The Closer: Five More Amazing Stories from 2011

In case you missed, .

Now, let's finish out the list with five more standouts of the year.

A Beauty Queen, a Super-Deacon and the Voice of Rich Central: Remarkable Residents

When I decided it would be a good Patch series to highlight area residents that have done something special in their lives, I didn't know what I had signed up for. In my opinion, the Chicago Heights area has some of the most interesting people in Illinois.

There was Dorothy Hajdys-Clausen, . There was Cynthia Thompson, .

And what about Ray Deabel? .

Tom DePasquale, . Michelle Rodriguez,. Dennis Kelly, .

The list goes on and on, and we're not done yet. Look for more Remarkable Residents in 2012.

The University of Chicago Meets the Chicago Heights School System

, may be considered a small or average sized network of schools in comparison many other districts in the state. But there is one key difference. Not many other districts can say the top economists in the world have taken an interest in them.

University of Chicago's economics department has partnered with the district on several levels in recent years. World-renowned economist John List and Steven Levitt are .

In addition to that, the university . The students get to hang out with John List at the end of each semester as well.

Remembering 9/11 and a Tragic Heights Connection to the Pentagon Attack

With the death Osama bin Laden and the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks coming all in one year, it was impossible not to find connections the national tragedies on a local level.

The biggest and most striking connection was Heights native and graduate Patrick Murphy, who was tragically killed in the Pentagon attack. Patrick's brother and his former classmate .

We also talked to local veterans, such as Jesus Cadena and Frank Perez, who both were inspired and affected by the events of Sept. 11. .

Gavin School is Coming Down

Chicago Heights District 170's decision to tear down Gavin School affected the community profoundly, as elected officials and even former NBA players lamented the loss of a school that meant so much to them.

What's next for the property? Only time will tell.

The Tough Questions Begin

One of the most popular segments we did in 2011 was 'The Tough Questions.' It was basically an opportunity for the community to ask notable public figures burning questions.

We got former Bloom Supt. Glen Giannetti and Chicago Heights Corporation Counsel T.J. Somer to agree to get grilled, and both were hit with a range of questions.

...

While some readers weren't happy with the answers, it was an excellent way to open up discussions about the concerns of the community.

Stay tuned for more Tough Questions entries in 2012. In fact, we hope introduce our third subject next week!

Thank You!

We appreciate all the support, feedback and loyalty in our first year of existence. Please continue to let us know how we can better serve Chicago Heights!

Thanks for everything, and we'll see you in 2012!