Fenwick High School presented Dr. John V. White with the 2005 Martin de Porres Award for Meritorious Service to the Medical Profession at a ceremony and brunch at the school on March 13. A 1970 graduate of Fenwick, White is a vascular surgeon, chairman of the department of surgery at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, and a clinical professor of surgery at the University of Illinois School of Medicine. He holds several grants for the study of causes of aortic aneurysms, and has championed technological advancements in surgery, serving as an advisor to the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment and the Department of Defense. He has also worked to establish international guidelines for patient care.
Porch poetry
A poem by Oak Parker Agnes M. Stempniak is included in Invoking the Muse, a recently-released book from the International Library of Poetry. The poem, “The Ode to the Porch,” received the Editor’s Choice Award and appears on page one of the book. She entered it in a poetry contest on poetry.com.
Stempniak’s interest in writing stretches back to her high school days at Oak Park and River Forest High School, where she was published in Crest, the school’s literary magazine, and served as editor of the Trapeze, the student newspaper. The executive director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, Stempniak’s writing now usually focuses on advertising, newsletters and annual reports.
Teacher Olderr nominated by younger student
Patricia Olderr of Oak Park has been nominated by a former student for inclusion in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Students who are recognized in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Who’s Who Among American High School Students?#34;Sports Edition or The National Dean’s List are eligible to nominate teachers who have made a difference in their lives. Only 5 percent of the nation’s teachers are so honored.
Study, continental style
Lily Gershenson of Oak Park, a junior at Lake Forest College, is studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain for the spring semester. She’ll be choosing from a variety of courses in Spanish language and culture at the University of Salamanca.
Millikin University junior Benjamin Bahl of Oak Park is spending the spring semester studying in London at Huron University as part of Millikin’s International Studies program.
Eva Ball, an Earlham College senior, is studying in Vienna, Austria this semester as a member of Earlham’s Vienna Choral Program. She’s studying Viennese art and architecture, music and German.
Writing independently
Independent writers Karen Schwartz of Oak Park and Joen Kinnan of River Forest, members of the Independent Writers of Chicago, a professional organization for freelance writers, are speaking at an all-day conference, “The Freelance Writer’s Life,” on April 2 at the Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The conference is for beginning and veteran freelancers, and speakers will include Chicago-area professional writers, editors and marketing professionals. For more information see www.iwoc.org or call (815) 254-4939.
