LND topic: highland-pride page 1

highland pride

Behind the Scenes: Two Longtime School Supporters Get Big Recognition

May 16, 2026

Two women who have quietly shaped the Highland Local Schools experience for years will finally get their moment in the spotlight. Kristine Nerlich, a high school science teacher with nearly two decades under her belt, and Koula Makris, a community volunteer since 2014, were named winners of the 2026

sports

Jon Rahm: From Basque Roots to Golf Glory

May 15, 2026

Jon Rahm grew up in a quiet fishing town near Bilbao, Spain, where his parents raised him with strong family values and a love for many sports. He tried soccer, canoeing, and even Kung Fu before a 1997 Ryder Cup sparked his passion for golf. His background is a mix of Basque and Swiss heritage. T

sports

The Golfer Who Grew Up in a Golf Bag: Justin Thomas's Early Life and Rise

May 15, 2026

Justin Thomas started swinging clubs before he could spell his name. Born in Louisville in 1993, he grew up breathing golf like most kids breathe air. His dad wasn't just a fan—he worked full-time at a golf club, so weekends weren’t for family trips but for caddying at the course. By age three, Thom

education

Highlands Schools Keep Taxes Steady Despite Budget Gap

May 14, 2026

The Highlands School District plans to keep its property tax rate unchanged for a fourth straight year, even though the upcoming budget shows a $4 million shortfall. Finance Director Paul Paradise notes that only eight districts in the county have avoided tax hikes over the past three years, and

lifestyle

Leadership, Parenting, and Charity: How One Event Mixed All Three

May 12, 2026

Every year, an event in New York City brings together accomplished women from different fields to celebrate more than just their achievements. The 2026 luncheon raised $1. 4 million for No Kid Hungry, a charity fighting childhood hunger across America. But it wasn’t just about money—it was about sho

education

Exploring Detroit in a Giant Cardboard Maze

May 12, 2026

The Michigan Science Center is turning a fourth-floor gallery into something unusual—a life-sized cardboard maze inspired by Detroit’s neighborhoods and landmarks. Opening in early May, the exhibit isn’t just a fun challenge; it’s a creative way to blend art, engineering, and local pride. Built enti

sports

Race Day Drama and Bold Bets in Miami

May 12, 2026

This year’s Miami Grand Prix brought more than just speed and skill to the track. Race weekend nearly got canceled when a storm threatened to shut down Sunday’s event—a big problem given Florida’s strict lightning rules. Organizers scrambled, moved the race up a day, and Mercedes racer Kimi Antonell

sports

Aurora’s Big Sports Day: A Fresh Look at a Long‑Standing Tradition

May 11, 2026

Aurora’s 32nd Sports Festival kicked off with a burst of energy at Phillips Park, where middle schoolers from 14 local schools gathered to compete in a wide array of games. The event, organized by the city’s Youth Services Division, draws more than a thousand students and a similar number of volunte

sports

Baseball Showdown in Boston: Eagles and Highlanders Battle in a Wild Doubleheader

May 11, 2026

Sunday’s baseball doubleheader between Boston College and NJIT wasn’t just another game—it was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, pitching changes, and clutch hits that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Eagles, ranked 22nd in the nation, were looking to bounce back after a tough series at C

lifestyle

Peanut shop keeps old-school charm alive in Suffolk

May 11, 2026

The Planters Peanut Center in downtown Suffolk feels like a living snapshot of 1960s American shopping. The air smells strongly of freshly roasted peanuts, and the walls are covered in vintage signs and photos of Planters products from decades ago. Many visitors grew up nearby and still remember thi