VIRTUAL WHIRL RAISES $1.1 MILLION
This year, the Chicago Zoological Society celebrated its 40th anniversary of the Whirl, its largest annual fundraiser. The event, co-hosted by the society’s board of trustees and Women’s Board, was held virtually on May 1.
Hundreds of guests tuned in during the virtual fundraiser, which grossed more than $1.1 million for the animals at Brookfield Zoo as well as the society’s conservation, education, and research programs.
The program featured welcoming comments from Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of CZS, who recognized the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chicago Zoological Society, the nonprofit organization that manages Brookfield Zoo.
Additional remarks were given by Michael and Melissa Canning, Whirl co-chairs; Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Forest Preserve District; John Grube of Hinsdale, chairman of the society’s board of trustees; and Sasha Gerritson, president of the Women’s Board.
Auctioneer Jonathan Kraft announced the fundraiser’s virtual paddle raise and live auction. Additionally, videos featuring many of Brookfield Zoo’s charismatic animals were highlighted throughout the evening and Maggie Speaks, one of Chicago’s most popular bands, entertained the viewing audience with several songs.
COLLEGE STUDENTS MAKE DEAN’S LISTS
Several students from Hinsdale were named to the dean’s list or equivalent at their respective colleges and universities for the spring 2021 semester.
• Mary Arbor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Lucy Battaglia, Belmont University
• Olivia Berley, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Caroline Booras, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Katie Bourjaily, Boston University
• Kayla Cameron, Iowa State University
• Gabi Conidi, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Emma Dillard, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Shea Draddy, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Gabby Dull, University of Utah
• Ryder Guido, Belmont University
• Lucy Hawblitzel, Iowa State University
• Mckenna Hayes, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Cole Koffron, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Andrea Kopp, Belmont University
• Luke Moran, Belmont University
• Connor Phillips, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Sarah Running, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Michael Ryan, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Ben Simon, University of Utah
• Toni Strausser, Furman University (fall 2020)
• Paige Thrana, University of Wisconsin-Madison
NAZ STUDENTS EARN DIPLOMAS
Five students from Hinsdale were among 174 seniors to graduate May 23 from Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park.
They are Isabelle Cameron, Dorothy McCarthy, Kathleen McLeod, William O’Malley and Peter Thornton.
CENTRAL HONORS RETIRING STAFF
The Hinsdale High School District 86 Board at its May 13 meeting recognized several Hinsdale Central teachers, aides and paraprofessionals who retired at the end of the 2020-21 school year.
• Julia Baker, science teacher
• Christine Billie, English teacher
• Laura Giuntoli, specialized aide
• Steven Gross, social studies teacher
• Nijole Nichols, paraprofessional in the English Language Learners department
• Pat Richards, physical education teacher
• Candace Robbins, paraprofessional in the special education department
