THE LIFELINE FOR STUDENTS & SCHOOLS

Hailey Muellner compares working on cars to a big, satisfying puzzle. “It makes me excited because I get to take it apart, see how it works, and see how all of it connects. It’s never-ending of essentially learning,” Muellner said. Muellner is a certified auto mechanic who started her career journey in a high school trades program. Later she earned an associates degree in automotive technology and gained valuable experience working at privately-owned auto repair shops and car

West40 congratulates Dr. Nick Polyak, superintendent of Leyden High School District 212, for being named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by an independent panel commissioned by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). According to the IASA, nominees are judge d on the following criteria: academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction and leadership. “Dr. Polyak’s recognition as the 2026

The West40 Food Mart at St. Joseph has experienced a growing demand from community members in recent weeks, stemming from uncertainty about delays in SNAP benefits and the recent immigration enforcement actions in the Chicago area that have left many families hesitant to visit grocery stores. The Food Mart typically services approximately 100 families each week. However, that number jumped to 140 families during the week of October 27. West40 student advocates have also visit