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CLS Presents "Matilda"
Shannon Podzimek

Performance Dates & Times: 

February 23 & 24 - 7:00 p.m.

March 1 & 2 - 7:00 p.m.

March 2- 1:00 p.m.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are $13 each, click the link below to purchase tickets:

Purchase Tickets

 

Musical Information:

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

CLS, CG Students Take Virtual Businesses to VEI Leadership Conference and Trade Show
Jeff Yoder


Virtual Enterprise classes from Crystal Lake South and Cary-Grove traveled to Middle Tennessee State University for the two-day ​​VEI Southern Region Student Leadership Conference & Trade Show on November 16. The students participated in an elevator pitch competition and leadership innovation challenge. They learned about finance and accounting, marketing, social media, business operations and technology from business industry leaders.

Crystal Lake South pitched its virtual business named PawPack.

“Our special subscription boxes and bundles come in different options with a plethora of toys, bones, and treats for your pup to enjoy,” said CLS senior and PawPack CMO Sydney Kroening. “If you aren’t looking for a bundle, we also sell key items like dog crates, beds, and food.” 

The company also donates a portion of its revenue to local dog shelters. 

The Cary-Grove students have a virtual business named BetterBox — a health-based company that provides locally sourced products and supplements. 

“It took us a long time to decide what our company was going to be,” said CG senior Reece Ihenacho. “We decided on October 15th, which is definitely a late choice. However, because we took so long we really went deep into the design for delight process so I can confidently say we designed BetterBox to truly benefit our customers.”

Ihenacho is one of six Virtual Enterprises Ambassadors in the Midwest region. He was selected for the position  after completing an essay and interview. As an ambassador he represents the Midwest VE student community, promotes the VE program, plans and participates in events and competitions. He is also the COO of BetterBox.

“At the MTSU tradeshow, my class, especially myself, had an amazing time meeting tons of new people, making connections with other firms, and learning new skills as individuals,” Ihenacho said. “This tradeshow gave me ideas that I can bring back to my firm. Overall I had so much fun meeting new people and making connections that I feel will benefit our firm in the long run.”

Students had an opportunity to use their marketing and sales skills during the virtual trade show where they bought and sold products/services and networked with other virtual businesses.

A highlight for Kroening was a Women’s Leadership panel. 

“All the women on this panel were either bosses, entrepreneurs, or had a very prevalent role within their place of employment,” she said. “This was by far my favorite part of the entire trip. The ladies spoke about the importance of women's leadership, how to handle pressure in the workplace, and overall informed us about their struggles and passions for working within business.” 

There were approximately 500 high school students in attendance, representing 40 virtual businesses from seven states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee, South Carolina and Florida.

“I have taken many other business classes during my past three years with some interest in pursuing business, but this class is special,” Kroening said. “It is truly a hands-on experience of what it would be like to participate in a real business. Everyone around the country contributes to the VE community which makes it feel even more authentic. 

“This course is extremely valuable for those interested in pursuing a career within any job working closely with others. I personally can see myself thinking back to this course in my future line of work and using the tools and people skills I have learned to better my work.” 

CLS Students Perform for Veterans
Jeff Yoder


A Veterans Day tradition at Crystal Lake South is meaningful to both community veterans and the students who participate in the musical tour. Band and choir students from Crystal Lake South made 22 stops on Friday, November 10, to play music for 26 veterans in the community. 

“It makes an impact on them,” said junior Sam Lorentz, who made the trip for a second year with the band. “It’s really cool being a part of it, seeing these veterans year after year.”

Among the veterans visited on Friday was 101-year old Lorraine Egan, a Navy veteran and graduate of Crystal Lake Central. 

“I thought it was wonderful that they would come,” Egan said. “It means a lot that they do care.”

Veterans Day is always a special day for Egan. “I think back to when I was in,” she said. “I was so proud to be a veteran and to be in the Navy.”

She joined the Navy on December 8, 1941 as the United States Congress declared war on Japan. 

“I was on a date… and my boyfriend had his radio on,” Egan said, “and we heard that Pearl Harbor had been bombed. And I decided right then and there that I was going to join. I went in on Monday and joined.”

She worked as a nurse at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina during World War II.

Egan sang along on Friday as a quartet of students sang the national anthem, following a performance by the band.  

“It’s definitely really inspiring, knowing that we’re giving good energy towards people that deserve it,” said junior Cary Lorentz.

German Students Visit D155 with GAPP Exchange
Jeff Yoder

District 155 welcomed 24 students from Holzgerlingen, Germany from October 18 to November 1 as part of the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). The German students were hosted by nine students from Crystal Lake Central and 15 from Crystal Lake South, who will be making a trip to Germany in June. 

“It allowed me to make more connections with people I hadn't really talked to, but also helped me work on my German a bit,” said CLS senior Hannah Lee. “It was exciting experiencing these things I've had my entire life, for the first time again, with them. There was a lot of culture shock which helped me learn about the culture in Germany, there is so much about the culture that I had only learned because of this opportunity.”

Highlights of the trip included a visit to downtown Chicago, a home football game, and attending classes in American high school. 

“The vibe is completely different,” explained Romy Weinheimer, who was hosted by Lee.  “With the teachers… they don't have an interpersonal connection in Germany. We don't have one with our teachers, but they do have one here. They talk to their students a lot more. They interact more, and they have more group work.”

Marcel Yassine, who attends school at the Schönbuch Gymnasium in Germany, visited CLC with host Owen Battaglia. 

“In Germany, we have much more stricter schools,” Yassine said. We don’t have these flexibilities you have here. We have longer schools, we don't have the same schedule every day. But it was a really nice experience.”

Visiting downtown Chicago was a highlight for Vanessa Graf.

“I would definitely say the trip to Chicago,” she said. “We were in the Willis Tower, and the view was great. Also, we made a boat tour and we saw the skyline. It was beautiful.”

Some of the students saw the Tiger football team clinch a playoff spot with a 27-24 overtime victory over Hampshire in the final game of the regular season. 

“The atmosphere at the high school football games, I liked it very much,” Yassine said.

Chiara Geisler said that she enjoyed her stay with CLC junior Ava Walter.  

“At the beginning, I was really nervous to get to know the family,” said Geisler. “But everything was so fine. And they were so nice to me, and I’m really happy to have her visit my house in Germany.”

The German students are excited about exchanging roles when their host students visit Holzgerlingen in June. 

“I'm really looking forward to showing Emily (Matula) the food culture in Germany,” Graf said. “It's healthier. And we love our German food. I feel like it's a highlight in Germany.

“We’ve also planned a trip to Strasbourg in France, just to take them over the border because it's so close and they don't have that possibility here to just move to another country. That’s what we’re looking forward to.”

