Jack Sands, a second grade student at Sheridan Elementary School, has already begun building his art portfolio and resume. As the winner of the Lake Forest 4th of July Art Contest, he will receive a $75 gift certificate to Market Square, be introduced to the community at the 4th of July celebration at Deer Path Park, and his art will grace the posters and T-shirts that will be displayed throughout the community. His work was chosen over dozens of entries submitted by older, more experienced student artists. Look for more of this young, aspiring artist in the future. Q. Were you surprised when…

Lake Forest High School senior Olivia Passalino took advantage of every minute of her high school years. Her generosity and talents have inspired and helped others in multiple ways and her selflessness hasn’t gone unnoticed. Passalino recently was honored with the Lake Forest High School Tradition of Service Award, given to one student who dedicated their four years of high school to serving the community. Not only did Passalino receive a service award from Lake Forest High School, she also was presented with a community service award from Highland Park High School for her work in the Dancer …

Gianna Hagnell, an eighth grade student at the School of St. Mary in Lake Forest, was honored to participate in the May Crowning on May 13. Hagnell was elected by the girls in the eighth grade class after they reflected upon the virtues of Mary the Blessed Mother, and then voted for the person whom they believed most demonstrated those virtues. The May Crowning is a highly regarded tradition at the school. Hagnell crowned the statues of Mary with flowers during Masses at both school campuses.   Q. What is it like to know that your peers think of you as someone who lives your life closely …

Greta Nagle, a junior at Lake Forest Academy, was one of 13 students who were nominated and appointed as prefects for the 2011-2012 school year. The Lake Bluff resident was nominated by the faculty at Lake Forest Academy, and then interviewed by the current prefects who recommended her to the dean of students. Finally, she was approved by the head of the school. Prefects play an important role. They plan extracurricular events, such as New Family Day, Healthy Choices Day, Red Ribbon Week, and much more. They also help the faculty with the organization and planning of orientation activities, …

This week’s Whiz Kid: Abigail Sirus, Lake Forest High School Abigail, a junior at Lake Forest High School, was recently honored with the Spirit of Service Award, inducted into the National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society, and elected as school president for 2011-2012.   What motivated you to become involved in community service? I always loved to assemble puzzles when I was a child. I was constantly in awe of the fact that a thousand dissimilar pieces became something far more important when they were fitted together to form a whole picture. It was all about the connection. I observed my …

This week's Whiz Kid: Lena Svigos, president of the Student Council at Deer Path Middle School in Lake Forest.   1) What was the reason(s) you decided to run for Student Council president? What influenced me the most to run for Student Council president were the students. I knew that the students weren’t being heard as much as they liked to, even though that is Student Council’s purpose. Also, I was in Student Council in sixth and seventh grade and there I saw the executive board and I immediately knew that what they were doing was what I wanted to do. I wanted to be just like them. I wanted …

This week's Whiz Kid: Stella Gilbertson, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart You were recently given the school's Achievement Award for raising your grade point average the most from the previous semester. (Stella raised her grade point + .62). How much did you raise your GPA and were you surprised to receive the award? Why?   I was a bit surprised, but it wasn’t a complete shock because I knew I had been working very hard.  I was happy when I got the award, though. Can you tell how you were able to raise your GPA? Did you change anything in the way you prepared for your classes? I really …

This week's Whiz Kid: Chris Fischer, president of the Student Council at Lake Bluff Middle School. 1) Why did you run for Student Council President? I thought it would be a fun experience for me. I made up my mind at the last minute that I wanted to take charge in this role, so, I simply said, “Sure,” wrote a speech, and went up in front of the school and did my speech. I won the election, and I’ve loved it ever since. 2) What purpose/role does the Student Council serve at school? Student Council actively participates in setting up dances, fund-raisers, Earth Day, Spirit Week, and other …

This week's Whiz Kid: Maddie Lipp, Lake Forest High School The sophomore was a major part of last fall's State team championship for Lake Forest High School's girls' tennis team. A ranked player in the state and nationally, Lipp is 21st in 18s national and 18th in 16s national. 1). What caused you to pick tennis to focus on as a sport? Family influence? What is it about the game that attracted you to it? I have played both tennis and soccer since I was 5 years old. I played for LFSA, FC United and Eclipse Soccer Club. I was serious with both sports just until last year, when I quit soccer to …

Know a great kid who achieved Eagle Scout, did your local soccer team take the championship, or do you know a young person making a difference in the community? They may be our next Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch Whiz Kid honoree. Each week, Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to james.powers@…

Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout, did your local soccer team take the championship, or do you know a young person making a difference in the community? They may be our next Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch Whiz Kid honoree. Each week, Lake Forest-Lake Blulff Grove Patch will see suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to james.…