New Trier High School’s Startup U: Entrepreneurship class hosted its eighth Pitch Night on May 15, when three students teams presented their concepts to a panel of judges.
Positive Snacks (Leila Heitner, Ricki Viner), Stim Shield (Sam Knudson, Jake Peters, Jordan Rhys, Oliver Smith) and Direct Dose (Pratyay Rao) were the finalists, with Direct Dose — a simpler and more accessible way of managing and funding insulin treatments — earning the judges’ favor.
Rao earned the right to pitch Direct Dose at the Uncharted Learning Summit in July in Chicago.
In StartUp U, a program funded by the New Trier Educational Foundation since 2018, students begin each school year with an idea for a new product or service and — with help from volunteers from the community — develop that idea through business planning, financial modeling, and market research and analysis.
Pitch Night is a “Shark Tank”-style event in which judges determine the best concept among a group of finalists. Three finalist teams were chosen from seven that created and developed a product in the year-long business course.
Highland Park Pawfficer Vinny Duke.End of watch for Highland Park service dog
Sit. Good boy.
Highland Park pawfficer Vinny Duke has retired.
The three-year veteran therapy dog with the Highland Park Police Department completed his final shift in early June.
In a Facebook book acknowledging the occasion, the City said that with his partner Officer Darren Graff, Duke visited schools, local businesses and community events, and was a regular friendly face at City Hall.
“Having served the community with distinction, Pawfficer Duke is looking forward to extra naps, snacks, and playtime with Officer Graff’s family.”
At a birthday party for Duke in January 2024, Police Chief Lou Jogmen commented on his impact.
“There’s no doubt about it: A dog like Vinny Duke helps bridge the gap between police and the people. It’s a true win-win for us all and he deserves to be celebrated,” Jogmen said at the time.
New leadership announcement from Cook County Health.Cook County Heath’s new leaders
Cook County Health recently announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel McCormick as the executive chief clinical officer and Dr. Lauren Smith as chief medical officer.
McCormick fills the newly created role of executive chief clinical officer, a position that will lead the delivery of clinical care across the county health system, according to a release from the county.
“Dr. McCormick and Dr. Smith bring a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for patient safety and operational excellence to Cook County Health,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, the organization’s CEO, in a statement. “Their combined experience in improving patient outcomes and system performance will be essential to guide the health system into its next phase of growth and transformation.”
McCormick, an experienced nephrologist, joins CCH from Franciscan Health Crown Point in Indiana, where he served as CEO and hospital president.
“I am honored to join Cook County Health and contribute to its mission of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to our community,” he said in the release. “I look forward to working with the talented team at CCH to ensure we continue to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for all of our patients.”
In the role of chief medical officer, Smith reportedly will lead the development and implementation of clinical standards, measure and improve clinical outcomes, and ensure alignment of provider services with CCH’s strategic goals. She most recently served as associate chief medical officer for patient logistics and emergency medicine with UI Health.
“Returning to Cook County Health feels like coming home,” said Smith, who previously had a leadership role at CCH’s Stroger Hospital. “I am passionate about fostering clinical excellence and ensuring our patients receive timely, efficient and equitable care. I’m excited to build upon the 180-year strong foundation here and to support our physicians, advanced practice providers and all staff, in delivering outcomes that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.
Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.
Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.
English (US) ·