D155 students usually visit a castle during the trip. Other options include a visit to the chocolate factory Ritter Sport or a trip to a local baker to learn how to bake Brezeln from scratch.

“In Germany, I'm really looking forward to the food,” said Lee. “I know even fast food is incredibly different and they have a diverse spread of dishes and beverages that I have never tried. I'm also very interested in their school. Many different countries have vastly differing education systems and I'm fascinated by how the German system is structured.”

The Crystal Lake South culinary class prepared a luncheon for a special sendoff on Wednesday, November 1. The German students enjoyed Italian seasoned chicken sandwiches with a basil and lemon zest spread, topped with arugula. 

D155 Students Join IHSTF All-State Production of She Kills Monsters
Jeff Yoder

 

Three students from District 155 have been selected to join the Illinois High School Theater Festival’s All-State Company of She Kills Monsters at the 48th annual Festival held January 11-13 at Illinois State University. The All-State cast, crew, and pit orchestra are composed of top student performers, musicians, and technicians from Illinois. 

Crystal Lake South senior Caitlyn Kopera will be an assistant stage manager. Gator junior Emma Wagner is a member of the costume crew, and Prairie Ridge junior Evelyn Mahler was selected for the props crew. 

Over 220 talented students auditioned or interviewed and 85 were selected for the final production Company. 

“It is a huge honor to get to work with such talented people from across the state,” said Caitlyn Kopera. “To be the assistant stage manager for such a spectacular show is exhilarating and every second I spend working through this process is nothing short of amazing. 

Rehearsals for She Kills Monsters take place over several long weekends during the fall with final rehearsals occurring the last week before the actual performances.

“I cannot wait for my friends and family to be able to experience this fantastic show in the audience in a few short months,” said Kopera. “To have the opportunity to become a part of this second theater family is beautiful and I wouldn't trade them or this experience for anything in the world.”

She Kills Monsters is a drama-comedy play by Qui Nguyen that tells the story of Agnes Evans, an average woman who loses her parents and little sister Tilly in a car accident. Agnes embarks on an adventure to get to know her sister better by playing a Dungeons & Dragons module that Tilly had written, and discovers things she'd never imagined. 

D155 Students Receive Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Programs
Jeff Yoder


Nine students from District 155 recently earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These programs celebrate students' hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance. The academic honors for rural area, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent. 

Students recognized from District 155 include:

Melody Alonso - Crystal Lake Central

Joshua Carrasco - Cary Grove

Isaiah Herrera - Cary Grove

Josh Marineau - Prairie Ridge

Andrea Medina - Crystal Lake South

Christian Romero - Crystal Lake Central

Ryan Soli - Cary-Grove

Gwen Steeves - Cary-Grove

Vienna Tiria - Crystal Lake South

The criteria for eligible students include: a GPA of 3.5 or higher, PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program, or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams in 9th and 10th grade.

CLC senior Melody Alonso received a National Hispanic Recognition Award. Alonso is involved in band, choir, madrigal singers, and theatre. Outside of school, she is a member of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra. She plans to  pursue music performance in college.

“It's nice to have this recognition as something extra to put on my college resume,” she said.

CG senior Joshua Carrasco was also a National Hispanic Recognition Award winner. Carrasco is involved in concert band, marching band, and plays in the drum line. He is also active in Latino leadership and robotics club. Outside of school, he enjoys drawing and design,  playing piano and making music with friends. After graduation, he plans to study engineering.  

“Being recognized by the college board makes me feel very proud of my achievements,” Carrasco said. “I am happy knowing that the work I put in is seen and it drives me to work harder to accomplish my goals.”

CG senior Isaiah Herrera was the recipient of a  National Hispanic Recognition Award. Herrera is in the marching band and the tech crew, building sets and working behind the scenes for plays, musicals, and other performances. 

“Outside of school I do karate, which I have done since I was little, so now I help teach classes,” Herrera said. “We teach everyone from little kids to adults and people with physical and mental disabilities.”

Herrera also enjoys studying politics and history. In the future, he plans to study political science or journalism. 

“Being recognized by the College Board gives me some much needed confidence that my efforts here in high school have been worthwhile and not all in vain,” Herrara said. 

PR junior Josh Marineau received a Rural and Small Town Award from the College Board. Marineau participates in National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Students. He is a member of the Prairie Ridge varsity soccer team and also participates in club soccer at a national level. Marineau also volunteers regularly at his church and in the community.

“I feel truly honored to be a part of a group of students that are known for their hard work and focus, dedicated to school,” he said. “Awards like these motivate me to keep going and pour my life into school and activities.” 

CLS junior Andrea Medina was a National Hispanic Recognition Award recipient. She is involved in Spanish club, women in STEM, speech team, model UN, ACES, and media club. 

“I love animals and spend lots of time with my dog,” Medina said. “I like to read, go hiking, and travel. I plan on hopefully attending Purdue and majoring in zoology in the future”

CLC senior Christian Romero earned a National Hispanic Recognition Award. Romero is a member of the Tigers soccer team. He plans to attend an in-state college to pursue a career in a STEM field.

“Outside of school, I like to talk with friends, watch my favorite sports teams, and be with my dog,” Romero said. “Being recognized for this achievement has motivated me to work even harder because I know that I am capable of achieving my goals.”

CG senior Ryan Soli was recognized with a National Indigenous Award. Soli is part of the math team and a member of the National Honor Society at Cary-Grove. He is also a member of the Trojan lacrosse team. 

“I really enjoy athletics and hanging out with people, but also love volunteering anytime I can,” he said. 

Soli has not made a college choice yet, but is considering studying law or mathematics. 

“It feels good to be recognized, but it feels better to just know all the hard work is paying off,” he said. “I'm always happy to just know I'm doing well, even if the whole world doesn't.

CG senior Gwen Steeves was a recipient of the Rural and Small Town Award. Steeves participates in musicals, plays, swing choir, Trojan Voices, A Capella Singers, CG buddies, and NHS. She is also involved with the Cary-Grove Performing Arts Center outside of school, teaching boys jazz, assisting four swing choir classes and a jazz class, working in the dancewear store, running various studio events, and taking jazz and ballet classes. 

Steeves has been accepted at Arizona State University and plans to double major in psychology and popular music, with a minor in dance.

CLS senior Vienna Tiria received a National Hispanic Recognition Award. Tiria is theatre president at Crystal Lake South and is a part of WiSTEM, Aevidum, and choir as well. Outside of school, she enjoys making art, playing piano, taking voice lessons, and creating music.

Tiria is still evaluating her options for college, but is currently thinking about studying graphic design and either minoring or double majoring in an area of music. 

