Lois Metzger was a Collinsville High School Kahok cheerleader in 1955. Since then, she has been cheering for her hometown as an avid volunteer, booster and supporter. Metzger, 73, was recently recognized by the Collinsville Junior Service Club for 50 years of active membership in the organization. "It's a way to give back and make people aware that Collinsville is a good place to live," Metzger said.
Category: Sample Work
Set Up Camp In Your Own Backyard
Looking to spend some quality time with your family? Join thousands of families heading to their own backyards to experience the great outdoors as part of the national Great American Backyard Campout Event this Saturday, June 26. Sing campfire songs, tell stories, and create indelible memories! Read the full story at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
‘Do What You Love’ to Stand Out at College Admissions
Article Overview: “There’s a new buzzword in college admissions that should guide your summer plans – the word is ‘authenticity,’” one expert told us. “Do what you love,” said another. Summer is the perfect time for teens to reevaluate their extracurricular activities. For college hopefuls, quality beats quantity.
A Quick Guide to Puberty
Your son's voice is changing, your daughter's chest is developing, and as a parent, you're not sure how to help your children weather the physical and emotional storm that is brewing. Puberty is often portrayed as an obstacle, but if addressed in a positive manner, these changes can build stronger relationships between you and your child. Primarily, as a parent, it is crucial for you to understand the changes that will affect your child during puberty. It is more than just body changes—puberty affects your child's mental state, emotional state, and social wellbeing.
Set Clear Rules to Achieve Safe Parties for Young Teens
If there’s ever a situation when parents need to set clear expectations and guidelines, it’s parties for young teens! A teen center in Illinois that’s been popular for more than 50 years offers strategies for safe and happy parties at your own home.
Celebrating Neighbors: A Country Girl with a Giving Nature
As a wife, mother of two, and full-time caregiver for her parents, Angela Creed might seem to have barely enough time to maintain her own rigorous schedule. Yet, according to her Columbia neighbor Mary Beth Kirkpatrick, Creed makes time to give more of herself to neighbors, community organizations, local schools, and most importantly, those in need. “Angela is known throughout the community as someone who is quick to send a care package and handwritten note of encouragement to neighbors or friends who are sick, going through some sort of difficulty or just celebrating some special event,” Kirkpatrick said in her letter nominating Creed for the Suburban Journals Celebrate Your Neighbor Award. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Celebrating Neighbors: Scout Leader Extraordinaire
Although Steve Loos leads the Cub Scout oath each week with “On my honor, I will do my best,” he’s rarely one to ask for an honor. Loos, Cub Master for Pack 91 in Troy, has earned the recognition for his years of service to both the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, according to fellow den leader Ernie Cristobal. He is the heart and pulse that keeps Pack 91 going,” Cristobal said in his letter nominating Loos for the Suburban Journals Celebrate Your Neighbor Award.
Celebrating Neighbors: A Believer in Involvement
Richard “R.J.” and Russell Krause know the meaning of victory. They’ve coached teams to victory on the court and watched victory from the sidelines at local sporting events. But according to the brothers, the real victory is in the smiles of the thousands of children in the East St. Louis and Washington Park communities that they have mentored for more than 40 years. “Richard and Russell have continued to help the young people that need it the most,” Lynn Miller said in her letter nominating the East St. Louis natives for the Suburban Journals Celebrate Your Neighbor Award. “Almost 100 percent of their kids are considered to be at risk for their well being.”
From Blue Collar Life to Police Brass
Tom Coppotelli describes his childhood in Washington Park as something straight out of "Leave it to Beaver," complete with days playing ball on dusty baseball diamonds, roaming the streets with friends and hurrying home for dinner with his dad who worked on the railroad. Back then, it seemed he was destined to follow in his father's footsteps into a blue collar life. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Celebrating Neighbors: A Caring Group of Fire Fighters
They volunteer to risk their lives to save others. They spring out of bed in the middle of the night to fight fires. They host fundraisers and assist the neighboring areas of Columbia. The selfless acts of the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department are what prompted Gloria Jahr to nominate the entire team of fire fighters for the Suburban Journals Celebrate Your Neighbor Award. Read the rest at http://www.shannonphilpott.com
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 