STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

May 10 2026SCIENCE

Plainfield North Shines in State Science Olympiad

The University of Illinois hosted the state‑level Science Olympiad, where 54 schools vied for top honors. Plainfield North High School, after placing fourth in its regional meet, qualified to compete among the best teams in the state. At the tournament on April 18, students from Plainfield North

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May 07 2026EDUCATION

Celebrating 95 Stars of Career Tech Excellence

Polaris Career Center has welcomed a new cohort of 95 students into the National Technical Honor Society, an award that stands as the pinnacle of recognition for achievement in career‑technical education across the country. Only a tiny fraction—under 2 percent—of high school students nationwide earn

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May 05 2026EDUCATION

Local students shine as they announce next steps after high school

Friday wasn’t just a normal school day for many students in Berks County. A special gathering at the Miller Center for the Arts turned the spotlight on young adults who are about to leave high school and start new journeys. Instead of walking out empty-handed, these career and technology students wa

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Apr 28 2026EDUCATION

Military paths and school support: Three Rocky River seniors take the leap

Three high school seniors from Rocky River, Ohio, have made a big decision that changes their lives—and theirs aren’t the only ones being celebrated. Jack Herman, Cody Miller, and Chase Connors are preparing to join the Army National Guard, Air Force National Guard, and Marine Corps respectively. Bu

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Apr 25 2026SPORTS

High School Sports Roundup: Local Stars Shine in College Plans and Team Tributes

Two East Islip football players recently earned countywide honors at an awards event where only 11 athletes receive top recognition. Dylan Bayer became one of the Golden Eleven Scholar Athletes for 2025, a title that combines sports skill with academic success. His teammate Jake Simmons was named Pl

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Apr 15 2026EDUCATION

Behind the Scenes: A High School Senior’s Journey Beyond Grades

Morris, a senior at Sterling High, balances textbooks, sports, and volunteering with a clear focus—shaping her future in healthcare. Unlike typical student profiles that spotlight achievements alone, her story highlights how personal passions fuel bigger plans. Biology wasn’t just another class for

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Mar 21 2026EDUCATION

California’s School System Needs a New Game Plan

California is the biggest and most varied state in America. That mix makes rules hard to make, because many groups want a say and none agree fast enough. Because of this, problems like homelessness, poverty, water shortages, and low school scores stay open for years. Students in California lag behi

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Jan 19 2026EDUCATION

Springfield's Blueprint for Student Success: A Look at the Future

In Springfield, the school district is taking a fresh approach to education. Sonia Dinnall, the superintendent, is not just talking about improving student outcomes; she's taking action. She wants to build on past efforts, like the "Portrait of a Graduate" project, to help students succeed from pres

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Jan 18 2026EDUCATION

The Price of Losing Arts in Schools

Maryland is facing tough budget choices again, and arts education is often the first to go. This is a big mistake. Arts programs do more than just teach students how to paint or play music. They help students grow in confidence and discover their true potential. When schools cut arts funding, they

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Jan 11 2026EDUCATION

Life Skills: The Missing Piece in Education

Education often focuses on academics, but that's not enough. Students need more than just book smarts to succeed in life. They need to know how to handle real-world situations. This is where life skills come in. Many students struggle with basic life skills. They might know their subjects well, but

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