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 - Lyla Hsu’s artwork, from fiber arts to photography, helps her make sense of the world. Hsu is this month’s Milton Schoolhouse Artist of the Month. Her art is on display at Milton through the end of February, but her passion goes beyond this first exhibit. She hopes she can...
ALTON - Debbie Sheary has spent a lifetime advocating for others. Sheary, one of the YWCA’s eleven 2026 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. She explained that her career in education has guided her as she continues her...
I love wearing rings. I always have at least four on my fingers. It’s my go-to jewelry. So why wouldn’t I be absolutely down to make my own? A few weeks ago, I saw that The Macoupin Art Collective in Staunton was hosting a ring-making class for beginners. I didn’t know...
EDWARDSVILLE/MORO - First-grade students at Midway Elementary School celebrated Lunar New Year with their teacher, who spent five years teaching in China. Chelsey Phipps, a first-grade teacher at Midway, explained that she wanted to share her experiences in China with her students in the Edwardsville...
ALTON - Lynne Burnett has always had a fire for giving back. Burnett, one of the YWCA’s eleven 2026 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. Whether working in child welfare, advocating for marriage equality, or assisting a...
ALTON - Tomieka Carter trusts God to help her help others. Carter, one of the YWCA’s eleven 2026 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. She explained that she regularly hosts meals and giveaways for kids and families across...
BETHALTO - Residents at Villa Rose Senior Living Community in Bethalto enjoyed a Valentine’s Day-themed senior prom. On Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, staff members dressed in suits and prom dresses and residents danced to music by Chuck Cannon. The fourth annual senior prom was a reminder to al...
BETHALTO - A lifelong Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 educator received major recognition at Civic Memorial High School. On Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, Civic Memorial officially renamed its Student Commons after Willard Wallace, a former principal and well-known community member who has...
SAINT LOUIS - As the City of St. Louis celebrates its 262nd birthday, the Missouri Historical Society has decided to “go big” with a huge birthday bash this weekend. Starting with the ticketed “T-Rav Remix” on Friday, Feb. 13, and concluding with games, concerts, crafts,...
ALTON - Mary Jason is guided to help others through tragedy. Jason, one of the YWCA’s eleven 2026 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. After losing her son 29 years ago, Jason has created a support group for grieving mothers...
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