“Being recognized for this achievement is such an incredible honor,” Tiria said. “I'm proud to be latina and to be able to earn an award that recognizes me for that huge part of my identity as well as my academic successes. Earning this achievement also made me realize how much the closest people around me have influenced my journey. I think of my mom and dad who have always been pushing me to put forth my best effort in school and in all other aspects of life. Their encouragement gave me a strong work ethic and sense of motivation each day and I can never thank them enough for it.”

All D155 Schools Rank Among Nation’s Best for Fifth Year
Jeff Yoder


U.S. News & World Report named all four D155 high schools in the top 14 percent nationally. The data includes nearly 25,000 public high schools which are ranked based on college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, as well as graduation rate.

Prairie Ridge High school ranked No. 52 out of 723 public schools in Illinois. Cary-Grove is No. 71 in the state, Crystal Lake South is ranked No. 81, and Crystal Lake Central is ranked No. 133 in the state rankings. 

“This recognition is a reflection of a passionate staff that is committed to education, students that are dedicated to learning, and the support of families and our community.,” said Dr. Neil Lesinski, Superintendent. “The district’s consistent appearance at the top of county, state, and national rankings demonstrates the value we place on educating and preparing our students for future success.”

To view the full Best Public High Schools list, and further detailed results of D155 high schools, please click here.

District 155 enhances building safety with BluePoint Alert Systems
Jeff Yoder


Community High School District 155 has taken steps to enhance district safety and security over the summer with the installation of BluePoint Alert Systems in all four buildings.

These rapid emergency response systems will immediately notify first responders, school leadership, students, teachers and staff of a threat.

“Having the BluePoint Alert System installed throughout District 155 schools is another step towards ensuring the continued safety of our students and staff,” said Dr. Neil Lesinski, superintendent. “I am also grateful for the collaborative partnerships we have with our local law enforcement agencies in the adoption of this new technology.” 

The blue pull stations are easy to identify and intuitive to interact with. Inside the building, a repeating announcement will indicate a hard lockdown is in place. Outside, the blue strobes provide instant notification, and warn not to enter in an emergency situation.

The system will also provide the initial location of threat information to law enforcement and school administration.

The presence of the police emergency notification system can serve as a deterrent to potential threats in the school building. In the event of an active threat, the alert system will allow first responders and law enforcement to increase effectiveness and decrease response time.

D155 graduates further education in 38 states and five countries
Jeff Yoder



Nearly 86 percent of Community High School District 155’s 2023 graduates will continue their studies at four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, and vocational and technical schools. Over 58 percent percent of the graduating class will pursue degrees at four-year colleges and universities. The Class of 2023 has earned $14,244,724 in scholarships.

The top three college destinations for the Class of 2023 are McHenry County College, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Illinois State University. Seventeen percent of students continuing education are interested in studying in a STEM field, 17% are planning to study health science, and 10% plan to study business management and administration. Additionally, 39 students will be pursuing a trade or vocation, and 50 will be directly entering the workforce full-time. Thirty-one students plan to serve in the armed forces. 

The Class of 2023 is studying in 38 states, Washington, D.C. & five countries including Canada, Japan, Paraguay, and the Netherlands. 

There were 1,294 graduates in the class of 2023. District 155’s graduation rate is 96 percent and the state’s graduation rate is 87 percent.  

Skorija Nominated for Best Actor Award by Broadway in Chicago
Jeff Yoder

 

 

Crystal Lake South’s Luke Skorija was recently nominated for Best Performer in an Actor role by Broadway in Chicago for his portrayal of George in a production of Sunday in the Park with George.

Director Ben Stoner also received one of five nominations for Best Direction.

There were 24 nominees for best actress/actor, selected from over 200 applicants, who have been invited to participate in the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards Program held in the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place on Monday, May 22. 

Skorija will have an opportunity to work with a Broadway professional on a Broadway stage! During the ceremony, the nominees will perform two musical numbers from Disney’s Aladdin. The students are taught the musical numbers by a representative from the show, which will play in the Cadillac Palace Theatre from May 17-28. The Best Performer in an Actor Role and Best Performer in an Actress Role will be selected from six finalists. 

District Nurses Honored with Lina Rogers Award
Jeff Yoder

Cary-Grove’s Martha Manno and Crystal Lake South’s Colleen Wing were recently announced as 2023 recipients of the Lina Rogers Award, which recognizes school health professionals who work in partnership with public health in providing healthier schools and communities.  

Manno and Wing are both members of McHenry County's School Nurse Advisory Committee (SNAC), which played a critical role in preparing a safe return to school during the pandemic. 

“It was definitely a collaboration between public health and school health,” Manno said. “That relationship makes a significant difference with absenteeism, student accomplishments — and that was accentuated during the COVID times. I felt like at that point we really needed to try to keep schools open and students in schools as much as possible.”

The Lina Rogers Award is typically awarded to one or two recipients each year, but a decision was made this year to honor all 12 members of SNAC for their key contributions.

“The task force was responsible for a lot of things,” Manno said. “They produced a toolkit for all of the nurses in the whole district area to keep track of the kids who had COVID and who were close contacts, and what to do with all of the instructions. We had a lot of checkoff lists and resources for nurses as well as the parents and students.”

SNAC also worked with the McHenry County Health Department (MCDH) and district superintendents to vaccinate 5,600 staff members in McHenry County twice. 

“That was huge, because we were almost first in the state,” Manno said. “We needed staff to be here to get the students in here, so to keep staff healthy was key.”

The task force also detailed its work in an article, which was published in the National Association of School Nurses Journal.

The award is named after the nation’s first school nurse, Lina Rogers, who was hired by the New York City public schools in 1902. 

The mission of the task force is to “strengthen the link between public health nursing and school nursing,” and to “provide the MCDH with a school nursing resource to collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives.”

“I’m super honored that I was awarded this, but I really look up to these ladies that have really paved the way,” said Wing, who joined the task force this year. “I appreciate that I was even recognized because what they went through that first year was unbelievably daunting to say the least.”

Michelle Kidd Named Teacher of the Month
Jeff Yoder

Crystal Lake South Art teacher and Division Lead Michelle Kidd was named the January Teacher of the Month by Home State Bank and Star 105.5. 

Kidd is appreciated for the time she dedicates to Crystal Lake South and the personal attention she gives her students. 

“Mrs. Kidd is always running around doing a million different things but amidst that chaos she always has time for her students and their problems,” said Natalie, who nominated Kidd for the award.  

“She's a dedicated and understanding teacher who truly values education and will do anything to help her students, from talking through scholarships and college applications with us to giving us advice on personal issues and extracurriculars.”

