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Thompson named state's P.E. Teacher of Year
The Illinois Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance has named Carla Thompson the state's high school P.E. educator of the year. Thompson -- who has been teaching P.E. for 27 years, 26 in District 117 -- decided to nominate herself for the honor after receiving encouragement from colleagues. She qualified for the state level competition after winning a similar honor for the Northeast District of Illinois.
In addition to submitting recommendation letters from administrators, colleagues and parents, Thompson had to write five essays explaining her teaching philosophy, her experience and future goals, among other topics. She said she believes her part in the development of the P.E. program at LCHS was one accomplishment that made her a quality candidate. Other standout attributes: her rapport with the students and ability to "make them excited about what they do."
According to IAHPERD, elected educators should have the ability to "motivate today's youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity."
Thompson, who also has coached volleyball and gymnastics throughout her career, officially will accept her award in November. She then will be considered for the Midwest award, followed by the national award.

Lutz qualifies for National Merit competition
Junior Ian Lutz has been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for being among the highest scorers on the PSAT, an accomplishment that moves him one step closer to the running for NMSC scholarships. Lutz placed himself in the top 50,000 out of approximately 1.4 million testers who entered the program. For this, he earns the opportunity to be referred to two colleges or universities of his choice by the NMSC.
Next fall, Lutz will learn if he qualified to be one of 16,000 semifinalists who will advance in the competition for 2007 merit scholarship awards. Those awards are given based on finalists' academic records, two sets of test scores, a school official's written recommendation, information about the students' activities and leadership and more.

Two students perform at IMEA honors concerts
Sophomores Robbie Bock and Kateri Tumminello joined more than 200 music students from other schools to perform at the District 7 Honors Choir and Band Festival at Maine East High School on Nov 19.
Bock, a tenor in the LCHS a cappella, jazz and chamber choirs, and Tumminello, who plays the tenor saxophone in the wind ensemble and jazz band, were selected to participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association event after two auditions on Oct. 5 and 6. A panel of judges elected by the IMEA selected the two for the honor. A total of more than 1,500 students auditioned for placement in the choir and band.