Lynch joined about 500 middle- and high school science teachers at Downers Grove North High School for a professional development event that focused climate change and the environment.

Lynch attended the event in 2024 and returned this year because “I liked how the spin of climate change wasn’t detrimental. It was hopeful.”

“There was a feeling that yes, this is bad, but there is hope,” she added.

Erich Osterberg, professor of earth science at Dartmouth University, who kicked off the 2026 Climate of HOPE Conference, agreed stating, “I am hopeful.”

“We are already experiencing the effects of climate change. We have been for a couple of decades, and those effects are going to continue,” said Osterberg, who has dedicated his entire career to studying climate change.

But Osterberg hasn’t let the effects of climate change deter him or his positive attitude.

“The vibe I am going for here is we can do this,” he said.

The daylong event brought together climate and conservation research, community outreach efforts and classroom-ready activities for science teachers.

Organized by the science teachers of Downers Grove North, the event included more than 70 breakout sessions and featured scientists from the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum.

Representatives from local forest preserves, nonprofits and municipalities also presented information about navigating a changing climate locally and how these entities can aid teachers in their classrooms.

Lynch attended a session conducted by Downers Grove Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Jason Michnick, who described how the village has supported sustainability.

In this session, Lynch said she learned about resources she could use in her classroom to highlight issues related to the environment where her students live.

Herrick Middle School science teacher Jill Henry, who also attended the 2024 event said, “It is so inspiring to be around other educators who also have a similar passion.”

Henry attended the session on Downers Grove’s efforts to support sustainability and came away inspired.

“I already have ideas how we can turn the things that we do into a local connection,” she said.

High school student volunteers helped out at the event by checking in teachers and directing them through the hallways to specific classrooms.

Downers Grove North senior Maria Gouriotis, who is interested in a career in biology, volunteered for the event because it was a “great opportunity to learn.”

Rose Jones, a junior at Downers Grove North who hopes to study environmental science and sustainability in college, said she volunteered because “I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn and help out.”

During the interactive lunch session, which included more than 20 science-related vender booths, Jones first learned about Greener Grove, a Downers Grove nonprofit group aimed at creating a more environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly future.

Another popular vender booth and presentation included representatives from U.S. National Science Foundation Ice Drilling Program.

Elliot Moravec, who is with the program, demonstrated how an ice drill works.

Moravec explained that ice drills are used in Antarctica and Greenland to drill into glaciers to collect samples to provide clues to past climates in the regions.

Downers Grove North science teacher Jeff Grant helped organize the event in 2024 because he and several other science teachers were seeking a good option to learn about science on the countywide institute day.

Miranda Waldman, a middle school science and math teacher at Prairie School of DuPage, a nature-based pre-kindergarten through 8^th grade independent school in Wheaton, said the event had so many options for learning it was hard to choose which sessions to attend.

“There has been a bunch of really interesting things,” Waldman said.

With her students, Waldman said, she completed an educational series about acorns.

However, after a presentation about bur oaks offered by staff from Morton Arboretum at the conference, she said, “I am taking something I taught before and adding more depth.”

The Award of Excellence is the highest honor presented through the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel program. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to equity and to the success of all students.

Recipients regularly collaborate with colleagues, students and families to foster positive school cultures, serve as lifelong learners, connect their schools to the broader community and inspire fellow education professionals within and beyond their districts.

Dailey exemplifies these qualities through his unwavering dedication to student growth and well-being. His collaborative spirit, commitment to inclusive practices and leadership within the school community have made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.

Dailey will be formally recognized at the 52nd Annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet April 18 in Bloomington-Normal, where he will be celebrated alongside more than 450 outstanding educators from across the state.

For this event, Tawwab will be in conversation with “A Whole New Mind” author Daniel Pink at noon and 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Visit GPSParentSeries.org for information and the link to these webinars.

Every relationship is a balancing act, from loving and close friendships, to extended family or work/life interactions. Tawwab, a leading voice in the field of mental health and relationships, comes to GPS for this event focusing on healthy dependency and finding balance.

She will empower participants to reevaluate, reset and relate better with actionable steps and strategies for setting healthy boundaries. Attendees will gain practical advice for recognizing needs, navigating conflict and improving communication to foster greater joy, peace of mind and harmony.

Tawwab is a licensed therapist and “New York Times” bestselling author of “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself” and “Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Healthy Family Relationships.” She has appeared in numerous media outlets spreading her message about self-respect and personal agency.

Pink is the author of several bestselling books on science, business and creativity including the “New York Times” bestsellers “The Power of Regret,” “When” and “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.” His deeply researched works have been translated into 46 languages and have sold more than five million copies around the world.

All are welcome to the free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events, contact Glenbard District 87 Student and Community Projects Coordinator Gilda Ross at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668. Continuing education credits are available.