“Mrs. Kidd brings our community together with class family photos and field trips, and even dedicated herself to helping start and run our schools ski club. There's a place for every student in Mrs. Kidd's classroom or the couch in her office.”

On January 24, Kidd was presented with a $100 check from Home State Bank.

CLS Senior Earns Top Rank in Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
Kari Firak

Senior Gavin Kempf-Kutemeier has been named Principal Bassoonist in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, a top honor among the most talented young musicians in the area. Earning a principal spot is the highest rank in the section, awarded with all solos and a spot in the elite Core Ensemble. Gavin also volunteers his time in the CYSO Ambassador's program, mentoring inner city youth without access to strong school music programs.

Gavin's dedication to this program and years of practice is evident in these achievements, as well as his advice for others. "Success in music is not always about being technically good, it's more about having comfort in the position you are in. If you do a lot of auditions and are used to playing with big groups in front of some very incredible people you get more confident and that's what they look at," said Gavin.

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ mission is to inspire and cultivate personal excellence through music. CYSO is committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering each young musician so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off the stage.

CLS Alum Celebrates Hockey Win at School
Kari Firak

Katelynn Russ, a 2016 CLS graduate, won the Isobel Cup with her professional hockey team Boston Pride. Katelynn spent her time with the trophy in her hometown, where her achievement was honored in a ceremony at Crystal Lake South with her family, school administration, and City of Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian.

"I feel very honored to be able to share the Isobel Cup with my high school. While I didn't get to play for South directly, all of my teachers and many of my fellow students supported me in my career so it is only fair I share the cup with them," said Katelynn.

"Winning the cup is a dream come true. When I was young, the only cup I could dream of winning was the Stanley Cup. Not only did I get to play professional hockey which was not an option when I was young, but I got to win the cup that the next generation of female hockey players get to dream of winning. Winning this cup and sharing it with my hometown hopefully shows the young female hockey players in Crystal Lake that they can dream big and aim to play pro one day!"

Katelynn is currently a biomedical engineer in Boston. 

 

CLS Junior Wins ACES State Championship
Kari Firak

Crystal Lake South junior Trini Feng was named state champion in the ACES Academic Challenge competition in the area of English.

"To me, winning state is proof of the journey that I've taken in my knowledge, but it also motivates me to continue learning. ACES has taught me that there's always something new to discover," said Trini.

Trini is the first ACES state champion from CLS in nearly 20 years!

"ACES is always a challenging experience, testing things far beyond what I normally learn in school. But because of that, it's so rewarding too."

South Custodian Saves Student’s Life
Shannon Podzimek

Mike Cruz, a custodian at Crystal Lake South High School, was in the right place at the right time on Friday, February 18. Fifth hour lunch period was just beginning at 10:45 a.m. when he was making his rounds and cleaning tables in the cafeteria.

Alexis Bennett was eating lunch after PE, and she was sitting alone when she began to choke.

“I took my first bite and food was lodged in my throat when I swallowed. I couldn’t talk because I was choking,” said Bennett.

She reacted calmly and quickly. She stood up trying to dislodge the food herself and realized she needed to find an adult immediately when she approached the custodian struggling to breathe.

“I thought she had to vomit so I grabbed a trash can and then realized she was choking. I tried to vocalize what I was going to do. I told her I was going to pat her on the back a few times and see if that helps,” said Cruz. “Nothing happened, so I said I was going to try the heimlich. It didn’t work the first time.”

That’s when the school security officer walked up and made a call over the radio to the school nurse and administration that a student wasn’t breathing in the cafeteria. Cruz performed the heimlich a second time when the food came out. He grabbed a water bottle for the student as the nurse and vice principal arrived and then he went back to work. Bennett was taken to the nurse’s office to be evaluated.

“The heimlich didn’t hurt like I thought it would,” said Bennett. “He just helped me out when I needed him. I haven’t really seen him around and I would thank him for saving my life.”

Cruz said he knew what to do because of training from a first aid class he took before his son was born almost three years ago.

“My wife made me enroll in a class with her. It was a good thing because it stuck with me. I learned how to perform CPR and the heimlich on an infant, toddler and adult,” he said. “It’s one of those things that you learn, but hope you never have to use. I’m glad I took the class.”

Bennett said she’s doing well since the incident. She's proud of herself for not panicking and getting help quickly.

“It’s really important to find someone who can help because you’re going to need help,” she said. 

CLS Theatre Celebrates the Close of Mamma Mia!
Kari Firak

Congratulations to the students and staff whose time and hard work went into this year's production of Mamma Mia! All performances were met with rave reviews and thunderous applause. 

CLS Wrestler Shane Moran Wins at State
Kari Firak

After competing in the 2022 IHSA wrestling state finals, Crystal Lake South senior Shane Moran is the new state champion in the 160 division!

CLS Hosts 'Love Your Career Day'
Kari Firak

Students at Crystal Lake South High School celebrated Valentine's Day with the inaugural Love Your Career Day! Twelve guest speakers shared their expertise in a variety of occupations including finance, civil engineering, nursing, auto repair, marketing, food industry, law enforcement, and physical therapy. This was a wonderful way to explore different career paths by partnering with experienced professionals in our community. Thank you to all our guest speakers!

CLS Student Services Awarded RAMP Certification
Kari Firak

The CLS student services team has again been awarded RAMP certification by the American School Counseling Association!

Every five years after receiving the designation, schools must reapply in a process that involves program goals, data analysis, intervention implementation, advisory models, tier 1 counseling curriculum delivery, and more.

This honor is a testament to the successful programs they've spearheaded, and their continued commitment and support of students.

Josh Nobilio Named Kishwaukee Region High School Principal of the Year
Kari Firak

Crystal Lake South Principal Josh Nobilio was named 2021-2022 High School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association for the Kishwaukee Region!

Each year these IPA Awards reward a few select school leaders, calling attention to their achievements and dedication to school and community.

Gator Kids Preschool- Register Today! Limited Availability.
Kari Firak

There are a few openings left in the 2022 Gator Kids Preschool PM program, reserve today! The Spring PM session runs 12:25 - 2:00 p.m. from mid-February through early May. Classes meet on Tuesday & Thursday at Crystal Lake South High School. Click here to register, spots are filling fast!

South Student Awarded with Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Programs
Shannon Podzimek

Marauliana Torres, a senior at Crystal Lake South, excelled in College Board assessments and schoolwork to earn national recognition as part of the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program and College Board National Indigenous Recognition Program.

By the end of this school year, Torres will have completed eight Advanced Placement classes and three dual credit classes.

“I would credit my mom for my success in high school. As a single mother of three girls and a woman who at times has worked two jobs, my mother has taught me motivation and determination,” said Torres. “She has taught me that it is upon myself whether I take the opportunities given to me. It's because of her that I value my education so much. One day I want to give back to her all that she's given to me and one day I will.”

