Established 1958

Congratulations to Shepard junior Trent Dixon on his selection as the new Command Chief of the U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program, and to Shepard junior Jocelyn Anaya on her selection as the new Commander of the U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps for the 2020-2021 academic year. 

Dixon and Anaya earned this massive honor, which comes with huge responsibility, by distinguishing themselves in the eyes of Major (ret.) Dan Johnson and MSGT (ret.) Chris Saberniak with their leadership, discipline, and dedication to JROTC at Shepard. 

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On Thursday, May 7, Amos Alonzo Stagg staff had the opportunity to deliver signs to the graduating Seniors of the Class of 2020. More than 60 Stagg staff volunteered to drive to each Senior’s house and place signs in their yards to commemorate this final week of their four years of high school. 

Teachers returned home to their own signs, recognizing them for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Full story available in the Palos Citizen

Senior students at Alan B. Shepard High School will finish their last day of remote learning on May 8. District 218 officials are planning a traditional graduation ceremony between July 6 and July 11. The district will consider other options in the event that social restrictions are still in order. Scholarship recipients will be sent a viewable link during the week of May 26 for a virtual awards ceremony, as well as a commemorative program, award letter and information on scholarships in the mail.

If you are interested in donating money or food to a local food pantry, Elsie’s Food Pantry, located at the Savior Divine Lutheran Church at 10040 S. 88th Ave. in Palos Hills, can use your support. They receive food donations from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, but since the demand for food has been high recently, the pantry has needed to purchase more food in grocery stores to keep up. Food donations are appreciated, but the greatest benefit would be a direct monetary donation so staff can purchase the exact type of food that they need for that particular week.

You can drop off a monetary donation in the drop box at the Hickory Hills City Hall, 8652 W. 95th St. Clerk Catizone or a member of her staff will drop off all checks directly with the Director of Elsie’s Food Pantry.

Regardless of religious affiliations, the pantry is available to serve area residents in need. The pantry also has food for dogs and cats. 

The pantry is currently open for drive through pickup on Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. For those in need of food, you can drive up and a pre-packaged box of food will be placed in the trunk of your car with no personal contact. 

Elsie’s Food Pantry is open to people living in Palos Hills, Palos Park, Palos Heights, Hickory Hills, Willow Springs, Justice, Orland Park, and a part of Bridgeview.

For more information, call the director of the pantry at 708-598-4435.  

Full story available in the Palos Citizen