These students represent less than 1% of the nation’s high school graduating seniors.

To qualify as a finalist and receive one of the scholarships, National Merit semifinalists must submit a detailed application, including an essay and recommendation from a high school official.

The selection process involves evaluating substantial amounts of information about finalists obtained from both students and their high schools.

Included are the finalist’s academic record (course load and difficulty level, depth and breadth of subjects studied and grades earned); PSAT/NMSQT scores; the student’s essay; demonstrated leadership and contributions to school and community activities and the school official’s written recommendation and characterization of the finalist.

The National Merit finalists are:

Visit GPSParentSeries.org for event details and the links to these webinars.

In an era defined by uncertainty, digital overload and rising anxiety, parents and caregivers are more concerned than ever about preparing children for an increasingly complex world.

Moyer will detail a practical and research-backed roadmap for raising children who are emotionally resilient, ethically grounded, and equipped to thrive – even amid today’s most daunting challenges.

Attendees will learn how to nurture three essential strengths in children: coping skills, connection habits and cultivation strategies. Moyer will explain how these core attributes empower children to set boundaries, take responsibility for their actions and build healthy, meaningful relationships. With actionable tools and a reassuring tone, this session will help parents raise courageous, compassionate kids ready to meet the moment.

Moyer is a contributing editor at “Scientific American” and a regular contributor to “The New York Times.” She is the author of “How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t A@#$%&!” and her latest release, “Hello Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.”

All are welcome to the free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events, contact Glenbard District 87 Student and Community Projects Coordinator Gilda Ross at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668. Continuing education credits are available.

The school will present the award to him at an all-school assembly March 6. He will also serve as a guest speaker in numerous classrooms throughout the day.

While at North High, Rohlf was engaged in both academics and athletics. He served as captain of the golf team in 2000, was National Honor Society vice president and served as student manager and trainer for the boys basketball team for four years.

“Our award selection committee was unanimously impressed by Charlie’s accomplishments not only in high school, but also in his academic pursuits after high school and professional impact,” Courtney DeMent, principal of North High, said in a statement. “Our school helped provide a foundation for Charlie’s education and passion for sports, and his success is a testament to our commitment to cultivate the same lifelong learning and leadership values in all students.”

“I’m truly honored to receive this award,” Rohlf said in a statement. “Thank you to Downers Grove North’s administration, faculty and staff, not only for this award, but for all the great work they do every day. DGN was instrumental in laying a strong foundation that helped set me up for success. I appreciate the opportunity to be associated with such a special school.”

After high school, Rohlf earned his undergraduate degree in computer science from Duke University, where he served as a four-year student manager for the men’s basketball team under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Rohlf received the Senior Manager Award in 2004–05.

He later earned a master’s degree in computer science from DePaul University, completing a thesis focused on computer vision. Rohlf worked at STATS LLC as a computer vision engineer and product manager, where he helped build the first player tracking system deployed across the NBA. He also contributed to the company’s first AI and machine learning algorithms for detecting basketball events from player tracking data.

Today, Rohlf serves as vice president of stats technology product development for the National Basketball Association, where he leads teams of software engineers, data scientists and product managers responsible for the NBA’s and Women’s National Basketball Association statistical infrastructure.

He is a frequent speaker at major sports, data science and technology conferences, including Microsoft Ignite and Amazon Web Services re:Invent, and regularly contributes to NBA television broadcasts as a basketball statistics expert.

To learn more about the Alumni Award of Excellence, visit the alumni page on the District 99 website.

This program will be presented in a hybrid in-person and Zoom webinar format at the Technology Center of DuPage at noon and via Zoom at 7 p.m.

Visit GPSParentSeries.org for event details and the links to these webinars.

A home economics class, an angry middle-school student and a project making pizza. Thanks to a compassionate teacher who recognized and nurtured Duffy’s talent, these elements came together to ignite a passion for the culinary arts that turned around the life of a troubled young man.

Duffy will come to GPS to recount his improbable path from a childhood marked by trauma, loss and sacrifice to a transformation into one of the most celebrated chefs in the world. All will be inspired by Duffy’s honesty, grit and unending drive for excellence. Join us for a fascinating story of survival, determination and triumph.

Duffy, a renowned American chef and restaurateur celebrated for his artistry, operates the “Ever” restaurant in Chicago, which has garnered international acclaim and earned two Michelin stars.

He was recently named as one of the top 50 most influential figures in fine dining by the Robb Report. His story was chronicled in the acclaimed documentary “For Grace,” which described his rise from adversity to culinary greatness at his former restaurant Grace, which earned three Michelin stars several years running.

All are welcome to the free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required. To be placed on a reminder list for GPS events, contact Glenbard District 87 Student and Community Projects Coordinator Gilda Ross at gilda_ross@glenbard.org or 630-942-7668. Continuing education credits are available.