In addition to her achievements academically, Torres is involved in the Crystal Lake South Madrigals, an A Cappella choir and she is a member of the Spanish Leadership Club.

Students who may be eligible for these awards have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.

“I am very passionate about my culture as I am Puerto Rican and am so grateful for the opportunity to have been raised bilingual,” said Torres.

 These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.

After high school, Torres plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in Psychology to become a neuropsychologist, and she plans to also pursue a Master's and a PhD. 

“I have always had a passion for Psychology which is the reason why I have taken both AP Psychology and AP Biology. Knowing that I can not only help people change their lives for the better makes me more motivated than ever,” said Torres.

CLS Class of 2021 Earns Over $6 Million in Scholarships
Shannon Podzimek

The CLS graduating class of 2021 includes 342 graduates who earned $6,182,432 in scholarships. Eighty-eight percent of graduates are continuing their education at four-year universities, two-year universities, technical/vocational schools, or trade and apprenticeship programs. 

The class of 2021 will be studying in 28 states. The most popular college destinations for these students are McHenry County College, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University, the University of Alabama and Western Kentucky University. 

Graduates are pursuing various fields. Thirty-one percent of students will study careers in the science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field, 10 percent will study advertising, arts, communications, marketing, or public relations, and finally, nine percent of students will study business.

Eight CLS students are serving in the Armed Forces after graduation. One student will serve in the Marines, two will serve in the Air Force, four in the Army, and one student will serve in the National Guard.

Class of 2021 Graduation Updates
Alex LeMoine

Dear Seniors,

As we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2021 at this year’s graduation ceremony, we are asking for some feedback from you and your families to plan for a safe and appropriately distanced commencement. This year, graduation will be split into two outdoor ceremonies in our football stadium on Saturday, May 15:

  • Morning ceremony: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

  • Afternoon ceremony: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Please complete this survey: https://forms.gle/jiRrARAftdXjEtvV8 indicating your plans to attend graduation in-person and your preferred ceremony time. Please discuss your selection(s) with your parents/guardians and complete this survey by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 18. We will use this information to ensure safe physical distancing in our stadium for all graduates and guests in attendance.

We will do our best to accommodate your selection, but please know that due to strict capacity limitations and space restrictions in our stadium, not all students will be able to attend their preferred ceremony. If space does not allow us to schedule you for graduation during your preferred session, you will be scheduled for the alternate session. You will receive an email verifying your scheduled ceremony time on Wednesday, April 21. 

Thank you for your cooperation as we plan to commemorate your time at Crystal Lake South High School together!
 

Sincerely,
 

Josh Nobilio
Principal

---------------------------------------------------------------

Estimados estudiantes de cuarto año (Seniors):

Mientras nos preparamos para celebrar la Clase Graduanda del 2021 en la ceremonia de graduación de este año, les pedimos a ustedes y sus familias que nos brinden sus comentarios para planificar una ceremonia de graduación segura y con una distancia adecuada. Este año la graduación se dividirá en dos ceremonias al aire libre en nuestro estadio de fútbol el sábado 15 de mayo.  

  • Ceremonia de la mañana: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

  • Ceremonia de la tarde:  12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Por favor complete esta encuesta: https://forms.gle/jiRrARAftdXjEtvV8 indicando sus planes para asistir a la graduación en persona y su horario preferido para la ceremonia. Por favor, discuta su (s) selección (es) con sus padres/tutores y complete esta encuesta antes de las 11:59 p.m. el domingo 18 de abril. Usaremos esta información para asegurar un distanciamiento físico seguro en nuestro estadio para todos los graduandos e invitados que asistan. 

Haremos todo lo posible para adaptarnos a su selección, pero tenga en cuenta que debido a las estrictas limitaciones de capacidad y las restricciones de espacio en nuestro estadio, no todos los estudiantes podrían asistir a su ceremonia preferida. Si el espacio no nos permite programar su graduación durante su sesión preferida, se le programará para la sesión alternativa. Recibirá un correo electrónico verificando la hora programada para la ceremonia el miércoles 21 de abril. 

¡Gracias por su cooperación mientras planeamos conmemorar su tiempo en la Escuela Secundaria Crystal Lake South juntos!
 

Sinceramente,

Josh Nobilio

CLS Student Awarded Full-Ride to Central Michigan University
Alex LeMoine

Frida Ferrusquia, a junior at Crystal Lake South High School was awarded the Multicultural Advancement Award of Distinction at Central Michigan University. She will receive a full tuition scholarship to Central Michigan University and will attend as an undergraduate student after graduating from Crystal Lake South in 2022.

The Multicultural Advancement Award of Distinction is a competitive scholarship that recognizes a select few high school graduates for their dedication to promoting underrepresented groups in America while seeking inspiring and academically successful individuals. The scholarship application requires multiple essays and letters of recommendation.

“I dedicated a lot of time and effort to it, but in the end I realized that thanks to all the fundamentals that my educational institution has given me, this process was very efficient, since in reality what the scholarship was looking for were qualities that I have already acquired little by little throughout my life,” said Ferrusquia.

After Ferrusquia submitted her application, she was selected as a finalist and went through an interview process with CMU faculty.

“When I received the scholarship, I was in remote classes. It was Friday, February 26, it was my 9th period, I had been waiting for the call and when I saw that I received a call from Mount Pleasant I couldn't believe it,” said Ferrusquia.

During her time as a Crystal Lake South student, Ferrusquia has felt supported and at home. Due to her passion for other cultures, she participates as a leader in both the Spanish and German clubs. 

“Frida has been gifted with the ability to overcome challenging situations and she has done so with a smile on her face. Her positivity is infectious and she will be remembered by our staff for years to come. We are proud of Frida as a GATOR, and we are excited to see all the great contributions that she makes at Central Michigan,” said Josh Nobilio, Crystal Lake South principal.

Though she acknowledged that this year has been difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ferrusquia believes her hard work has paid off. 

“I will study Dietetics and at the same time thanks to this scholarship I will be able to share part of my beautiful roots. Being Mexican fills me with pride. I love everything about my culture, and being able to teach others about it makes me very happy,” she said.

Ferrusquia is most excited to make her family proud and hopes to inspire other students who may think a college education is out of reach due to finances or other challenges.

“They will know that nothing is impossible if you push yourself and push yourself all the time,” said Ferrusquia.

Crystal Lake South Student Wins $25,000 Through Horatio Alger Scholarship
Alex LeMoine

Sophia Manera, a senior at Crystal Lake South High School, was selected as a National Horatio Alger Scholar and will receive $25,000 towards college tuition. The award is part of one of the largest college financial aid programs in the country and focuses on character, perseverance, and applicants’ experience with overcoming adversity. Only 106 high school students were selected nationwide.

