Established 1962

Mock trials help students gain important skills like public speaking, debate techniques and critical thinking. They also teach about nation’s judicial branch of government and legal system. St. Rita’s robust curriculum is geared toward teaching young men with an emphasis on “Learning by doing.”

As such, St. Rita of Cascia High School’s annual AP Government SCOTUS Mock Trial is a worthwhile academic endeavor and popular event. This year’s mock trial was held in the school’s versatile Van Leuven Family Research Center on Friday, March 26. This year’s event was live-streamed via the school’s YouTube channel—a first for the venerable high school at the intersection of 77th street and Western Avenue.

“The case is a doozy,” uttered AP Government teacher Mr. Kieran Kellam when asked about the mock trial. He continued, “Caniglia v. Strom was heard on Wednesday (March 24) by the Supreme Court. So, we argued it two days later, and months from an actual opinion of the court.”

Full story available in the Burbank Independent

After a thorough investigation by the Oak Lawn Police Department’s Detective Division and after consulting with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, felony charges have been filed as a result of the shooting that occurred at the Oak Lawn Hilton shortly after midnight on March 30. After midnight on March 30, the Oak Lawn Regional Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call of shots being fired at the hotel, and were able to stop two vehicles that were attempting to leave the scene. During their initial investigation, 8 adults were taken into custody for investigation.

Isaac Sharp, 24, from Chicago, has been charged with being an Armed Habitual Criminal and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. Sharp is also currently on parole for an Unlawful Use of a Weapon conviction and faces a parole violation. Marcus Shears, 21, also from Chicago, has been charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon for his involvement in the incident. Three other individuals have been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and a fourth individual has been processed for an arrest warrant out of Lake County for Domestic Battery. 

Both Isaac Sharp and Marcus Shears were transported to the Bridgeview Courthouse for a bond hearing on April 1. 

Full story available in the Burbank Independent

The Oak Lawn Theater Program won state championships in both Drama and Group Interpretation. Led by coaches TJ Kahriman, Annie Truffa, Bob Beland, Mike Olsson, Tim Sipple, Matt Capriola, and Erika Johnson, this marks the second time in school history that the Spartans have won both Drama and Group Interpretation in the same year, a feat only accomplished four times in the IHSA history of Drama/Group Interpretation. Both Drama and Group Interpretation were Sectional Champions this year. This is the 7th State Championship for Drama and the 7th State Championship for Group Interpretation, who also won in 2019, making this a pandemic back-to-back win.

The drama production of The Insanity of Mary Girard included student actors Jada Jackson (All-State Cast), Daniel McLawhorn, Jake Majerczyk (All-State Cast), Grace Sievers, James Walsh, Emma Mathews, Tori Prause, and Edward Quinn Haywood. Crew members included Haven Rupsch, Abigail Sodaro, Joyce Reising, Michael Reising, Maggie Hernandez, Olha Huska, Monica Nowak, Jenny Granados and Matthew Perry.

The Group Interpretation of Solutions and Other Problems included student performers Emma O’Malley Galvan (All-State Cast), Omar Alqazaq (All-State Cast), Alondra Camacho, Layla Nemri, Ella Moore (All-State Cast), Hailey Rabideaux, Emma Faucault-Miller, Maya Quinonez, and Orlando Ramirez.

Full story available in the Burbank Independent

Bridgeview Elementary School English Language Learners, or ELLs, are evaluated on their progress using the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English, or ACCESS test. Students between kindergarten and 8th grade who are enrolled in the ELL program are required to take the test between April 19 and May 11. Not only does the test determine whether ELLs exit the program, but it helps the school district monitor the English language development of students. Students must take this test every year as long as they are in the program until they meet the criteria which allows them to exit. An overall score of 4.8 is needed to exit. Students whose parents/guardians refused ELL services for their child(ren) also need to take ACCESS.

Students between kindergarten and 8th grade are assessed on all four domains which include listening, speaking, reading and writing. Kindergarten students are given an hour to complete the test in a one-on-one setting while students between 1st and 8th grade complete the test in four hours in a two-day period. However, students in these grade levels are placed in small groups. On the first day, students take the listening and reading tests and on the second day, they complete the writing and speaking portions. 

To ensure the safety of students, CDC guidelines will be followed, including the use of masks, sanitizer before and after each test and Press ‘n’ Seals. 

Full story available in the Burbank Independent