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.
ALTON - A local wiffleball tournament will raise money for a Marquette Catholic High School scholarship in honor of Jack Warren. At 10 a.m. on May 30, 2026, community members will come together for Wifflefest, an annual 2v2 tournament for players of all ages, genders and abilities. Noah Fahnestock,...
SAINT LOUIS - As more people choose nursing as a “second career,” leaders at Goldfarb School of Nursing and BJC encourage students to consider their programs. Dr. Angela Clark, the president of Goldfarb School of Nursing, explained that Goldfarb is part of the BJC system. They offer...
ALTON - The Alton Owl’s Club will host their annual rummage sale and bake sale to raise money for their work. From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, community members can support the Owl’s Club at the sale at 227 Blair Avenue...
EDWARDSVILLE - Aiden Vaughn is new to Edwardsville, but he’s already made quite the impression. For his accomplishments, Aiden Vaughn is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Vaughn, a senior, moved to the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 this year. Despite...
ALTON - Mike Brey is proud to call Alton home and pleased he could help develop the town’s youth throughout his career. Brey, who serves as an assistant principal and CTE director at Alton High School, will retire from the Alton Community Unit School District #11 at the end of this school...
EDWARDSVILLE - Students at Goshen Elementary School in Edwardsville recently had an experience that was out of this world. On Friday, April 10, 2026, students had the chance to visit the Skydome in the school’s gymnasium. This mobile, inflatable planetarium by Mobile Ed Productions gave...
EDWARDSVILLE - LaZarria Thomas is dedicated to her success. For her hard work, LaZarria Thomas is a Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Thomas, a senior, is a member of Edwardsville’s Black Student Union and Drama Club. She is a natural leader who enjoys collaborating wit...
HIGHLAND - Alice Hegger loves to give back. For her kindness, Alice Hegger is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Hegger, a senior, is a positive presence at her school. She has made a big impact on the school community by showing up every day and leading...
HIGHLAND - Garrett Pryor is a committed student. For his dedication, Garrett Pryor is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Pryor, a senior, is a member of Spanish Club and marching band. He loves playing his instrument and collaborating with his fellow...
EDWARDSVILLE - During their work session on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education received an update about Hamel Elementary School’s upcoming construction and asbestos abatement. Last fall, the Board held several discussions about...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