Manera applied for both the state and national scholarship with an essay about Maya Angelou, a former member of the Horatio Alger Association, who served as a source of inspiration to overcome the challenges Manera has faced. Manera received a phone call from Alexandria, VA informing her that she had been selected as a National Horatio Alger Scholar.

“I wanted to apply for the scholarship because education is something that is super important to me, and my experiences and hard work have contributed tremendously to who I am today and what I want to do in the future,” said Manera.

She is now a member of an elite group of scholars who were selected from a pool of over 320,000 applicants. Manera says she is grateful to have this community of like-minded students who she can relate to to take with her through college and beyond.

After graduation, Manera plans to attend a four-year university and study social work. She hopes to use her degree to advocate for children and youth who have been affected by sexual violence. 

At Crystal Lake South, Manera said she felt supported by staff who went above and beyond for her during the application process and her academic career, including South principal, Josh Noblio, and Manera’s school counselor, Kyle McCaughn. 

“I feel so seen and supported as a  part of the CLS community and am surrounded by adults that I know genuinely care about me as a person,” she said.

Manera’s biggest piece of advice for her fellow classmates is to pursue what they are passionate about and never think of a scholarship or academic opportunity as out of reach.

“Seek out your resources and even if something seems like a one in a million chance, go for it because you may be exactly what they are looking for. Hard work, dedication, and work ethic really pay off,” said Manera.

Crystal Lake South Staff Continues Tradition of Delivering Handwritten Letters to Juniors
Alex LeMoine

For the past four years, Crystal Lake South High School has established a tradition of sending handwritten notes of inspiration from staff members to students in their junior year. This year, teachers and staff at South wrote and delivered over 340 individualized cards. Students enrolled in hybrid learning received their messages at school, while administrators hand delivered notes to students in full-time remote learning.

“I wrote how this year has been tough and that I am proud of how they handled/are handling the circumstances. I just asked that they do their best to finish up their junior year and wanted them to feel like I was in their corner,” said Zach Wisser, an art teacher at South.

Lori Ratliff, vice principal at Crystal Lake South, noted that nearly all students were claimed in the first hour of sharing a spreadsheet of names with her staff. 

"Students are always surprised when they receive a handwritten card.  They truly appreciate that there is an adult in the building that cares about them," said Patrick Frett, another teacher from Crystal Lake South.

This tradition continues to be a source of positivity for the students and staff at Crystal Lake South, especially as juniors navigate course rigor, standardized tests, and planning for after graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers at South and across district 155 remain committed to making a difference in this time of change.

“I have sent a lot of little notes, stickers, keychains, bob ross sticky notes, ect. home in the mail. I have cranked up the Justin Beiber Music and sang and danced like a fool in order to get a few smiles. Anything to lighten the mood and see a few smiles is worth doing in times like these,” said Wisser.

Crystal Lake South High School Class of 2020
Melina Weil

Ninety percent of graduates in the class of 2020 will continue their studies at four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, and vocational and technical schools. Fifty percent of students are pursuing degrees at four year colleges and universities. Students earned $5,651,050 in scholarships.

The class of 2020 will study in 21 states. McHenry County College, Illinois State University, and Iowa State are the top three schools students will attend this fall. Thirty-five percent of students are interested in studying STEM, 16 percent in marketing/communications, and 12 percent in business. Eight students plan to serve in the armed forces. 

Seventy-one percent of students had developed a connection with most of their teachers. There were 296 graduates in the class of 2020. District 155’s graduation rate is 96 percent and the state’s graduation rate is 86 percent.  

Community High School District 155 has conducted a uniform, district-wide senior survey for the last 13 years.

South Student Earns Illinois High School Musical Theatre Outstanding Student Award
Alex LeMoine

Five District 155 students were recognized for their performances in this year’s musicals by the Broadway in Chicago Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards. Over 200 students submitted entries, and 24 students across the state received the Outstanding Actors and Actresses Award. 

Three Cary-Grove High School students, Spencer Bethers, Lauren Henriques and Allan Lopez, received awards for their performances in “The Drowsy Chaperone”. Bethers, a senior at Cary-Grove, portrayed the comedic lead Adolpho. Lopez played Robert Martin and Henriques starred as The Drowsy Chaperone in their final performances at Cary-Grove.

Quinn Welder, a senior at Crystal Lake Central High School, was recognized for his role as Motel in Central’s production of “Fiddler On the Roof”. Ricky Falbo, a senior at Crystal Lake South High School, played Frank Abagnale Jr. in this year’s production of “Catch Me if You Can”.

The Broadway in Chicago Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA) celebrate excellence in high school theatre throughout the state of Illinois. The IHSMTA recognizes the top submissions based on their excellence in musical theater and a clear commitment to their role. 

Due to COVID-19, all submissions were reviewed by video. The IHSMTA was able to virtually acknowledge the outstanding performances of students across the state despite COVID-19 related cancellations. 

#WorkforceWednesday Speaker Series
Shannon Podzimek

Crystal Lake South is hosting a #WorkforceWednesday Speakers Series February 12 – March 4. The four speakers are focusing on a variety of topics based on student interest.

Robert Cormier of Home State Bank spoke with students about finance careers. Heidi Stevens, a columnist with the Chicago Tribune, shared her experience as a journalist, and Maureen Colleens of Rosecrance spoke about human services. South will host one final speaker on March 4. Timothy Stoll of Armin Tools will talk to students about careers in manufacturing.

The #WorkforceWednesday campaign showcases D155 students, alumni, and industry professionals from a variety of careers. Each week the campaign focuses on an industry professional or highlights skills students are learning to prepare for future careers. To learn more about the campaign, please visit the district’s website and follow the district on social media @CHSD155.

CLS Student Receives QuestBridge Scholarship and Full-Ride to Yale
Alex LeMoine

On December 2, 2019 Armin Daneshbodi, a senior at Crystal Lake South High School, received an email telling him he’d been accepted to Yale University on a full-ride scholarship. Daneshbodi was one of 14,926 applicants who applied for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship, and one of 1,044 students nationwide who qualified for the award.

“It was probably a day I’ll never forget,” said Daneshbodi. 

Months before, he decided to begin the arduous process of applying for the scholarship designed to match low-income, high-achieving students with some of the nation’s best universities. After being accepted to the College Prep Scholars Program through QuestBridge, in which students are given additional support in the college admissions process, Daneshbodi began his application for the National College Match Scholarship in June of 2019.

