News Briefs: Students’ present research on national stage; New Trier play open to children; NSLAC adds attorney; Park district opens survey

Two New Trier High School juniors, Aitak Mosen Harzandi and Garrett Chong, presented their research on cosmic rays in January at the American Association of Physics Teachers in New Orleans. Competing against mostly college students, the New Trier team took second place for their poster presentation.

The research project, which was conducted with the help of New Trier Academic Assistance Center tutor Nathan Unterman, aims to find the moon’s cosmic shadow. The team collected data for 15 months while setting up multiple detectors at different angles of elevation. The data was consistent with no signal; however, the students believe that the data has helped set an upper limit for the eventual discovery of the shadow, according to a press release from the school.

“A signal emerged roughly 340 minutes before the meridian passage in the wider view, yet the narrower perspective did not reveal any clear signals,” Mosen Harzandi said. “Despite this, our focus remains on this specific timeframe, and we are optimistic that further adjustments might lead us to the discovery of the Moon’s cosmic shadow.”

Mosen Harzandi and Chong both plan to continue their research after high school. Mosen Harzandi expressed her interest in physics and the opportunity to conduct authentic research in the field. She is currently considering a degree in the sciences in addition to more research.

Chong also expressed his interest in physics and particle physics.

“I’d always loved physics and wanted an opportunity to do authentic research in the field,” said Chong, who also became involved his freshman year after Unterman told him about the project. “It was a really good chance to finally get introduced into the research process, but also the field of particle physics, which can sometimes be hard to get into.”

New Trier spring production free for most kids

New Trier High School will be putting on their newest production, “Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook,” a play based on the popular book series by Barbara Park written by Allison Gregory.

The production will be performed from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, in the McGee Theatre at New Trier’s Winnetka campus, 385 Winnetka Ave. Tickets are free for children up to 13 years old with a school ID and $5 for adults. Tickets can be purchased on the ShowClix website.

“We are looking to open our doors to all of our community members,” Director Anne James-Noonan said in a school release.” Our theater students want to share their love of storytelling and performance with our future Trevians — children of all ages are encouraged, welcomed, and invited to attend!”

The show follows a young girl named Junie B Jones who finds herself in possession of a pen that belonged to a boy she greatly admired. Junie B Jones goes on to help the boy win the hearts of others with her kindness and her story.

11 a.m. Cast: Axel Darby, Sara Deodhar, Yasmeen Ekhtera, Ava Graham, Katie Henken,  Harry Hoynes, Isabel Passen, Emma Radde, Margot Swibel, Maddy Wentz1 p.m. Cast: Emma Balzano, Clemintine Frazer, Carolina Gelfi, Scarlett Harper, Olivia Harris, Gabriel Herman, Anya Lafayette, Shayne Lederer, Mo Riley, Charlie Smith, Sadie SnyderStage Manager: Madz Generes; Rehearsal Assistants: Clementine Frazer

Production Staff: Anne James-Noonan, director and Northfield performing arts coordinator; Anders Jacobson, technical director; Alaina Moore, costume designer; Michael Huey, sound designer; and Hilerre Kirsch, Winnetka performing arts coordinator

Legal aid clinic finds lead of domestic violence division

The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic has appointed Sally Pissetzky Steele as the new director of its domestic violence law practice, the Highland Park organization announced in a press release.

A graduate of the John Marshall Law School, Steele has experience in both private practice and public service. In her new role, she will specialize in the area of domestic relations and aims to further her dedication to helping victims of domestic abuse.

“(Steele’s) extensive experience, passion for serving the community, and commitment to leadership make her an excellent fit for our organization,” said Susan Shulman, executive director of NSLAC. “We look forward to her contributions in advancing our mission and providing crucial support to those in need.”

A mother of two young boys, Steele holds a law degree from the John Marshall Law School and a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from the University of Illinois. She is also an adjunct professor at the UIC School of Law, where she teaches lawyering skills to first-year law students.

Another park district survey now open

The Wilmette Park District is launching a new survey as part of its long-term planning, hoping to gather community feedback on areas for future improvements.

The survey, which opened to residents on Saturday, March 9, asks about areas such as wellness and fitness, outdoor spaces, community recreation center spaces, and even an indoor pool.

The Wilmette Park District said that the feedback will help shape the future of the park district.

“This is another opportunity for our residents to help shape the future of the Park District,” said Steve Wilson, the park district’s executive director in a statement.

The Wilmette Park District will also be holding a town hall from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, to discuss the community’s feedback and plans for future park improvements. The meeting will be held at the Wilmette Park District Community Recreation Center, Room 106, 3000 Glenview Road.

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