Smith became just the third individual state champion in school history for North Shore Country Day. Senior medaled in three events at Saturday's state track finals.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
North Shore Country Day's Brian E. Smith turns to acknowledge the roar of the crowd after winning the Class 1A 400m Dash title on Saturday at the IHSA Boys Track & Field State Finals in Charleston. CHARLESTON - North Shore Country Day senior Brian E. Smith II closed out his high school track career with a historic finish at the IHSA Track and Field State Finals, held May 29–31 at Eastern Illinois University. Smith claimed the Class 1A state championship in the 400-meter dash, turning in a winning time of 48.47 seconds, good for the third-fastest 400m time across all three IHSA classes.
With the title, Smith became just the third individual state champion in school history for North Shore Country Day, a private school of just over 500 students in Winnetka. His performance came during what proved to be one of the driest and mildest weather weekends the state finals have seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Smith advanced to the 400m finals after posting his personal-best time of 48.12 seconds in Thursday’s qualifying round. In the championship race, he outran Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley’s Evan Landers-Kristensen, who placed second at 49.06 seconds, and Casey-Westfield’s Hayden Parcel, who took third in 49.36.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Running past Cumberland's Reid Carlen, Smith runs to a second place finish in heat 2 of the 100m Dash prelims on Thursday. He qualified for the championship race with the sixth fastest time at 10.89 after running a 11.10 at sectionals. Read more 2025 Sentinel state track coverage here.
Smith also competed in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes, placing in both to cap a rare triple-threat showing. In the 100m final, he finished fifth with a time of 10.99 seconds. Morrison junior Brady Anderson won the event in 10.74, followed by Lena-Winslow’s Alec Schlichting (10.78), Morrison’s Levi Milder (10.92), and Red Bud’s Gavin Baldwin (10.96).
Later in the day, Smith took on the 200m dash and finished seventh with a time of 22.19. Milder secured his second gold medal of the meet with a personal-best 21.44 in the event.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Smith stands above the 400m Dash finalist during the awards
Smith was one of only two athletes in the state to place in all three sprint events—an accomplishment that underscored his consistency, versatility, and determination in a highly competitive field.
North Shore Country Day’s representation at the state meet wasn’t limited to Smith. Sophomore Kaeden Ackley advanced to compete in the triple jump, gaining valuable experience on the big stage. On the girls’ side, junior Reese Meyers earned a sixth-place finish in the Class 1A 400-meter dash a week earlier, clocking in at 57.94.
“We’re incredibly proud of all three student-athletes for representing North Shore on such a competitive level,” said Athletic Director and coach Patrick McHugh. “It was truly an amazing performance.”
Smith’s 400m state title marked a memorable conclusion to a spring season built on personal milestones, steady progress, and a strong sense of school pride.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Smith crosses the finish line the Class 1A 200m Dash prelims. The senior and one other runner ran in all three short-distance races in the 2025 state finals.
Tagged:North Shore Country Track & Field, State Track, Boys Track & Field, State Champion, Class 1A Sprinter
If you enjoy eating and tasting unique flavors from around the world. Here are five cities that should be at the top of your list.
For anyone who truly enjoys good food, choosing where to live can shape everyday happiness. Certain places offer incredible meals on every corner, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. Finding cities you should move to if you love food means looking for diversity, quality, and unique local flavors.
These five cities provide not only delicious dishes but also food experiences that can inspire and satisfy all tastes. So, whether it’s fresh seafood, exotic spices, or creative culinary twists, the right city can turn eating into an exciting adventure every day.
New York City: A global feast for every taste
New York City offers endless dining options from every corner of the world. Street vendors, diners, and fine dining restaurants fill the city’s neighborhoods with rich flavors. Home-cooked meals and famous food markets both play important roles here. Many recipes and food traditions bring the family together during special occasions or simple weeknight dinners.
Photo: Hussein Haidar Salman/PEXELS
The city’s energy pushes chefs to innovate while honoring classic dishes. Whether craving a slice of pizza or a Michelin-starred experience, choices are endless. New Yorkers enjoy a fast pace, but good food always finds time. This city invites food lovers to explore constantly and enjoy new culinary discoveries every day.
San Francisco: A Food Lover’s Dream with a Unique Local Flavor
San Francisco delivers a vibrant food scene that blends tradition with innovation. From fresh seafood by the bay to globally inspired flavors shaped by its diverse communities, the city offers something for every palate. But beyond the food itself, settling here involves more than just eating well.
To truly make San Francisco feel like home, explore neighborhoods until you find one that fits your lifestyle, get familiar with nearby shops and cafes, and connect with people who share your interests. Local farmers markets, food trucks, and neighborhood eateries aren’t just about meals—they’re ways to build routine and community. Embracing the city’s culture through its food can help you feel grounded in your new surroundings. Whether you’re tasting iconic sourdough or discovering a new fusion dish, San Francisco turns everyday dining into a way to belong.
