SD218 puts on annual Arts Extravaganza

Harold L. Richards High School students previewed their coming musical, “Anastasia.” The musical will take place from May 9 through May 11.

By Kelly White

The arts have become a major portion of the curriculum Community High School District 218.

Showcasing those many talents, the Friends of CHSD 218’s Education Foundation proudly hosted its 15th annual Arts Extravaganza on April 5 at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island.

“The Arts Extravaganza is a great event which showcases the artistic abilities and achievements of our students,” Mike Jacobson, Principal at Richards High School, said.

Featured were the many artworks and talents of more than 400 students from all District 218 schools, including Delta Summit, Eisenhower, Richards, and Shepard high schools.

The evening’s events included live dance, theatrical, and musical performances; displays of fine and industrial art masterpieces; and a sampling of scrumptious culinary creations, including gallery viewings of artwork created by students from the district’s local feeder schools including Chippewa Elementary School, Navajo Elementary School, Independence Junior High, Nathan Hale Middle School, George Washington Elementary School and Kerr Middle School.

Chippewa Elementary School first-grader, Tyler Patrick, 7, of Palos Heights, shows off her artwork at the 15th annual Arts Extravaganza.

“It was very cool that my artwork was picked to be a part this,” Chippewa Elementary School second-grader, Nicholas Bass, 8, of Palos Heights, said.

Every year, there are new features added to the event, according to district officials.

Students from all of the schools had artwork displayed throughout Eisenhower’s building and the culinary arts students created dishes to be served. Students have been working hard throughout the semester, preparing their artwork, practicing their performances and testing recipes to use on the evening of the extravaganza.

Live performances at the event included those from Shepard High School’s Group Interpretation, Jazz Band, Improv group, Contest Play and the students performing in their musical highlighted a preview; Richards High School’s Gold Nation Acappella Choir, Group Interpretation and Jazz Band; and Eisenhower High School’s Group Interpretation, Choir and Symphonic Band and more.

Students in the district’s production and construction classes also had their projects on display. This was also the second year that the district’s Digital Media students participated. New to this year’s event was a craft fair featuring local artisans.

“Richards has a storied athletic history, but we also have been State Champion in Contest Play, our Gold Nation acapella group has excelled in national competition and our Digital Media students just won ‘Best in the Nation’,” Jacobson said. “It is always my hope this event draw crowds similar to those which celebrate our student athletes. I encourage everyone to come to the event for first class entertainment and displays or artistic excellence.”

Stealing the stage was a preview of Shepard’s Spring Musical, “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

But the fun did not stop there.

Some of the highlighted dishes from the incredible culinary menu included: Tuscan Soup with an Asiago, Romano and Black Pepper Biscotti, Arancini with a Basil Pesto Sauce, Vegetable Strudel with a Roaster Red Pepper Sauce, Prosciutto-Arugula Galette with a Garlic Crema, Tortellini Caprese Skewers and Meatball Sliders on Sea Salt Focaccia.

“This event is a celebration of the artistic talents of the students in our schools and in our community,” Deborah Johnson, Activities Facilitator at Richards High School, said. “I love how this event brings our schools together in celebration. While our district has four schools, this event brings us together as one.  It brings the community in Community High School District 218.”

The cost to attend was $10 for adults, $5 for student and senior citizens, and gathered hundreds of SD218 family members and friends of the district. The event served as a fundraiser for college scholarships for students and classroom grants for teachers.

Greg Linear, 16, of Robbins, and Alyssa Print, 16, of Alsip, dressed as Beauty and the Beast at the 15th annual Arts Extravaganza on April 5 at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island.