented to employees who have made a positive contribution to the Des Plaines Park District. Haring, who began working for the park district in 2005, oversees the district's marketing efforts as well as the layout and production of the Spectrum Program Guide. Recently, Haring has overseen many changes that have benefitted the district. He has helped limit production costs of the Spectrum by finding a new printer; worked with local businesses to bring advertising back to the Spectrum; helped develop a logo and strategy for the "Be Active" campaign; and has work with contractors to update the district's website. Haring is also active in the community and serves as a liaison with multiple organizations.

• The following District 212 students were honored for their creativity and skill in the ceramics, photography and design categories of the Triton College High School Art Competition: Giana Sansone of West Leyden High School won Best in Ceramics for "Horse Hair Trio," three ceramic horse hair burned jars; Jocelyn Valenzuela of East Leyden High School earned Best in Photography for "Giggle," an image of her sister; and Ellisa Melon, also of East Leyden, captured Best in Design for "Without Makeup," a digital image. A reception and awards ceremony for the artists was held Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Triton College Art Gallery.

• Taylor Alton of South Barrington and Emma Jeronimus of Hoffman Estates were among a group of Carthage College students who participated in a monthlong study tour to Guadeloupe. The "Experiencing the Franco-Caribbean Culture of the Guadeloupe" study tour immersed the students in the culture of Guadeloupe while they learned about the art and history of this French Caribbean "department."

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