Special: East Aurora drill; Jennifer Kray, Cantigny

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Special is not an overused word when an individual, championship team, or events warrant the classification of special:

  • East Aurora High School’s Tomcat Regiment’s Drill team performed well in the 2023 National High School Team Championships in Daytona Beach, Fla. with more than 30 teams and 2,500 cadets across the country. East Aurora won two national championships, a second place, and a third place. They were not casual or routine, rather championship caliber.
  • Jennifer Kray of Wheaton has overcome more obstacles in her life than most of us could imagine in perhaps limited setbacks, to see clarity in her life and be a champion. In graduate school she suffered a stroke, walks with a cane during her recovery and talks with a speech impediment associated with stroke victims. She had a book published in late March and wants to continue public speaking.
  • Cantigny Park in Wheaton is entering its 65th Summer with evening live music programs to include enhancements in sound system, extended park hours and its most live music in Cantigny Park history with outdoor programs Wednesday through Sunday. There are three premier events during the Summer and outdoor movies in a large, 40-foot, screen.
  • The East Aurora High School Drill team captured championships in Division 2 Unarmed Team Exhibition 1st Place and Division 2 Unarmed Commander Trophy. First place was Cadet Stephanie Sanchez, national champion, and Division 2 Unarmed Overall Championship; Division 2 Unarmed Regulation second place, and Division 2 Unarmed Overall championship third place.
  • Jennifer Kray, a graduate of Wheaton Warrenville South High School and St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, was on a college path for occupational therapy in graduate school, when she suffered a brain bleed in 2013. She has worked a long, slow, steady, way back. “I thought it was God calling,” she said recently. “I love public speaking and have all kinds of new opportunities.”
  • Cantigny Park’s three premier events, among many other features include: Jazz and Wine Fest, Sunday, June 18; Voyage en France, Sunday, July 16; and Glow in the Park, Saturday, Aug. 12. “This Summer we’re making Cantigny come alive after a five-year multi-million dollar renovation,” said Tim Knight, president and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
  • East Aurora Commander Michael M. Kerley, USN (Ret.), senior naval science instructor, said that the school’s continuing and increasing success in regiment drill competition is a result of hundreds of hours of practice and personal sacrifice made by cadets, coaches, families, and friends, School District 131, and the support of many in the community. Success was achieved with hard work.
  • Success has been achieved through the hard work of Jennifer Kray and she gives her parents a great deal of credit for their continuing support. Both Jane and Jim Kray have devoted many hours the last 10 years to critical rehabilitation and to doing the necessary little things. Jennifer Kray’s book, My Other Half, was published through Amazon.com. “I love sharing my experiences,” she said.
  • Other Cantigny events will include: Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20; “65 Years” Special Exhibit will open Saturday, May 27; Battle of Cantigny 105th Anniversary, Sunday, May 28; First Infantry Division Birthday, Thursday, June 8; Stars and Stripes Family Night, Wednesday, June 14; Historic military vehicles will be on display at several events during the year.
  • Jennifer Kray: in spite of the problems, hardships to overcome, speech impediments, she offers “I want to take total advantage of the situation. It has changed my life for the better.” Shortly after her stroke she could move only her eyes. She has continued to make improvements in life. She worked her way up to functioning in a wheel chair and then to walking with a cane. Courage. Dedication.
  • Cantigny concerts: There will be 19 weekend and holiday concerts starting May 28. Every Thursday evening, beginning June 8 each week will have focal event or theme, such as Bark in the Park, a Shakespeare play, and Music in the Gardens. “Online purchase option will save time at the front gate and guarantee parking space,” said Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park executive director.

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