School News

 

All Four D155 Schools Earn Statewide Recognition at Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards

 

For the first time since the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA) began in 2012, all four Community High School District 155 high schools have been nominated in at least one category.

This year, three District 155 students earned nominations in individual performance categories:

• Corey Atkinson (Crystal Lake Central) was nominated for Best Performer in an Actor Role for his portrayal of Harold Hill in The Music Man.
   
• Lydia Jensen (Prairie Ridge) was nominated for Best Performer in an Actress Role for her role as Katherine Howard in SIX: Teen Edition.
   
• Aaron Yaccino (Cary-Grove) was nominated for Best Performer in an Actor Role for his role as Jack in Into the Woods.

In addition, two District 155 school productions received recognition:

• Crystal Lake Central’s production of The Music Man was nominated for Best Ensemble and Best Production.
   
• Crystal Lake South’s theatre director, Ben Stoner, was nominated for Best Direction for The SpongeBob Musical.

The IHSMTA is one of the top honors for high school musical theatre in Illinois. Each year, students from across the state compete for recognition in a highly competitive process, with over 315 students from 85 schools participating this year. Nominees are selected by a panel of industry professionals who evaluate performances in musical theatre productions.

“Being nominated is an incredible honor, and it wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of my cast, crew, band, and directors. This journey has taught me that doubt and fear are the only things standing between you and your dreams. Believe in yourself and see how far it can take you,” said Aaron Yaccino, nominated for best performer.

These students will participate in workshops with professional theatre artists leading up to a live performance on May 12, 2025, at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place in Chicago. Two students from the 24 actor and actress nominees will be selected to represent Illinois at the Jimmy Awards in New York City this summer.

Crystal Lake Central’s Brenda Hernandez Ortiz Named Dell Scholar

Brenda Hernandez Ortiz, a senior at Crystal Lake Central, has been named a Dell Scholar, earning a $20,000 scholarship along with a laptop, textbook credits, academic advising, career coaching, and ongoing support throughout college. Only 500 students nationwide are selected each year for the Dell Scholars program, which recognizes students who show a strong sense of purpose, perseverance, and a drive to succeed.

As a first-generation college student from a Mexican immigrant family, Brenda said the scholarship brings financial relief and peace of mind. Combined with merit aid from her future college, it ensures she can pursue her goals without the financial stress.

Brenda plans to attend Aurora University this fall to major in nursing. Her passion for nursing developed during her time at Crystal Lake Central, where she took the school’s certified nursing assistant (CNA) course. She currently works as a CNA at a local nursing home, the same one where she completed her clinical.

“Being able to work as a CNA has allowed me to get my foot in the door of the healthcare field and begin building my experience,” said Hernandez Ortiz. “The CNA course at Central really confirmed my passion for nursing.”

Throughout high school, Brenda maintained a GPA above 4.0 and took several dual credit classes while staying active in the school community. She served as an AVID tutor for underclassmen, a student mentor, and a leader in Latino Leadership. She was also an AVID student ambassador in this year’s showcase.

Brenda credits both her AVID teacher, Mrs. Shannon Levitt, and her parents as the most influential figures in her academic journey. 

“From day one, Mrs. Levitt pushed me to be involved and always believed in me,” said Brenda. “She’s held me together on my hardest days, and I always look forward to seeing her.” 

She added that her parents have been a constant source of encouragement, always urging her to stay focused and take every opportunity.

Brenda’s goal is to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and continue serving her community as a nurse. As the oldest child in her family and the first to attend college, she hopes her story inspires others who share similar backgrounds to aim high and pursue their dreams.

“I want to show other children of immigrant parents that their dreams are valid, and it’s possible to achieve them.”

 

CLC Senior August Szadowski Named Golden Apple Scholar

Crystal Lake Central High School senior August Szadowski, who plans to attend Illinois State University in the fall to major in art education, has been named a Golden Apple Scholar. This award is given to students statewide who are committed to pursuing teaching careers. The program provides up to $23,000 in financial assistance for college, along with mentoring, training, and job placement support. In return, August will commit to teaching for five years at an Illinois school in need—something he views not as a requirement, but as a meaningful opportunity.

"I want to help kids explore their passion for art and use it as a tool for self-expression," said Szadowski.

August’s interest in teaching began in his Studio Art and Photography classes, where he saw how creativity and encouragement could support student growth. That interest developed into a clear goal after he took Dual Credit Intro to Education, where he gained deeper insight into the profession and the impact he could have in the classroom.

August believes that empathy, creativity, and problem-solving are essential qualities of a good teacher. He strives to create a classroom where students feel supported and encouraged to learn from their mistakes and express themselves. 

When asked what makes a good teacher, August emphasized that empathy, creativity, and problem-solving are essential qualities of a good teacher.

“This scholarship means that I get to help shape the minds of future generations, and I’m excited to make a difference,” said Szadowski.

Crystal Lake Central Senior Named to 2025 IHSA All-State Academic Team

Hadley Ferrero, a senior at Crystal Lake Central High School, has been named to the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-State Academic Team, one of just 26 students statewide to earn the IHSA’s highest academic honor. She was honored at the IHSA banquet on Sunday, April 13, in Bloomington for her outstanding achievements in the classroom, in athletics, and in service to her school community.

“I am honored to be awarded this. It is a testament to the hard work I have put in and the people who have supported me. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of my family, friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates,” said Hadley Ferrero, CLC senior. 

While maintaining a 4.853 GPA, Hadley has been a part of the cross country, basketball, indoor track, and soccer teams. She has earned all-state honors in cross country twice, served as team captain in both cross country and soccer, and played a key role in leading CLC’s soccer team to a third-place state finish.

“Hadley Ferrero is a standout student and leader. Her attention to detail, strong communication skills, and commitment to excellence set her apart, both in the classroom and on the field. She leads with purpose and earns this honor in every way," said Brian Murphy, Teacher & Coach.

Hadley’s leadership extends beyond athletics. She is involved in the Legacy Club, Tiger Buddies, and the Spanish National Honor Society, and she approaches each role with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility. She credits these experiences with helping her grow as a leader, problem-solver, and teammate.

Her passion for helping others also guided her decision to become a certified Nursing Assistant through D155’s dual credit course. In the fall, she plans to study nursing at the University of South Carolina. Among her many honors are AP Scholar with Distinction, Illinois State Scholar, Distinguished Tiger, and the Illinois Track & Cross Country Officials Associations (ITCCOA) Sportsmanship Award, which she received after stopping to assist a fellow runner during the state cross country meet.

“Hadley is a highly motivated and dedicated student who excels in her coursework, demonstrates a thirst for knowledge, and goes above and beyond to achieve her goals," said Brett Willhoit, Teacher & Coach. 

Performance Dates & Times: 

May 1 - 7:00 p.m.
May 2 - 7:00 p.m.
May 3 - 7:00 p.m.

Ticket Information:

$10 - Adults
$5 - Students 

Golden Age Pass and Activity Passes will be accepted at the door

Purchase Tickets Here
 

*Tickets can be purchased online or at the door*

 

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