Sydney Sinks grew up in the Riverbend area and graduated from Southwestern High School. She received a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University in 2022, where she majored in English-Writing with concentrations in journalism and professional writing and a minor in editing.
At Millikin, Sydney wrote and edited for The Decaturian and BURST Magazine. Her writing has also been published in Decatur Magazine, Gateway Journalism Review and others. She has received recognition from the Illinois College Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists for her work.
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District will host the official Thomas Jefferson of Colonial Williamsburg. During “An Evening with Thomas Jefferson” on Friday, May 10, 2024, community members can enjoy a lecture by Kurt Smith, a famous Thomas Jefferson impersonator. Smith...
BETHALTO - A local artist is climbing to new heights with an upcoming show at Busch Stadium. Gavin O’Brien, a 21-year-old musician from Bethalto, will participate in 105.7 The Point’s “Battle at Busch” on May 20, 2024. This is his biggest show so far, and he can’t...
GODFREY/ALTON - Lewis and Clark Community College photography students are showing off what they’ve learned through a new exhibit at Jacoby Arts Center. Titled “MILF: Man I Love Film,” the exhibit explores different subcultures and photography techniques. Ten students’...
EDWARDSVILLE - For Phoenyx Derner, the path to becoming a teacher was simple: She just has a passion for helping others. The fourth-grade teacher has a full classroom at Worden Elementary, and she goes to school excited to see her students. She enjoys helping them succeed as they become lifelong...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High School seniors will graduate tonight, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Six valedictorians and one student with perfect attendance for all 12 years of school are among the graduates. Leigh Robinson, the principal at EAWR, explained that the Oilers are looking...
GREENE COUNTY - Land of Lincoln Legal Aid will host a “Know Your Rights” event to cover expungement and sealing in Greene County. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024, community members can attend the event at the Greene County Health Department in Roodhouse, Illinois....
ALTON - Alton Pride gave out three scholarships to local seniors who have promised to contribute to the enrichment of the LGBTQ+ community. Alton Pride, a charitable and educational organization in the Riverbend, works to bring awareness and advocacy to the LGBTQ+ community. They have many programs...
COTTAGE HILLS - A local family has organized a benefit for Shane Cole, a 50-year-old man with stage four cancer. “Cancer’s not cheap,” said Suzie Cole, Shane’s mother. “It’s expensive. would mean Shane could sleep. That’s the important thing, his health...
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School teacher Charlie Brown knows the difference that one good teacher can make in the life of a student. Brown, who teaches culinary arts, just finished his 30th year in the classroom. This Teacher Appreciation Week, he’s celebrating another successful year...
EDWARDSVILLE - Lauren Heigert has always wanted to be a teacher. Now, the fifth-grade teacher has her dream classroom at Albert Cassens Elementary School, with a class full of students she loves working with every day. This Teacher Appreciation Week, Heigert is celebrating another full year of...
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