Give-a-Thon 2020
This is the 36th year Stevenson has helped spread holiday cheer to those in need through Give-a-Thon. Due to COVID restrictions this year, gifts, food and baby items were not collected in classrooms and at school. Instead, families, students and Stevenson staff made individual commitments to deliver items to several local organizations.
This year, Stevenson families helped provide the following through this annual demonstration of a commitment to others:
- 330 families including 1500 individuals were supported with holiday gifts
- 240 commitments were received to drop off bulk food at the Vernon Township Food Pantry
- 90 commitments to drop off baby items at the St. Mary of Vernon PADS emergency shelter were received
Well done, Patriots! Thank you to everyone who contributed and especially members of the SHS National Honor Society who organized this year’s effort along with their sponsors Science Teacher and Community Service Coordinator Brett Erdmann, Business Education Teacher Taylor Osicek, Mathematics Teacher Maureen Albert and Fine Arts Teacher Katie Hyken. A recap video with additional student photos has been posted on Instagram.
Debate Team Competes in La Costa Canyon Winter Classic
In last Saturday’s Illinois Congressional Debate Association tournament, 51 members of the Stevenson Debate Team joined nearly 400 other debaters from the surrounding area to compete in congressional debate. Stevenson came in second place in the Large School Sweepstakes category and individual awards went to the following students:
Varsity Chambers: Best Presiding Officer was awarded to sophomores Maddie Wang and Sara Zhang. Second-place speakers in chambers: juniors Mia Korsunsky and Jesenia Parthasarathy, and seniors Ojasvi Saxena and James Xie. Third-place Speaker in Chambers: sophomores Megan Han, Lindsey Wang and Sara Zhang; juniors Aditi Ambravan and Anthony Makhovic; and senior Youssef Mansour.
Junior Varsity Chambers: Best Presiding Officer honors were given to freshman Grace Huang.
Third-place Speaker in Chambers: freshmen Nadia Arif, Srikar Kovvuri, Santosha Pochiraju and Eshaan Shaik.
The Debate Team Sponsor is Communications Arts Teacher Steve Heller.
Junior Organizes Winter Jacket and Toy Donation
Stevenson junior Yashwanth Gangavarapu recently coordinated a fundraiser to benefit elementary students in Waukegan. Gangavarapu’s effort resulted in the distribution of winter jackets and toys to 42 needy 4th-grade students. He raised more than $1,000 to purchase these items and also received donations from family and friends. He was inspired to organize this donation effort by the clubs he participates in at SHS including the Rotary Club and National Honor Society. During this season of giving, Gangavarapu demonstrates a commitment to others!
2020-21 Winter Break and Second Semester Plans
This will be the last edition of the Daily Digest for this calendar year and the Digest will resume distribution on Tuesday, Jan. 5. Please see the Parents webpage for a copy of the email sent to Patriot parents yesterday regarding second semester hybrid learning plans. Any additional communication over winter break will also be reposted to the Parents webpage.
Families who have questions about second-semester plans are encouraged to share them on this Google form and are invited to attend a Zoom webinar on Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. to hear answers to commonly asked questions.
We wish our Patriot families a happy and healthy break and a Happy New Year!
STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides four-year scholarships of up to $30,000 over four years and extensive support services, including career guidance and internship placement, to highly motivated African American students. To be eligible you must be a graduating high school senior, plan to attend a four-year institution, show leadership potential, demonstrate a dedication to community service, present evidence of a financial need and be a United States citizen. Applications are due by February 1.
PATRIOT SPORTS NEWS
Orgler Signing Letter of Intent with Butler University
Senior Danny Orgler announced he will sign a National Letter of Intent with Butler University for football today. As a junior, Danny led the team in quarterback pressures (8), sacks (5), and forced fumbles (3). He was also named North Suburban Academic All-Conference and has served as a team captain. Congratulations Danny!
EDUCATION NEWS
IHSA Meeting Planned to Discuss High School Winter Sports
The Illinois High School Athletic Association said it expects to meet with representatives from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office and the Illinois Department of Public Health before Jan. 1 and will call a special board meeting afterward to finalize winter sports schedules.
Schools Provide Virtual Holiday Concerts
Instead of canceling holiday concerts, many schools are hosting virtual holiday concerts as outlined in this podcast. Music instruction during the pandemic has proven especially difficult for some schools due to technology outages and access to instruments.
Pilot Program to Offer Improved Vi-Fi to Students in Indianapolis
The mayor of Indianapolis announced a $1.7 million pilot on Tuesday that will connect students in one county to reliable internet access at no charge. Approximately 2,000 students in six schools will benefit from this program.
Stevenson Daily Digest 