SXU’s Sarlas is Student Laureate; SSC coach lauded
Saint Xavier University nursing student Angela Sarlas has been recognized as a Student Laureate by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
Each year, an outstanding senior from each of the state’s four-year degree-granting colleges and universities is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and thereby becomes a Student Laureate. Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service and are reflective of the diverse populace of the State of Illinois.
“Becoming a Student Laureate and joining the prestigious group of individuals that are named Lincoln Laureates is an immeasurable honor,” Sarlas said. “I’m unable to describe the feeling of gratitude I have. Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his persistence, unwavering optimism and natural ability to lead others. Being recognized in the spirit of Lincoln is a privilege and shows that my efforts to make a positive impact are steps in the right direction.”
Ultimately, Sarlas plans to apply all she learned at SXU in law school, where she will study public policy and foreign affairs. She’d like to take her medical and legal backgrounds to pursue a career with the United Nations, where she plans to make it her life’s work to advocate for positive change in education, health care and equality to eliminate injustices.
“I believe that the solution to the world’s problems are out there,” she said. “And once we become a society that recognizes that, we can discover and use those solutions.”
IBCA recognizes South Suburban’s John Pigatti
The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame honored John Pigatti, head coach of the South Suburban College men’s basketball team, as the recipient of the IBCA Men’s College Coach of the Year Award for the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II (NJCAA DII).
“It is quite the honor to be recognized by the IBCA,” he said. “They are an extremely prestigious organization and to be honored by them is a very humbling. I give all the credit to our special players that made a historic run last year. What we did was very special, and to do it by beating every junior college team by double digits except one was even more satisfying. Our team is very proud of what we accomplished last season.”
Last year’s team not only earned the college’s firstever NJCAA DII National Championship, but they also achieved the distinction as the first team in NJCAA DII history to go undefeated with a record of 33-0.
Pigatti was presented with this recognition on Nov. 19 after an 86-47 victory over the College of Lake County.
Augustana students perform in Christmas pageant
The Augustana College Department of Music presented Christmas at Augustana last weekend with more than 200 student musicians taking the stage to share their talents.
Area performers included Frankfort’s Brianna Ebenroth, Homewood’s Bryson Robinson-Levant, Lockport’s Claudia Dlugosz, Mokena’s Maddy Overstreet and Grey White, New Lenox’s Ben Radeke, Jessa Simon, Abbey Soper, Grace Strache, Miranda Tyda and Sarah Walton, Oak Lawn’s Victoria Pankam, Orland Park’s Victoria Campbell and Tinley Park’s Ally Magsombol and Sarah Welker.
Area students named to Bob Jones University band
New Lenox’s Bethany Charleston and Orland Park’s Aaron John Pio have been named to the Bob Jones University Symphonic Wind Band, the school’s top-performing instrumental ensemble.
Georgia Tech summer 2022 graduates list
Farida Adejare, Tinley Park.