West Cook News

The Maine Township school board recognized a student from each of the high schools.

"I want to do this before the kids leave because a really cool thing happened over at Maine West" Superintendent Ken Wallace said. "We have Ryan Melligan with us. Ryan, would you stand up? Come on up here. On Wednesday night, a young girl, I’ll show the picture. Little bitty girl, can't see it, but she's a little bitty. Began choking on a piece of plastic. The little girl began to cough in a manner that caused her mother concern. And Ryan, who is the athletic trainer at Maine West, intervened and saved the girl from choking. And so, we wanted to recognize Ryan tonight for his heroic efforts in having a really, really positive and great outcome at Maine West high school."

Darcy Folsome from Maine West high school was recognized by the school board. Darcy has a thirst for knowledge and drive to learn that has led to her having taken all of the classes in her school’s social sciences department except for Econ, which she couldn’t fit into her schedule because of her commitment to being a TA in AP World history and AP Psych. She loves taking new classes and being able to understand the broader world around her more and more. Teachers from every subject only had good things to say about her as a student and person. 

From Maine East, Alonzo and Andre Larios were recognized for their accomplishments in World Language and Fine Arts. The twin brothers made the exemption and were recognized together rather than selecting just one. They have both expanded to their third language after English and Spanish, and although they are seniors in a mostly freshman into to French class, they have excelled and led their classmates in academic success this year. 

The 207 Best from Maine South was Daniella Lopiccolo. Daniella has always been dedicated to helping people, and her internship at a rehab center last summer offered her a job at the beginning of the school year. She is taking the CNA program and has many volunteer and leadership positions in medical career and student groups. Her future path definitely goes into nursing as it is a lifelong dream. Her teachers have no doubt that her kind and encouraging attitude will lend to her success greatly.