Students at Tremont Grade School organized a basketball event to support veterans through the "Nets for Vets" fundraiser. The funds raised will benefit the Greater Peoria Honor Flight, which aims to transport veterans to Washington D.C. four times in 2025. This initiative not only aids veterans but also educates students about the freedoms they have fought for. Last year, the students managed to raise approximately $5,200, and this year, their goal is set at $6,000.

The event provides an opportunity for children to interact with veterans and understand the importance of honoring them. Rick Otey, a volunteer with the Honor Flight, emphasized that such activities allow students to appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans. Some students even contributed spare change from their belongings, showing genuine enthusiasm for supporting those who served their country.

Learning Through Action: Students Meet Veterans

Through the "Nets for Vets" event, students at Tremont Grade School were introduced to veterans, gaining insight into their contributions and the significance of honor flights. This interaction fosters a deeper understanding among the young participants regarding the freedoms safeguarded by veterans. By engaging directly with veterans, students develop a personal connection to the cause.

This unique experience goes beyond raising funds; it serves as an educational tool. Volunteers like Rick Otey highlight the importance of these interactions in helping children recognize the sacrifices made for their freedom. For instance, in some parts of the world, children do not have access to education, making this event a powerful reminder of the liberties enjoyed in their own community. Such moments inspire students to contribute generously, as seen when some dug into their book bags for spare change to add to the cause.

Raising Funds and Awareness: A Community Goal

In addition to fostering awareness, the fundraiser aims to exceed last year’s total of $5,200 by setting a new target of $6,000. The enthusiasm displayed by students underscores their appreciation for veterans' service. Events like these encourage active participation and demonstrate how small actions can make a significant difference.

Henry Waldrop, a second-grader, expressed his joy in supporting veterans, noting the fun aspect of contributing to something meaningful. His sentiment reflects the overall attitude of the student body, where participating in the fundraiser becomes more than just a task—it transforms into a celebration of gratitude. The collective effort of Tremont Grade School exemplifies how communities can unite behind a shared purpose, ensuring that the sacrifices of veterans are acknowledged and honored. By combining fundraising with education, the school sets a commendable example of instilling values in its students while simultaneously aiding a worthy cause.

In the spring of 2025, Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI) organized its first-ever Give Kids a Smile event. This initiative brought together student dentists, faculty members, and interprofessional collaborators to offer free dental care and oral health education to local children over four days. Sponsored by the American Dental Association, the program aimed to enhance access to care for underserved children while providing hands-on experience for aspiring dental professionals. The event welcomed 14 pediatric patients who received comprehensive examinations, cleanings, and guidance on oral hygiene and nutrition. With nearly 70 student volunteers participating under faculty mentorship, the program exemplified community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

A Celebration of Compassionate Care and Education

During the vibrant and meaningful spring season of 2025, Midwestern University's College of Dental Medicine-Illinois held its inaugural Give Kids a Smile event from April 1 to April 4. This remarkable initiative united third-year dental students, faculty mentors, and other healthcare professionals in delivering essential services to young patients within the community. The Pediatric Dental Clinic was transformed into a cheerful haven adorned with playful themes designed to make visits enjoyable and less intimidating for children. Each child enjoyed personalized attention during their appointments, which included thorough exams, cleanings, and educational sessions about maintaining good oral health habits. One standout case involved a young girl whose confidence blossomed after receiving treatment, illustrating the profound impact such events can have on both patients and volunteers alike.

The event featured an innovative partnership between CDMI and the Midwestern University Speech-Language Institute, allowing speech-language pathology students to collaborate closely with dental peers. This collaboration enriched patient experiences by addressing multiple aspects of health simultaneously—oral care, communication skills, and overall well-being. Third-year dental student Sarah Middleton played a pivotal role in organizing the event alongside her faculty advisor, Dr. Sheila Hall. Their efforts ensured that every detail contributed positively toward creating a supportive environment where children felt valued and empowered.

Special guests attending the celebration included Antegoni Kyros, national manager of the GKAS program, and Cindy Nazzarini from Hope’s Front Door. Guidance throughout planning came from esteemed members of the CDMI faculty advisory board, including Drs. Stephen Palatinus, Ahmed El-Maghraby, Paulina Sawicki, Celia Mimms, Ghassan Souri, as well as Lisa McClanahan and Mehul Patel. Julie Kloppmann coordinated logistics meticulously, ensuring seamless execution across all four days.

From transforming initial apprehension into enthusiastic participation among young visitors to fostering valuable learning opportunities for future healthcare providers, this milestone event underscored the importance of compassionate, inclusive care in shaping healthier communities.

As a journalist covering this inspiring story, it is clear how programs like Give Kids a Smile bridge gaps in healthcare access while nurturing tomorrow's leaders in the field. Such initiatives remind us that small acts of kindness and dedication can create ripples of positive change extending far beyond individual lives touched directly. They highlight the significance of teamwork, creativity, and commitment when striving to improve public health outcomes—one smile at a time.

In a unique tour during the Society of Environmental Journalists’ annual conference on April 25, two Indigenous food educators demonstrated the wealth of natural resources available in the Sonoran Desert. Their insights, though more impactful in person, can enrich any hiker’s self-guided exploration. The journey began at Papago Park, where participants learned about edible plants and animals, as well as ecological relationships that sustain desert life. Through their teachings, they highlighted not only the practical uses of these resources but also the cultural significance tied to them.

