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.

Crystal Lake South High School senior Oswald Humphrey is one of 300 students nationwide to earn the prestigious Gates Scholarship, which covers the full cost of attendance at a four-year university and includes mentorship and career support. Oswald plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he will major in Computer Science with a concentration in data science.

Oswald’s outstanding academic record, with a 4.5 GPA, and leadership roles in activities like the CLS Robotics program, Speech Team, Black Student Union, and National Honor Society made him a strong candidate for this highly competitive award. His transition from Nigeria to the U.S. has shaped him into a driven individual. As captain of the Robotics team and cabinet member of the Black Student Union, he has demonstrated his ability to lead and inspire others while creating positive change in his community.

Performance Dates & Times: 

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

Ticket Information:
Tickets are $10 each

Purchase Tickets Here

Crystal Lake math teacher Sarah Murmann, is leading efforts to ensure the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Illinois classrooms. As a Teach Plus fellow, Murmann collaborates with educators statewide to address challenges in education and advocate for policy changes. Teach Plus, a national nonprofit, trains teachers to use their classroom expertise to influence education policy and improve student outcomes.

Murmann co-authored a recent Teach Plus report that surveyed 205 educators across Illinois, highlighting widespread belief in AI's potential to be helpful in the classroom. The survey found that 92% of respondents see AI as helpful for instruction, but only half have access to training on how to use it effectively.

“With the rapid expansion of AI, we’re not sure which apps are SOPPA-compliant and which aren’t,” Murmann explained, referring to the Student Online Personal Protection Act. “Without clear guidance, teachers are hesitant to use AI, which could limit valuable learning opportunities.”

The Teach Plus fellows are calling on Illinois lawmakers and the Illinois State Board of Education to establish statewide AI guidelines and provide ongoing professional development for educators. Their recommendations also emphasize closing the digital divide that affects underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to AI tools for all students.

Murmann and her fellow Teach Plus educators plan to meet with lawmakers when the General Assembly reconvenes next year, advocating for proactive policies that enable teachers and students to fully benefit from AI in education.

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