MAY 10, 2023
Vol. VII No. 19
Summer internships for youth in Proviso
‘It’s a new day, Proviso,’: D209 swears in HBO slate
Youth can participate in 4 hours x 4 days x 4 weeks summer program By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter
This summer, the annual Safe Summer Initiative sponsored by the Proviso Township Ministerial Alliance Network – PTMAN, returns to Proviso. The initiative, started in 2016, aims to keep Proviso youth active while providing valuable work experience. “We’re looking forward to our May breakfast where we will have a mini kickstarter to continue the momentum in providing these opportunities for our youth in the Proviso township area,” Rev. Albert Johnson, director of the Safe Summer Internship, said in a live stream last week. Starting on July 5, participating youth ages 13 to 17 attend a paid internship program at local businesses in the Proviso area for 4 hours per day, 4 days a week, for 4 weeks of the summer (4x4x4). “The blessed thing about this is that it was born out of a compassion for our youth,” Johnson said. “This program is designed for us to fund it and for us to invest in our children, to let them know that we see them, we value them and we love them.” Johnson said the program is a way to build a supportive community, something he remembers he experienced growing up on Chicago’s West Side, in the Lawndale area. See SUMMER JOBS on page 8
New elected board members Sandra Hixson, Jennifer Barbahen, and David Ocampo were sworn into the Proviso Township High School District 209 Board of Education on May 4, 2023.
Board member Amanda Grant voted new board president By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter
A standing ovation and roars of applause accompanied the three newest members of the Proviso Township High School District 209 Board of Education as they made their way to the podium to be sworn into their seats, bringing with them pledges of a breath of fresh air and hope for the Proviso community. During a May 4 special meeting of the school board, held at Proviso Math and Science Academy, 8601 Roosevelt Rd., Forest Park, newcomers David Ocampo, Sandra Hixson, and Jennifer Barbahen took their oath of office, pledging to keep
the taxpayers and students’ best interest at heart in front of a packed room of residents and community members who hope the slate mates and help restore the district. Hixson, who received the second largest number of votes during the April 4 Consolidated Election thanked the community for its support and vote of confidence, also hoping to encourage those to go after what others might deem impossible. “The more bricks they put on your back, the tougher your back must become,” said Hixson to an applauding audience. Barbahen, who remained in a tight race against incumbent Theresa Kelly until the certified results were released on April 25, thanked everyone who was a supporter of the Proviso 209 United slate and shared in the vision of moving the district forward, saying she was “ready
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to respectfully serve.” Barbahen won the third open seat on the board with a 12vote margin. Kelly was not in attendance during Thursday’s reorganization of the board. As the new members took their seats, Arbdella Patterson, who was serving as the board president, called for the nomination of a new president, who will serve a one-year term. Met with a roar of applause from the audience, Amanda Grant was nominated by Hixson and received a unanimous vote of approval from the board. “It’s a new day Proviso, it’s a new day,” exclaimed a member of the audience. Two members of the HBO slate also accepted nominations and will begin their time on the board with additional responsibilities. Ocampo will serve as vice president and Barbahen will serve See NEW SLATE on page 5