A Journey Through the Desert with Indigenous Guides

On a radiant morning in late spring, a group embarked on an educational adventure through the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Starting at Papago Park, located centrally within metro Phoenix, the tour was led by Twila Cassadore, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and Jeffrey Lazos-Ferns, who is Pascua Yaqui and Cora. As the group stood beneath the iconic Hole in the Rock formation, Cassadore introduced the palo verde tree, explaining how its flowers could be brewed into tea and its pods tasted similar to edamame. She also pointed out a woodrat’s intricate twig nest under the tree, noting their culinary value in traditional practices.

Lazos-Ferns added depth to the experience by identifying nursery plants—smaller flora growing under larger, established ones for protection from the harsh sun. This symbiotic relationship exemplifies the resilience of desert ecosystems. Both educators shared stories of casually incorporating native plants into daily meals, comparing it to picking up groceries at a store. They emphasized the importance of timing when harvesting barrel cactus fruit, which is ideal for preventing stomach discomfort when paired with spicy foods.

Beyond showcasing edible resources, the tour aimed to underscore the relevance of Indigenous knowledge in modern society. With Arizona increasingly adopting xeriscaping techniques to conserve water, understanding native plants becomes crucial. Lazos-Ferns remarked on the evolving alignment between science and Indigenous wisdom, suggesting plants possess emotions and responses akin to living beings.

This enlightening excursion served as a reminder of the invaluable contributions Indigenous cultures make to sustainable living practices.

From a journalist's perspective, this tour offers profound lessons about respecting and learning from ancient traditions. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with nature and adopt approaches that honor both environmental balance and cultural heritage. Such experiences foster greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and inspire action toward preserving our planet’s diverse ecosystems.

This season, a timeless color is reclaiming its place in the spotlight as millennial pink re-emerges with renewed vigor. From high-fashion runways to everyday streetwear, this soft and elegant shade has become an essential element of modern style. As we step into spring, fashion enthusiasts are embracing this versatile hue through various wardrobe staples that blend comfort and sophistication.

A range of key pieces highlights the versatility of millennial pink in contemporary fashion. For instance, the Uniqlo AIRism Mesh UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie combines practicality with style by offering advanced features such as UV protection, odor-resistant fabric, and portability. Similarly, the Women’s UV Protection Crew Neck Cardigan serves as a functional layering piece, enhancing any outfit while providing sun protection. Meanwhile, the simple elegance of a Crew Neck T-Shirt in this color adds a touch of refinement to casual looks.

In addition to clothing, accessories play a crucial role in completing the trend. The Premium Linen Shirt from Uniqlo exemplifies breathable luxury, perfect for transitioning between seasons. Complementing these garments is the Round Ultra Mini Bag, a charming accessory that balances functionality with chic design. Together, these items showcase how millennial pink continues to inspire creativity in personal expression through fashion.

As millennial pink returns to prominence, it reminds us of the power of colors to evoke emotions and define eras. By incorporating this shade into our wardrobes, we not only celebrate its history but also embrace the joy and positivity it brings to everyday life. This season invites everyone to explore their unique style while enjoying the comfort and confidence that come with wearing this iconic color.

In a nod to nostalgia, Porsche has introduced an optional Heritage Design Package for its contemporary 911 Carrera lineup. Inspired by the iconic Pasha seat fabric from the 1970s, this package brings back the psychedelic checkered pattern that once adorned classic Porsche interiors. While the limited-edition Porsche 911 Spirit 70 showcases this retro aesthetic prominently, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to incorporate these design elements into their modern 911s without committing to the full special edition. However, pricing remains steep, reflecting the enduring allure of vintage-inspired luxury.

The Pasha upholstery first graced Porsche interiors in the 1970s, becoming a hallmark feature of both the 911 and early 928 models. Its distinctive checkerboard pattern, enhanced with a psychedelic twist, evokes the vibrant fashion trends of the era. Now, Porsche is reintroducing this nostalgic fabric through the Heritage Design Package, available across the Carrera range. This option integrates the Pasha-patterned seats with modern comfort features, such as 18-way adjustable adaptive sports seats upholstered in black leather accents. The design extends beyond the front seats, appearing on door panels, rear seating areas, and even the glovebox lining.

While the package offers a tasteful blend of retro charm and contemporary styling, it comes with certain limitations. Only a subdued grey and black color scheme is offered, omitting the bolder hues available in earlier iterations. Additionally, the package is not compatible with the purist-oriented 911 Carrera T, meaning manual gearbox aficionados cannot pair this heritage look with their preferred drivetrain. Nevertheless, the Heritage Design Package remains accessible across various body styles, including coupe, cabriolet, and Targa configurations.

For those captivated by the allure of retro aesthetics, Porsche’s digital instrument cluster receives a thematic update with a green-tinted display, complementing the overall vintage vibe. Furthermore, an optional door projector casts the phrase "icons of cool" onto the ground upon entry, though some may find this feature superfluous. Despite the added cost—£7650 for the package plus £3122 for the advanced seating system—the Heritage Design Package delivers a unique blend of nostalgia and modern technology.

Porsche enthusiasts seeking to infuse their vehicles with a touch of automotive history can now do so through the Heritage Design Package. Although more affordable than the exclusive Spirit 70 edition, the price tag underscores the value placed on preserving and celebrating the brand's rich legacy. For those willing to invest, this option provides a sophisticated bridge between past and present, enhancing the driving experience with a dash of timeless style.