Photo: Kassandre Pedro/Pexels
Tokyo: Tradition meets modern flavors
Tokyo offers an impressive mix of food experiences that draws many people in. This city combines ancient recipes with innovative twists. So, if you ever decide to come to or live in this city, here are some highlights you should be aware of:
Fresh sushi from the Tsukiji market
Authentic ramen shops in every neighborhood
Street food like takoyaki and yakitori
Elegant kaiseki dining that honors seasonal ingredients
Trendy cafes offering unique desserts and drinks
Among the cities you should move to if you love food, Tokyo ranks high for its balance of tradition and new tastes. The food culture encourages trying something different daily. Exploring local markets and small eateries leads to surprising discoveries. The city’s culinary world invites those seeking variety, quality, and rich flavors all in one place. It offers a constant flow of fresh ideas alongside deep-rooted customs.
Bangkok: The heart of street food delights
Bangkok offers an exciting street food scene filled with bold, spicy flavors. Food stalls and markets serve authentic dishes like pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. The city’s food culture emphasizes freshness and bold tastes. Food lovers often seek out perfectly grilled seafood, a local specialty found in many night markets. Walking through neighborhoods, aromas of herbs and spices fill the air.
Bangkok’s food options cater to all budgets and cravings. Exploring small eateries reveals recipes passed down for generations. The city’s fast pace contrasts with the relaxed way food is enjoyed. Every meal feels like a celebration of rich ingredients and local traditions. Bangkok remains a top choice for those eager to experience flavorful street food and authentic Thai cuisine.
Photo: Chait Goli/PEXELS
Barcelona: One of the best Cities you should move to if you love food
Barcelona offers diverse food experiences that excite every palate. The city mixes old recipes with modern twists. With that said, here are some foods that food lovers in Barcelona should try:
Traditional tapas like patatas bravas and jamón ibérico
Fresh seafood dishes from the Mediterranean coast
Seasonal Catalan specialties made with local ingredients
Creative plates at new, affordable eateries
Sweet treats such as crème Catalana
The city continues to attract chefs who respect traditions while adding new flavors. Exploring markets like La Boqueria reveals a wide range of fresh produce and spices. Barcelona’s food scene invites curiosity and rewards every visit with delicious discoveries. This city combines a rich culinary history with a growing number of exciting new restaurants. It makes dining here both familiar and surprising, perfect for food lovers ready to explore.
How to find a great city for food lovers
Finding the right city for food lovers means looking beyond famous dishes and trends. Start by exploring local markets and street food options where simple meals, like potato salad, reveal regional flavors. Next, check for a variety of restaurants that offer both traditional recipes and creative new dishes. Pay attention to places with fresh ingredients and a culture that values cooking. Also, consider cities where food brings people together regularly, whether for casual bites or festive meals.
Reading reviews and food blogs helps spot hidden gems. Finally, experiencing the city’s food firsthand through visits or tasting tours reveals what makes each place special for food lovers. This approach ensures the choice fits personal tastes and offers daily culinary adventures.
Discover your next food destination
Finding the best cities you should move to if you love food means looking beyond just a meal. These places offer the chance to explore new tastes, try fresh ingredients, and enjoy cooking traditions that keep evolving. Moving to a city with great food means opening the door to endless flavor discoveries and memorable dining moments. For food lovers, location matters as much as passion, and choosing a city with a rich food culture can make every day more enjoyable and full of delicious surprises.
Arguing the U.S. Supreme Court should have taken the Maryland case, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote AR-15s are arms protected by the Second Amendment.
Photo: Wyatt Dilley/Unsplash
Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas wrote: "Our Constitution allows the American people – not the government – to decide which weapons are useful for self-defense." SCOTUS refused to take a look at the issue of states regulating which guns people can or can't own legally.
By Greg Bishop.::. Associate Editor The Center Square
Challenges to local and state gun bans in Illinois could be the next case in front of the U.S. Supreme court on the “AR-15 issue.”
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up a challenge to Maryland’s ban, The Center Square reported. In the order, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said whether a state can ban an AR-15 is a question he expects the court to take up, but not right now.
“Although the Court today denies certiorari, a denial of certiorari does not mean that the Court agrees with a lower-court decision or that the issue is not worthy of review,” Kavanaugh wrote.
Arguing the U.S. Supreme Court should have taken the Maryland case, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote AR-15s are arms protected by the Second Amendment.
“Tens of millions of Americans own AR–15s, and the ‘overwhelming majority’ of them ‘do so for lawful purposes, including self-defense and target shooting,’” Thomas wrote. “Our Constitution allows the American people – not the government – to decide which weapons are useful for self-defense.”
Second Amendment Foundation’s Alan Gottlieb said the justices had a full docket this term but is confident the issue will be addressed.
“I really like what the Supreme Court justices [had] written,” Gottlieb told The Center Square Tuesday. “That's why I have really good faith that they're going to take another case … The question is when. They really overloaded this session and it's a real problem.”
Kavanaugh noted several other cases pending in the federal appeals courts, including a case challenging Cook County and Illinois’ ban. Gottlieb is a plaintiff in Viramontes v. Cook County.
“It's a great possibility that can be one that gets to the Supreme Court or another case out of Illinois, because there are so many of them,” he said. “They're already even ahead of schedule on that one. It's very likely an Illinois case is what the Supreme Court will hear.”
Monday, the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s ruling in favor of the state and the county, queuing the Viramontes case for a possible appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The Southern District case where a judge found the state’s gun ban unconstitutional is pending in the appeals courts with plaintiffs scheduled to file their reply brief Friday.
PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .
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