Pride Walk in Berwyn
The annual Berwyn Pride Walk will happen in the historic Depot District. The event is from noon to 2 p.m. on June 27, starting at James Boyce Irish Pub near Harlem and Windsor avenues and ending at East Avenue. The walk celebrates inclusivity and LGBTQ+ pride.
Bungalo+, the city’s oldest LGBTQ+ community organization, supports the event. They focus on community engagement and reducing social isolation. The Berwyn Development Corporation and City of Berwyn, including aldermen from the 1st, 2nd, and 7th wards, along with local businesses and the Berwyn Public Library, also offer their support.
Attendees are encouraged to dress festively. The event is family-friendly, featuring local leaders, community organizations, and residents. Everyone is welcome. Mayor Robert Lovero stated, “The Pride Walk is a celebration of the city’s spirit, reminding everyone to feel seen, supported, and valued.”
National Merit Scholars Named
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced winners for its 71st annual program. Each scholarship is valued at $2,500.
Among the winners are local students:
- Joshi Rishikesh from Burr Ridge, Hinsdale South High School, planning to study chemistry.
- Alexander Sjullie from Elmhurst, York High School, intending to study applied mathematics.
- Yazmin Crisostomo from Hinsdale, Hinsdale Central High School, wanting to study medicine.
- Kathleen Krasnewich from Hinsdale, St. Ignatius College Preparatory School, planning to study engineering.
- Emmie Guo from Oak Brook, Hinsdale Central High School, aiming to study medicine.
- Nathan Leonauskas from Western Springs, Lyons Township High School, planning to study engineering.
- Grace Rhoten from Western Springs, Lyons Township High School, aspiring to study biomedical engineering.
- Maclane Zich from Benet Academy, planning to pursue medicine.
Winners are chosen from high school juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT. In total, 6,700 finalists share nearly $24 million in scholarships.
Local Resident Joins the U.S. Air Force
Skylar Parker from Oak Brook was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force at Clemson University. Majoring in language and international health, Parker joined 40 others commissioned as second lieutenants across four military branches: the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Space Force. A Silver Dollar Salute followed at the university’s Military Heritage Plaza. This marks the first salute received by new officers from enlisted members. In return, officers give these members a silver dollar.
Teens Earn Hospital Foundation Scholarships
Local students received Teen Volunteer Health Profession Scholarships from the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation. Scholarships recipients include Erin Horn, Sophyia Sendelbach, Teah Navarro, and Ariya Shah. These students volunteer at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital and plan to pursue health-related careers.
The scholarship requires students to meet criteria, including volunteer hours in the hospital, academic achievements, pursuit of a health-related career, community service, and a positive evaluation from the Volunteer Department. Funds come from the annual Reindeer Route Housewalk and community donations, with scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $4,000.
Darien Hosts Concert Series
Darien’s summer concert series begins on June 25 at Darien Community Park. The event features a performance by Fuze from 6 to 9 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for this free music series. Additional performances include Dick Diamond & The Dusters on July 30 and Heart to Heartbreaker on August 27. Attendees can donate canned goods and cleaning supplies to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Food Pantry.
Further information is available at www.darien.il.us.
Elmwood Park Library Trivia Night
The Elmwood Park Public Library will host a trivia night on June 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Teams of up to six people can compete for prizes. Participants can form teams or join others at the event. For more details, call 708-435-7645.
Author Events in Oak Park
The Book Loft in Oak Park will hold two author events. Meg Waite Clayton will discuss her book, “Typewriter Beach,” on June 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. Book signing will follow. David Ellis will launch his book “Keep Them Close,” on June 30 at 6:30 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for signing. More information can be obtained by calling 708-665-3199.