My cell phone was stolen the other day. I turned my back for five minutes to talk to a friend at a crowded event. When I turned back, it was gone. Somebody had nicked it from right under my nose!

In a recent issue of The New York Times, an extensive article discussed issues associated with cyberbullying, why it’s so pervasive and difficult to control.

In a testament to their strong Catholic faith, 92 people from Teutopolis, Bishop Creek and Green Creek — teens and adult chaperones — traveled to Memphis, Tenn., earlier this summer to take part in a Catholic HEART Workcamp.

Eminem is definitely not my favorite rapper, so it surprised me when I listened to his contribution to the recent pop song Airplanes and found myself agreeing with him wholeheartedly.

What does it mean to grow up?

Does it mean gaining responsibility? Finding a job? Getting married?

Is growing up about what you do or about how you do it?

In 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef in Alaska, coating miles and miles of sensitive seashore with slick, black oil. For the next few months, television showed white birds dragging oil-slicked wings up rocky beaches, thousands of dead fish washed up on shore and workers in white hazmat suits scrubbing seals with soft-bristled brushes.

QUINCY — Zachary Reichert and David Musholt, both 2010 graduates of Quincy Notre Dame High School, have accepted appointments to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.

As a teenager, if there’s anyone you don’t want to be right now, it is Tina Harden’s daughter.

The Florida mom is on a one-woman crusade to make changes at her local library.

Christian “Chris” Ryan and Thomas “T.J.” Rowe, both seniors at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, have received appointments to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

, daughter of Dr. Stephan and Paula Kaplan of Springfield, will present her Gold Medal Recital in Piano on Saturday, May 22 at 3 p.m. in Sacred Heart-Griffin’s Dominican Hall, 1200 W. Washington in Springfield. The recital is free and open to the public.

a senior at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, will present her senior vocal recital on Saturday, May 22, at 2 p.m. at St. Agnes Parish Hall in Springfield. Elisabeth is the daughter of Josh and Cathy Becker, and a vocal student of Jody Kienzler.

Would you take your clothes off for $1 million?

It’s one of those truth-or-dare questions you get asked at slumber parties but don’t really ever expect to deal with in real life — unless you work in Hollywood.

Scouts and the adults who support them gathered on the afternoon of May 2 for the annual Scout Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Especially invited were all Scouts who earned religious awards during the past year.

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) has recently announced that three high school seniors have been selected as winners of the 2010 DCCW Catholic Female High School Leadership Scholarships. One girl was awarded $1,000, while two others were awarded $500 each.

Sacred Heart-Griffin senior Elizabeth Farris will present her Silver Cross Recital in Voice on Friday, May 21 at 6 p.m. in Dominican Hall Auditorium, 1200 W. Washington St., Springfield. She is the daughter of Blanca and Steve Farris of Springfield. The recital is free and open to the public.

Today in America it is said that anyone can grow up to be president. Race, religion and wealth fade away in comparison to the idea that everyone is created equal. It’s a belief parents have shared with their children for generations, even if secretly they knew the dream and reality were two very different things.

Mark Ofreneo, a senior at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, will present his Gold Medal Piano Recital on Sunday, May 2 at 2 p.m. in Dominican Hall Auditorium of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 W. Washington St. in Springfield.

There’s an old saying about religion and politics — namely, that if you’re in mixed company or at a party, you should avoid talking about either topic. In so-called “polite company,” the two subjects are considered to be conversational minefields — emotionally charged, controversial and full of potential for disagreement and anger.

Mariah Kaplan, daughter of Stephan and Paula Kaplan of Springfield, will present her Gold Medal Recital in Voice on Saturday, April 17, at 6 p.m. in Sacred Heart-Griffin’s Dominican Hall, 1200 W. Washington in Springfield. The recital is free and open to the public.

, daughter of Craig and Susan Hall of Waverly, will present her Silver Cross Recital in Voice on Sunday, April 18, at 2 p.m. in the Dominican Hall Auditorium of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, 1200 West Washington in Springfield. The recital is free and open to the public.

It’s hard to believe that we’re only a few months away from the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation. In many places snow is still on the ground. Even so, now is the best time for teens to make sure they have the means to make their dreams reality — a summer job.

ILLIOPOLIS — Though she was only 7 years old at the time, Mikayla Hady inspired others at Resurrection Parish in Illiopolis to follow her lead and give generously to help others.

GRANITE CITY — Students from Holy Family School were among the winners in the Regional Illinois Junior Academy of Science (IJAS), held March 13 at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Eighth-graders Kim Galbraith, Ryan Glover, Joshua Nelson and Emily Nelson earned the highest ranking possible, an outstanding ribbon, for their science projects. Seventh-grader Thomas Hart was also awarded an outstanding ribbon for his project.

DECATUR — The fifth-grade class at St. Patrick School in Decatur recently took second place in their area in the Rube Goldberg Engineering Project. Goldberg was an engineer turned cartoonist whose drawings of humorous, elaborate machines which performed simple tasks appeared in newspapers and books over 50 years ago.

What is a “hero”?

When you think of the word, do you think of a classical hero like Hercules or Theseus? Do you see Superman, Batman or Tony Stark? Do you think of someone more like Gandhi or Mother Teresa?

Do you think about yourself?

When discussing religious influences in our lives, there are several common areas: our parents, our parish, our friends and our family all come to mind. Consciously and subconsciously, each strengthens our faith in their own special way.

GRANITE CITY — Rob Evans, known as the Donut Man, and his sidekick Duncan (the Donut) will visit with kids and families at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at St. Elizabeth Church, 2300 Pontoon Road.

When you think of talented people, what immediately springs to mind? Pop singers? Artistic prodigies?

When I think of talent, my first thoughts are usually of people like Kelly Clarkson, Dwight Howard and Jeff, my class valedictorian — people who are naturally good at their chosen field.

EDWARDSVILLE — St. Mary Parish in Edwardsville is launching a Life Teen program for high school students beginning with a Life Teen Mass and a Life Night on Sunday, Feb. 21. The Mass, held at St. Mary Church, 1802 Madison St., will be celebrated by Father Tom Meyer, at 6 p.m. Following Mass, a Life Night will be held in the school from 7-9:30 p.m.