Applause
September 14, 2012 3:40PM
Brian Lessner SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Updated: October 17, 2012 6:06AM
Local native honored by NIU
DEKALB — Mary Jean Wirth will be among the 2012 honorees for the Distinguished Alumni, Faculty and Staff Award on Oct. 12 at Northern Illinois University.
She earned her bachelor of science in chemistry at NIU in 1974. Her parents, Robert and Betty Wirth of rural Wilmington, will attend the dinner-reception with Wirth and her husband, Dennis Evans.
Wirth also will be honored Nov. 12 with the 2012 Eastern Analytic Symposium Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Fields of Analytical Chemistry in Somerset, N.J.
Wirth serves as professor of analytical chemistry at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. She earned her doctorate at Purdue.
New activities director at LTHS
LOCKPORT — For the first time, the Lockport Township High School District Homecoming festivities will be helmed by new activities director Brian Lessner.
“It’s a big event, but I am really excited to be keeping our traditions while adding some new elements,” Lessner said. “It’s going to be a great week.”
Homecoming Week will be celebrated Monday through Saturday. Activities include Powder Puff Football games on Wednesday, the annual Faculty Variety Show on Thursday, the Homecoming Football game Friday and the Homecoming Dance on Saturday.
Lessner began his duties as activity director on July 1. He replaces Brian Klene, who accepted another position at Sandburg High School.
In 2006, Lessner earned a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Olivet Nazarene University. He received a bachelors of science in history in 2002 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
College student wins scholarship
JOLIET — Samantha Moreno, a student at Joliet Junior College and graduate of Joliet Township High School, has been awarded a $2,500 scholarship from Edison International, parent company of independent power producer Midwest Generation, which operates the Joliet Generating Station.
Moreno is the daughter of Daniel and Debra Moreno. Her father works as a mechanic at the Joliet station.
This fall Moreno is attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, majoring in business marketing. She was an honor roll student at Joliet Junior College and Joliet Township High School and enjoys playing guitar.
“We are pleased that Midwest Generation, on behalf of Edison International, can help Moreno achieve her goals,” said Joliet Station director Bill Naglosky.
New principal at Ira Jones Middle School
PLAINFIELD — Ira Jones Middle School Assistant Principal Tom Novinski is the school’s newest principal.
The Plainfield School Board named the 12-year veteran educator and administrator to the new position. Novinski replaces Ed Boswell, who recently was named the director for middle school administration and personnel.
Novinski started his education career in 1999, teaching seventh- and eighth-grade math at Heritage Grove Middle School.
“It is a true honor to be the next principal of Ira Jones Middle School,” Novinski said.
DAR chapter marks 102 years
ROMEOVILLE — On Sept. 8, the Louis Joliet Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution began its 102nd year as a chapter with a luncheon at the Romeoville Recreation Center.
Members began the year with two service projects: collecting non-perishable food items for Judson Memorial Church’s food pantry and collecting personal care items for women serving in the military.
Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR. Contact Helen at 815-886-9693 or Kay2dar@aol.com.
