Good News! Devils' Advocate Wins National Award!

Congratulations to the Devils’ Advocate staff!   The Devils’ Advocate 2012-2013 staff and advisor have won the prestigious Newspaper Pacemaker Award from the National Scholastic Press Association.  Evan Lee (’13) served as Devils' Advocate editor-in-chief, and Sarah Renehan (’13) was managing editor. English teacher Sue Grady is the newspaper advisor. 

This puts the Advocate staff in very elite company:  they are one of only five national winners in the Newsmagazine category. The Pacemaker is THE top award for high school journalism.  This award (according to the NSPA website) is based on the breadth and judgment of coverage, content, quality of writing, editorial leadership on editorial page, evidence of in-depth reporting, layout, design, photography, art and graphics.

Their award was announced at the annual NSPA convention in Boston this week.

Here's an illustrated list of all the national finalists.

Come see "Inherit the Wind" this weekend, and read this Doings article!

Christine Hicks

Chris Hicks, in her last year as Director of Drama at Hinsdale Central High School, is directing the play, "Inherit the Wind," which is based on the famous "Scopes Monkey Trial" of 1925, covered nationally by WGN radio.

Today at school students had a chance to see selections from the play in the library during all school periods.  Today also, the Doings, published this really nice piece by Kim Fornek about Chris and the production.  Fornek quotes many students who say they've been changed by working so closely with a play with such an important message.

And there's great quotes from Chris in the article:

“I am retiring at the end of the year,” said Christine Hicks, the high school’s director of drama, “and in a sense this play is a ‘thank you’ to the students, parents, staff and community members who have lived up to the ideals expressed in the play, namely, have the courage to stand up for what you believe in. 

“It is important we realize that each of us has the responsibility to do the right thing and defend ideas which are important to us,” Hicks said. 

“The community of Hinsdale Central fosters that kind of attitude and I am grateful to have worked in a community which has always defended intellectual freedom and the right – and the responsibility – to think.”

Read the article here: http://hinsdale.suntimes.com/news/schools/hcplay-HIN-11112013:article

Come to the Hinsdale Central Auditorium to see the play Thursday through Saturday, November 14-16.

Photo Credit: Kim Fornek, The Doings

Nate Bradley is the English Department's Student of the Quarter!

Ms. Lopez and Nate Bradley at the Student of the Quarter
Breakfast.  Photo Credit: Sigita Mitchell

I'm proud to announce that Junior Nate Bradley is the English Department's Student of the Quarter.  He was selected by his English 3 teacher, Cherise Lopez.

When Ms. Lopez introduced Nate at the Student of the Quarter Breakfast, she spoke about Nate's success in class during first quarter, especially about his exemplary character.

Congratulations to Nate!  It's students like Nate that truly make Hinsdale Central a special place.

Three English Teachers Named as "Making a Difference Award" Honorable Mention winners

English Teacher Hasham Bhatti

English Teacher Susan Sangwa

English Teacher Chris Billie

Three English Teachers were cited last week as "Make a Difference Award" honorable mention winners.  Susan Sangwa teaches English 2 and Expository Writing. Hasham Bhatti, a first year teacher at Hinsdale Central, teaches English 1, ESL 1, and AP Language and Composition.  Chris Billie teaches English 1, Senior Literature, and Senior Composition.  Congratulations to all three for all they do for the range of students they help every day. 

Gina Chandler is a "Make a Difference Award" winner!

English teacher Gina Chandler won the "Make a Difference Award" presented by the Hinsdale Central PTO.

Make a Difference Co-Chairs Annette Burlet and Hope Sabbagha sent out this note to the HC faculty and staff:

The PTO's Make A Difference Committee would like to announce the First Quarter Winners of the Make a Difference Award! Please congratulate these special staff members and spread the word about this great honor! The committee received over 50 nominations submitted by students, teachers and parents. 

Congratulations, too, to all the Hinsdale Central Award Winners: 

Gina Chandler - English

Abby Green - Math

Joe Liaw - Science

Lisa Korbitz - Math

Jennifer Lawrence - World Languages

Wanda Swik - Athletics