Geneva, IL|News|
Geneva Loses to Normal in Last-Minute Win at the 4A Semifinal
Normal now advances to play Stevenson for the title on Saturday night.

E-mail: Dawn@chicago-patch.com
Phone: 630-330-4136
Hometown: Westchester
Birthday: Dec. 24
When I began my adventure with Patch, I was living in Will County. I had the pleasure of getting to know a number of residents through my work at two local newspapers, as editor of Channahon-Minooka Patch and one of three editors of Joliet Patch. I now live in DuPage County, but plan to move back to Will County.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, with a minor in theater from Northern Illinois University. I finished my Masters in Teaching in 2014. In the past, I have reported on news, features and education issues and have won awards for my news and feature coverage.
I am an avid reader, love theater and have been known to have one of two television guilty pleasures. To relax, I often take out paints and a paintbrush or head to a yoga mat.
I lived in Germany for two years and in Georgia for one. I have two beautiful boys, who are ages 13 and 10.
My Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. We also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. In the spirit of simple honesty, we encourage editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject our beliefs into stories or dictate coverage according to them. Rather, we hope the knowledge our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair and balanced manner. If you ever see evidence we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
I have voted in every election except two since I have been old enough to vote. This includes primary elections. I believe a lot of people fought for me, as a woman, to have a right to vote and I do not take that lightly. As a journalist, I do not take sides. As an individual, I have an opinion. I do not vote along party lines. I vote by issues and take each candidate on an individual basis. I think debate is healthy and that even if I do not agree with someone on an issue, I would gladly share my opinion in an environment in which it would be respected.
Religion
I believe we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. I believe in the divinity of all things. And, I believe we each have a spark of the divine within each one of us. We are not all climbing the same mountain of meaning. I believe we need to respect everyone's search for what moves their soul. If we could see past our differences to see the spark of the divine, the world would be a better place. Namaste.
Normal now advances to play Stevenson for the title on Saturday night.

Attend a training to research frogs at the zoo in Wheaton.
Attend a training to research frogs at the zoo in Wheaton.
The department described the offender as male white or Hispanic
The department described the offender as male white or Hispanic
The department described the offender as male white or Hispanic
Barbara Rose Leinonen, 58, of Arlington Heights, died after being hit by a car on March 11.
Barbara Rose Leinonen, 58, of Arlington Heights, died after being hit by a car on March 11.
Cook, Cork & Fork is opening March 20.
McHenry County State's Attorney announced 20-year sentence.
The 55-year-old Wheaton resident will return to court on April 8.
The 55-year-old Wheaton resident will return to court on April 8.
Here are open houses planned in Arlington Heights this weekend.
The family, from both Geneva and Batavia, caught the moment on video.
The family, from both Geneva and Batavia, caught the moment on video.
The family, from both Geneva and Batavia, caught the moment on video.