Community Highlights: Pride Walk, Scholarships, and More

Berwyn Pride Walk Scheduled

The annual Berwyn Pride Walk, celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusivity, will take place in the historic Depot District. The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. on June 27, starting at James Boyce Irish Pub near Harlem and Windsor avenues and continuing to East Avenue. Bungalo+, the city’s oldest LGBTQ+ organization, supports the event. Bungalo+ focuses on community engagement and reducing social isolation within the LGBTQ+ community. The Berwyn Development Corporation and the City of Berwyn, aldermen from the 1st, 2nd, and 7th wards, as well as local businesses and the Berwyn Public Library, also support it.

Attendees are encouraged to wear festive attire. The family-friendly atmosphere features local leaders, community groups, and residents gathering for a communal celebration. All are welcome to attend.

“Berwyn is a city built on connection between neighbors, businesses and cultures,” Mayor Robert Lovero stated. “The Pride Walk is a celebration of that spirit, and a reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued here.”

Local Students Achieve National Merit Scholar Status

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced winners in its 71st annual scholarship program, with each award worth $2,500. Local students among these winners include Joshi Rishikesh of Burr Ridge, attending Hinsdale South High School, who plans to study chemistry; Alexander Sjullie from Elmhurst, at York High School, intending to study applied mathematics; and Yazmin Crisostomo of Hinsdale, at Hinsdale Central High School, aiming to study medicine.

Also honored are Kathleen Krasnewich of Hinsdale, from St. Ignatius College Preparatory School, focused on engineering; Emmie Guo of Oak Brook, from Hinsdale Central High School, looking to enter the field of medicine; and residents from Western Springs: Nathan Leonauskas and Grace Rhoten, both from Lyons Township High School, with interests in engineering and biomedical engineering respectively, along with Maclane Zich of Benet Academy, who plans to study medicine.

The winners were selected from high school juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT. Ultimately, 6,700 finalists attain the Merit Scholar title, sharing nearly $24 million in scholarships.

Oak Brook Resident Commissioned in U.S. Air Force

Skylar Parker, from Oak Brook, has been commissioned into the U.S. Air Force. The ceremony took place at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C., where Parker, who studied language and international health, joined 40 other ROTC members commissioned as second lieutenants. The newly appointed officers come from four branches: Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Space Force.

Following the ceremony, officers participated in a tradition known as the Silver Dollar Salute. This marks their first salute from an enlisted member, with the officer presenting a silver dollar in return.

Elmhurst Teens Receive Scholarships for Volunteer Work

Local students received Teen Volunteer Health Profession Scholarships from the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation. These scholarships were awarded to Erin Horn, Sophyia Sendelbach, Teah Navarro, and Ariya Shah, who all volunteer at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital and plan to pursue health-related careers.

The scholarships, ranging from $2,500 to $4,000, require a rigorous set of criteria. Applicants must demonstrate significant volunteer hours, scholastic achievement, and community service. They also need to provide strong performance evaluations from the Volunteer Department. Funds for scholarships are raised through the Reindeer Route Housewalk and community donations.

Summer Concert Series in Darien

The city of Darien’s summer concert series will commence with a performance by Fuze. The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 25 at Darien Community Park. This free music series occurs on the last Thursday of each month. The next concerts include Dick Diamond & The Dusters on July 30 and Heart to Heartbreaker on August 27.

Attendees are invited to bring chairs and blankets. Donations of canned goods and cleaning supplies for the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Food Pantry are encouraged. More information is available at www.darien.il.us.

Trivia Night at Elmwood Park Library

Trivia enthusiasts can test their knowledge at the Elmwood Park Public Library’s trivia night. The event will occur from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on June 30. Participants can form teams of up to six people or join others to compete. Prizes are awarded to winners. For more details, call 708-435-7645.

Author Events at Oak Park Bookstore

The Book Loft in Oak Park will host two author events. Bestselling author Meg Waite Clayton will visit on June 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss her book “Typewriter Beach” and sign copies. On June 30, David Ellis, another bestselling author, will launch his book “Keep Them Close.” The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with signed copies available for purchase. For more information, contact 708-665-3199.