In addition to personal information, the application consists of an 800-word biographical essay, a 500-word secondary essay, two 200-word essays and several short answer responses. 

“It’s significantly more writing,” said Daneshbodi. “Which is an awesome thing because the whole point is you’re going up against a lot of other people who want the same thing you do in terms of admission, and it gives you a chance to be able to share more about yourself and the diverse experiences that you have.”

Daneshbodi was chosen as one of 5,842 national finalists and was matched with Yale University, which has an average acceptance rate of six percent. He also listed Stanford, Duke, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania as schools of interest. 

After attending an engineering forum in Chicago, IL, Daneshbodi learned about Yale’s groundbreaking Economics and Computer Science joint program. He knew then that Yale would give him the best opportunity to combine his passion for economics and the study of computer science. 

“The whole point in combining the two of them is to create computer scientists and engineers who are able to think pragmatically about the solutions they are developing,” said Daneshbodi. 

Daneshbodi’s interests go beyond what he plans to study. At Crystal Lake South, he is involved in National Honor Society, the Robotics Club, the Math team, the Academic Challenge team and serves as Senior Class Officer. Some of his favorite classes have been AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C, and he sees his career one day expanding beyond computer science.

“I’ve always been interested in business, so I’d like to get my MBA and hopefully work as a project manager, maybe become president or CEO, if not start my own company,” said Daneshbodi

“He is, like so many of our students, amazing and I love it when they go for seemingly unattainable goals and achieve them. In this situation, it will be life changing for him and his future,” said Karen Audette, who runs the College and Career Center at Crystal Lake South and mentored Daneshbodi during the application process.

Daneshbodi’s advice to other students going through the college search is this: “Never sell yourself short. A year ago I didn’t think attending my dream school Yale was even a possibility, due to finances. QuestBridge made my dream achievable. The most successful people in the world are the people who are able to defy the adversity they face, so remember to never give up.”

CLS Presents “Catch Me If You Can”
Shannon Podzimek

Seeking fame and fortune, precocious teenager, Frank Abignale, Jr., runs away from home to begin an unforgettable adventure. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer – living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. When Frank's lies catch the attention of FBI agent, Carl Hanratty, though, Carl pursues Frank across the country to make him pay for his crime. 

Catch Me If You Can is a big and bright spectacle with high-energy dance numbers and a riveting story. It began its life as the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr. in 1963, when he began his life of fraud at age 15. After he was caught by the FBI at the age of 22, he wrote a book, published in 1980, detailing his global exploits. In 2002, that book was turned into a Hollywood blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. In 2011, that film became a Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and book by Terrence McNally (Ragtime, Kiss of the Spider Woman). The show earned four Tony Award nominations including Best Musical.

Show Dates, Times & Ticket Information

February 21 - 7:00 p.m.

February 22 - 7:00 p.m.

February 28 - 7:00 p.m.

February 29 – 1:00 p.m.

February 29 - 7:00 p.m.

All tickets are $10*

*CLS Activity passes are accepted at the door. 

To reserve tickets, contact us at 815-893-5199 or buy tickets online beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 31.

Buy Tickets Now

 

CLS Students Qualify for National Business Competition
Shannon Podzimek

Crystal Lake South High School’s Virtual Enterprise company, Unwind, qualified for the National Business Plan Competition in New York City as part of the VEI Youth Business Summit. The group qualified for the event after they took second place out of 35 teams at the Illinois Business Plan Competition in December. 

“Every person in Unwind has worked so hard to achieve this success and we are so proud that all of our hard work paid off. We can't wait to compete in New York and show everyone what Unwind is and what our company stands for,” said Ashley Drzewiecki, a senior at Crystal Lake South High School.

The goal of VEI is to give the students an opportunity to get work experience and grow as young professionals while in the classroom. Twenty-two students are enrolled in the class. Unwind is meant to focus on mental well-being and healthy alternatives for stress relief.   

This school year, the team has placed in the 10 out of 90 firms in six different competitions. They also earned national recognition as a VEI Top 200 Firm and each student conducted a 25-30 minute professional development in-class seminar to help enhance our employees' business knowledge.

“I am proud of them and I am excited that they have this opportunity. They'll be able to share this experience with future employers. The skills they develop in New York are going to help them throughout their academic and professional careers,” said James Krol, a business education teacher at Crystal Lake South.

VEI will be competing in the National Business Plan, National Finance, Marketing and Human Resource competitions. The 2020 Youth Business Summit will take place April 20 through April 23 in New York City. 

 

Crystal Lake South Robotics Team is Ready for Competition
Alex LeMoine

Since it began four years ago, the Robotics Team at Crystal Lake South High School has grown from 12 students to 35. Led by staff sponsors Katie Koch and Sarah Murmann, the gators are joined by teams from the rest of district 155 and compete in robotics competitions throughout McHenry County.

The team is divided into three groups--the Golden Gators, the Green Machine, and the Swamp Bots--who are each responsible for creating their own robot. After-school practices consist of building the machines, practicing maneuvers, and preparing for competition, but creating these robots involves more than just a desire to assemble them.

“There’s so much more,” said Connor Kirchoff, a junior on the team, “there’s business planning, there’s design, there’s mechanical and electrical engineering.”

The team is made up of students of all grade levels and academic interests. 

“I’ve heard from a lot of people that they think they’re not smart enough for it, but we have a whole range of people on [the team]. There’s some people that never even touch the robot, but there’s some people that’s all they do,” said senior Cassie Rausch.

When it comes time for competition, robots are inspected, scored, and play in matches against other machines. The goal of this year’s FIRST Tech Challenge, called Skystone, is to create a structure that can overcome obstacles and symbolize a hopeful future. 

“I love having a problem that you feel like you can’t tackle and you just have to come at it in a completely new and different way and eventually overcome it,” said Eric Houston, a senior at Crystal Lake South.

“I would say that my favorite part is probably just the feeling of having the accomplishment of finishing a robot,” said Kirchoff.

The Crystal Lake South Robotics Team will head to their first competition of the new semester on Saturday, January 11. The competition will take place at 9:00 am at Crystal Lake South High School.  

Crystal Lake South Boys Soccer Places 2nd in 2019 IHSA State Finals
Alex LeMoine

The Crystal Lake South boys’ soccer team wrapped up their 2019 season with a trip to the IHSA State Championship game for the second year in a row. The gators shut out Triad High School from Troy, IL 2-0 in the state semifinal game on Friday, November 8th to earn a spot in the title match. 

This was the team’s second consecutive trip to the state finals, after having won the title in 2018. Star senior forward, Alex Canfield, led the team to their win on Friday and scored both goals for Crystal Lake South. He finished the season with a record-setting 34 goals and 18 assists.

