Sydney Sinks grew up in the Riverbend area and graduated from Southwestern High School. She received a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University in 2022, where she majored in English-Writing with concentrations in journalism and professional writing and a minor in editing.
At Millikin, Sydney wrote and edited for The Decaturian and BURST Magazine. Her writing has also been published in Decatur Magazine, Gateway Journalism Review and others. She has received recognition from the Illinois College Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists for her work.
HIGHLAND - Several students from St. Paul Catholic School in Highland were recognized by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for their writing. Suzanne Horan, a middle school English teacher at the school, worked with her fifth and sixth grade students to submit work to the Annual Poster,...
O’FALLON - Haylee Noe tries her hardest at all times. For her dedication, Haylee Noe is a College Prep Station Student of the Month for O’Fallon Township High School. Noe, a senior, has participated on the school’s varsity dance team since her freshman year. In addition...
ALTON - Alton High School and local businesses have partnered to offer internships to local students. The Alton Educational Foundation worked with local businesses and the high school to start an internship program for students last fall. Kristie Baumgartner, executive director of the Alton Educationa...
EDWARDSVILLE - Senior citizens connected with students at Edwardsville High School’s inaugural Senior Breakfast. On Friday, April 17, 2026, senior community members were invited to the high school for a free breakfast, where they also heard updates about the district and enjoyed orchestra...
ELSAH - Students and community members are invited to Principia College for the launch of their student literary magazine and a reading by a renowned poet. On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the creative writing program in Principia’s Center for Narrative, Meaning, and Media will host the event...
EDWARDSVILLE - Elementary schoolers in Edwardsville had a fun night of mathematics, games and engagement at their recent K–5 Math Night. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 elementary school students and their families could come to Lincoln Middle...
O’FALLON - Ellison Camfield is a determined student. For her hard work, Ellison Camfield is a College Prep Station Student of the Month for O’Fallon Township High School. Camfield, a senior, is a member of Future Business Leaders of America. She has served as the president o...
BETHALTO - Grant Shirley is a well-rounded student. For his hard work, Grant Shirley is a DD Homes Network Student of the Month for Civic Memorial High School. Shirley, a senior, has played in the school’s marching and concert bands since his freshman year. He loves music and collaborating...
GODFREY - Vitality Women’s Clinic has several volunteer opportunities available. Vitality Women’s Clinic is a pro-life, faith-based pregnancy center that works with individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Executive Director Jackie Duty, Center Manager Lori Saunders, and...
GLEN CARBON - Gretchen Ertel gives 110% to everything she does. For her hard work, Gretchen Ertel is a Student of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. Ertel, a senior, serves as the Joan of Arc House Leader. This position requires a lot of responsibility, which Ertel demonstrates....
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