23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: ‘Mean Girls Jr.' comes to Elmhurst, Czech culture feted in Hinsdale, more
The musical 'Mean Girls Jr.' takes the stage with Elmhurst Children's Theatre this week. Performances are at 7 p.m. June 26 and 27 and 1 p.m. June 28 at Timothy Christian Auditorium, 188 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst.
Performers in the not-for-profit children's theater company range from fifth to ninth grade and live in the Elmhurst area. The organization hires professional directors and relies on parent volunteers to help with productions. It's funded through donations, participation fees, class tuition and ticket sales.
Tickets for the musical cost $12 and are available at
Superintendent Nick Polyak of Leyden High School District 212 is the latest administrator to be added to the District Administration magazine's Top 100 for 2025, earning the honor for 'his incredible leadership, bold ideas, and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for his students across the country,' according to a news release.
The recognition 'represent the most important voices in K12 education,' whether the honoree is in administration, a classroom, central office or business office.
Polyak is 'on a mission to empower educators to use technology to engage students and personalize learning,' the magazine notes. He is co-leader of AASA's Aspiring Superintendents Academy and its Innovation for Transformation Consortium.
'Ths honor represents the dedicated efforts of our staff, parents, students and supportive community,' Polyak shared in the release. 'We all work together and bring our expertise to help create the best possible experiences for the kids in our communities.'
The 25th American Sokol Slet takes place starting at 2 p.m. June 28 in the stadium at Hinsdale South High School, 7401 Clarendon Hills Road, Darien.
In addition to more than 400 US performers, 400 Czek Sokols will perform, 'the latest expedition of Sokols from the Czech Republic ever,' a news release notes.
Admission is $20 for those 13 and older, $10 for children 5 to 12 years old and free for children younger than 4. Food trucks will be available.
Carroll Creedon and Nathan Campos of Triton College in River Grove have been chosen to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science Community College Internships program, one of the most competitive research opportunities in the country, and will gain hands-on technical experience at Farmilab.
Campos, from Franklin Park, recently earned an associate's degree from Triton, and hopes to become an electrical engineer. Creedon, from Brookfield, is studying mechanical engineering.
The internship started in June and continues through August. Campos plans to study at the University of Illinois Chicago and Creedon will transfer there once he finishes at Triton.
The paid internship is managed and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science's Office, through its Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists.
Book lovers are invited to the American Association of University Women Elmhurst Area Branch's annual used book sale June 26 to 29 at Sandburg Middle School, 345 E. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst.
The preview sale, which has a $20 per person admission charge (children must be older 12) is set for 6 to 9 p.m. June 26. Regular sale hours, which have no admission, are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28 and noon to 3 p.m. June 29.
On June 29, attendees can fill a bag with items for just $10. The sale includes thousands of fiction, nonfiction, children's, vintage and collective books, as well as newer textbooks, vinyl records, DVDs, CDs and video games.
Proceeds from the sale will be used for local scholarships and national AAUW research and programs for women and girls. The branch serves members from Oak Brook, Elmhurst and surrounding suburbs. Information is at or 630-832-4677.
A plant market featuring more than 20 vendors is planned from noon to 5 p.m. June 29 at Miskatonic Brewing Company, 1000 N. Frontage Road, Darien.
Local small business owners will be selling a variety of plant-related goods from actual plants to plant-themes treats and sweets, merchandise, botanical decor and bath and body products.
The brewery has planned a menu to complement its ales and lagers. Admission is free, and the event is family friendly. Information is at 630-541-9414.
