This week in North Cook County history.
Jonathan Michael Paul Spector Born March 1, 1986 in Arlington Heights
Jonathan Michael Paul Spector, born March 1, 1986, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, is an American former soccer player. In his 16-year career, he played over 400 games for club and country, helping the United States win the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2007. Spector earned 36 caps for the national team. His professional career began with Manchester United, followed by stints at Charlton Athletic, West Ham United, Birmingham City, Orlando City, and Hibernian. Spector attended St. Peter Lutheran Junior High and St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights. He retired in 2019 and now heads scouting for Atlanta United.
Skokie-born model and entrepreneur, born March 4, 1989.
Born on March 4, 1989, in Skokie, Illinois, Erin Heather Bubley, known professionally as Erin Heatherton, gained recognition as a model. She attended Solomon Schechter Day School and Niles North High School, where she participated in science fairs and played basketball. Discovered at 17, Heatherton moved to New York and began a successful modeling career, eventually becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2010 to 2013. In 2021, she co-founded Resistance Chicago Lagree, a fitness studio. Heatherton’s connection to Skokie remains significant as the starting point of her journey.
Michael Byster Born March 5, 1959, in Skokie, Illinois
Michael Byster, born March 5, 1959, in Skokie, Illinois, is known for his work as a mental calculator and math educator. After leaving his career as a commodity trader, Byster dedicated himself to teaching math techniques to children, speaking to over 10,000 classrooms at no cost. He developed the Brainetics system, which aims to enhance math and memory skills. Byster appeared on various media platforms, including ABC’s 20/20 and Oprah Radio. On June 26, 2017, he won the FOX TV competition series Superhuman, earning $50,000 and the title of “Superhuman.” Byster continues to live in the northern suburbs of Chicago with his family, where he remains active in mentoring and teaching.
Taylor Marie Hill: Born in Palatine on March 5, 1996
Taylor Marie Hill, born on March 5, 1996, in Palatine, Illinois, is an American model known for her work with Victoria’s Secret. She grew up in Arvada, Colorado, where she was a gymnast before starting her modeling career at age 14. Discovered by talent agent Jim Jordan, Hill quickly secured contracts with major modeling agencies. She appeared in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show from 2014 to 2018 and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2015. Hill has worked with brands like Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Carolina Herrera, and has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her connection to Palatine is marked by her birth and early life before her family moved to Colorado. Hill’s career highlights her achievements in the fashion industry and her early beginnings in Palatine.
