Renee Tomell

"Super strengths" are many for the fifth-grade teacher from Coal City Intermediate School.

Matt Baker originally thought he’d be a journalist, but a love for the classrooms of his youth was always in the back of his mind, so he changed his plans at the University of Illinois.

Her passion for teaching turns her classes into hands-on learning experiences that embrace a wealth of topics designed to nurture well-rounded students.

Nurturing generosity of spirit is a lesson taken to heart by students at Immaculate Conception School in Morris, where a spirited year-round giving project helps a variety of nonprofits and their causes.

Concerns over rising food prices and food security have sparked a strong interest in home gardening. Community gardens sold out spaces early this year.

It's been a remarkable, hard-fought recovery for former village commissioner Rich Kulovany.

The newly rechristened Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois is working to expand its services with added volunteers and funding. It also asks supporters to reach out to legislators at the state and federal level.

The members of the Pierce Downer’s Heritage Alliance are taking a breather after decades of service to Downers Grove and are passing the torch of community activism.

An array of folk music artists will kick off a three-part series of concert fundraisers at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, to benefit Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove.

The 16-year-old won two bronze medals in taekwondo at the USA Team Trials in individual and pair competition in the freestyle poomsae discipline.

Fans of artisan-made Mexican food have a brand-new destination in Morris. It’s the second location for Crest Hill-based Tacos Before Vatos.

March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month. The National Weather Service is looking for people interested in weather who are willing to volunteer for their community as trained storm spotters.

A severe weather spotter training presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. March 19 to teach Grundy County volunteers how to help warn the community of dangerous storms.

The Roman Catholic college-preparatory high school marks a milestone of resilience born of a women’s religious congregation founded in the French town of Le Puy in 1650 that defied hardship, political strife and guillotines in its quest to serve the “dear neighbor."

The culinary program graduates are highly sought after in the food industry. The Michelin Guide recently noted the stellar kitchens where multiple alumni have helped earn accolades.