Ben Biazo is pretty popular around Rolling Meadows High School, especially when he's accompanied by Ralph, a Bulldog/Beagle mix. Together, they offer pet therapy to students and faculty alike during testing times, at events, like football and basketball games, and...

"The learning is when the magic happens." That's how Vince Genualdi, director of bands at Buffalo Grove High School, described the inaugural Chicagoland Jazz Workshop. A total of 12 area high school jazz bands converged on the school Saturday, and while it resembled...

Alyse Burman built a successful career in corporate marketing, but in retirement she is pursuing her real passion: educating people about birds, conservation and nature -- as well as the healing effect of birding. Her presentations to senior centers, garden clubs,...

John Camardella coached basketball at Prospect for 18 years and he is in his 20th year as a teacher. But don't expect him to draw up plays at his appearance this week at St. James Church. Instead, he'll be talking about an archeological dig in the Holy Land -- and...

Lara Driscoll grew up in Prospect Heights, where she participated in band programs at Eisenhower School, MacArthur Middle School and ultimately at Hersey High School, where she would lead the band as drum major. At the same time, she studied classical piano with...

What do arcade games, Chicago's suburbs and the space program share in common? They all benefited from military applications developed during the Cold War, that led to the technology behind manned space flights, and yes, arcade games. That's one of the educational...

With all of the cancellations this week due to bitter cold, high winds and snow, one event went on as planned: the Santa and Friends Express parade through the neighborhoods of Prospect Heights. It's become an annual tradition, a rare night time parade, thanks to a...

Vera Conic finishes up her first semester of freshman year this week at Rolling Meadows High School, but already she holds a place of distinction. At last month's girls' state swimming finals, held at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Vera took first place in the...

A world premiere opening takes place tonight at the Skokie Theatre for the Performing Arts with a script straight out of Hollywood. Picture actors arriving in limos, stepping onto a red carpet, meeting fans at a champagne reception and doing a talk-back after the...

By his own estimation, singer Wayne Messmer has sung the national anthem "well over 5,000 times." What started more than 40 years ago, with the Chicago Sting, now has included performances with the Chicago Blackhawks, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Wolves and a 39-year...