Tag Page CommunityPride

Beardstown Area Special Athletes Shine at 2026 Basketball Regionals, Multiple Medals Earned Beardstown Area Special Athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Basketball Regionals, turning the day into a celebration of skill, teamwork, and determination. Competing against strong regional talent, BASA athletes brought home multiple medals and earned well-deserved recognition for their efforts on the court. The BASA skills team led the charge with an impressive medal haul. Amber Crane captured a gold medal and secured her spot at the State tournament, highlighting a standout individual performance. April Ballance followed with a silver medal, while Ashlea Libben, Nick Miller, Jessica Jurgens, and Jenny Thurman each earned bronze medals. Tisha Barnett rounded out the strong showing with a fourth-place finish, adding to the team’s overall success. Team competition also proved successful for Beardstown. Orange Crush finished the day one-for-one and claimed a silver medal after a determined effort. Black Attack emerged as regional champions, winning gold and advancing to the State tournament in Bloomington. Support from family, friends, and fans filled the stands, adding energy and encouragement throughout the event. Several athletes, along with supporter Wes, even appeared on WICS News, bringing wider attention to their achievements. With medals earned, state spots secured, and memories made, Beardstown Area Special Athletes once again demonstrated why they continue to shine on the regional stage. #BeardstownAreaSpecialAthletes #BASA #SpecialOlympics #BasketballRegionals #MedalWinners #RoadToState #Teamwork #CommunityPride #AthleteStrong

Champaign’s Chabad Way: A sign of pride and belonging

A new street sign in Champaign isn’t just a marker—it’s a celebration of over 20 years of Jewish life and community at the University of Illinois. The Chabad Center, which started in a tiny upstairs room, now fills a 27,000-square-foot building and brings together hundreds of students and locals every week. For many, Chabad is more than a place for meals or prayer; it’s a true home where everyone can feel proud of their identity. Seeing “Honorary Chabad Way” reminds people—Jewish or not—how powerful it is to have spaces that welcome and unite us. What does community mean to you? #News #Champaign #CommunityPride

Buffalo fifth graders earn their blazers

Fifth graders at Persistence Preparatory Academy in Buffalo just hit a major milestone—receiving their first blue blazers in a ceremony that rivals the tradition of medical students’ white coats. The blazer isn’t just a uniform; it’s a symbol of pride, growth, and community. This year’s class stood out with impressive state test scores—63% proficient in ELA and 80% in math, making them some of Buffalo’s top young scholars. It’s a proud moment for these students, their families, and the East Side community. What do you think about schools celebrating academic growth with traditions like this? #Education #BuffaloNY #CommunityPride

Ames celebrates local heroes and innovators

Big news for Ames—our community just got a little brighter! The Ames Regional Economic Alliance has revealed its 2025 Annual Award winners, spotlighting neighbors, businesses, and projects making a real difference around town. These awards aren’t just about a trophy—they’re about recognizing the everyday commitment and creativity that shape our region. The winners will be honored at a special event on January 8 at the Iowa State Memorial Union. Who do you think deserves a shoutout for making Ames a better place? Let’s celebrate the folks who go above and beyond! #Business #Ames #CommunityPride