On Saturday, November 9th, the Gators faced Benet Academy from Lisle, IL. Though they were outscored 2-0 by the Redwings, they closed out the season with a 2nd place finish in the IHSA Class 2A tournament and a repeat appearance in the state title game. 

“A two-year run like this is unimaginable,” said coach Brian Allen. “I’m going to miss all these guys tremendously. They put South on the map in a big way.”

District 155 would like to congratulate all the players, coaches and fans on another incredible season!

 

 

Class of 2019 Pursues Education in 28 States
Melina Weil

Eighty-nine percent of graduates will continue their studies at four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, and vocational and technical schools. More than 57 percent of students are pursuing degrees at four-year colleges and universities. The class of 2019 will continue its studies at post-secondary institutions in 28 states.

McHenry County Community College, Illinois State University, and William Rainey Harper College are the top three schools the class of 2019 will attend this fall. Students are most interested in studying health/non-medical science, business, and engineering. Seventeen students plan to serve in the armed forces. 

Ninety-three percent of students say their experiences in school allowed them to learn more about themselves and their personal aspirations. 

Ninety percent of the class of 2019 participated in at least one extracurricular activity. 

  • 22% - Arts

  • 45% - Academic 

  • 64% - Athletics 

Fifty-nine percent participated in volunteer/community service project not sponsored at Crystal Lake South. There were 372 graduates in the class of 2019. 

Community High School District 155 has conducted a uniform, district-wide senior survey for the last 12 years.

 

New Award Presented at Honors Night
Rochelle LeBreck

A new award has been added to Crystal Lake South High School’s Honors Night list, the Christopher Keyes Band Award. It was created to honor the legacy of long-time band director Chris Keyes, who impacted generations of music students at Crystal Lake South. Keyes passed away in September.

The first two recipients of the Keyes award are both students who display the love of music Mr. Keyes taught to generations of band students. Jared Reiling and Tyler Stumo were chosen to be the first recipients of the award based on the enthusiasm and passion they have displayed during their high school career.

“It was truly amazing and humbling to be a recipient of an award named after someone whose love for music was unparalleled,” said Tyler Stumo.

Stumo plans to attend McHenry County College and then transfer to Eastern Illinois University on the Louise Lundemo Memorial Music Scholarship. He wants to play trumpet professionally and perform as part of a “big band” ensemble. He is currently playing with the MCC Concert Band, and he plans to play with the Dixieland Jazz Band after graduation.

“It’s a true honor to be recognized. I have always looked forward to attending band each day, and I have so many great memories that I have built being a member of the CLS band,” said Jared Reiling.

Jared Reiling plans to attend Augustana College and double major in music and physics.

CLS Earns Spot on List of Illinois' Best Public High Schools
Rochelle LeBreck

All District 155 high schools earned a spot in the top 100 of Illinois’s Best Public High Schools for 2019. The annual list conducted by U.S. News and World Report is determined based on six factors, including how well students performed on state exams and college preparedness.

Cary-Grove earned the no. 41 spot, Prairie Ridge landed at no. 59 in the state, Crystal Lake South sits at no. 62, and Crystal Lake Central is at no. 70 in Illinois rankings. More than six-hundred schools in Illinois were evaluated for the 2019 list.

“We are proud to have all schools represented on this list,” said Steve Olson, D155 Superintendent, “The results reflect the passion of our teachers and staff as well as the dedication of our students. We hope to continue to instill valuable skills into our students so they can enter our schools with promise and leave with purpose.”

To view the Illinois’ Best Public High Schools list, and further detailed results of D155 high schools, please click here.

Crystal Lake South’s Production of Newsies Nominated for Best Choreography
Rochelle LeBreck

Crystal Lake South High School’s production of Newsies earned a nomination for Best Choreography from Broadway in Chicago’s Illinois High School Music Theater Awards.

“This particular award, Best Choreography, represents the collective, dedicated effort taken by our choreographer, Colleen Cameron, her three dance captains, Grace Adcock, Elizabeth Johnson, and Emily Young, and every member of the ensemble who worked tirelessly to learn, practice, and polish these challenging routines,” said Ben Stoner, Crystal Lake South theatre director.

The choreographer and dance captains started leading workshops last summer that continued into the fall, long before auditions were held.

“I wanted to be a dance captain for this musical because I have wanted to do Newsies since I saw it in Chicago when I was in 6th grade,” said Grace Adcock, Crystal Lake South junior, “I have always had a passion for dance, and I wanted to be able to share my passion with the cast as we continued our production.”

Crystal Lake South High School’s musical department has been recognized by the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards before. In 2018, their production of Peter Pan won the award for Best Scenic Design.

The IHSMTA awards are on Monday, May 6, 2019 in Chicago.

Eighty Business Law Students Participate in Mock Trial
Melina Weil

Eighty Crystal Lake South and Cary-Grove High School students participated in a Mock Trial on December 7. Students prepared, planned, and organized this event by working with State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally and his office staff. Each year the cases are written by the Illinois State Bar Association for High School Mock Trials. Students from both Crystal Lake South and Cary-Grove took on roles of defense and prosecutor attorneys, as well as witnesses and jurors from each school.

Student attorneys and witnesses prepared with a State's Attorney for one class period prior to the event and one hour before the event. During the trial, a State's Attorney sits with them and guides them during the opening statements, direct examination and indirect examination of witnesses as well as during the closing statements. This year, the Assistant State’s Attorneys Theresa V. Kaman and Brette Dunbar helped with Cary-Grove, and Michelle Clesceri and Bobby Zalud helped with Crystal Lake South.

This has been a very successful and rewarding learning experience for our students and we hope to continue it in the future,” said Theresa Miller, Cary-Grove’s Business Education Teacher.

For the past three years, District 155 Business Law classes have been participating in Mock Trials at the McHenry County Government Center. 

D155 Culinary Program Offers Certifications and College Credit
Shannon Podzimek

District 155 students are one step ahead of their peers gaining valuable certifications and college credit in the Culinary Arts program at Crystal Lake South High School. The program offers students the opportunity to earn two certifications, the Food Handler Certification and Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification, which gives students the advantage when applying for jobs.

Last year, 134 students earned the Food Handler’s Certification, and five earned the Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification. In addition to earning certifications students can earn college credit. Five students received dual credit through McHenry County College (MCC).

Culinary Arts I & II Commercial were offered during the 2017-18 school year and focus on nutrition and food preparation including food service and meal management. This school year, students have the option to enroll in Advanced Culinary Commercial. Students cook regional and ethnic dishes, gourmet desserts, cater, and have experience with a mock-restaurant. These courses will provide valuable insight, skills, and knowledge for students.

South’s commercial kitchen is a state-of-the-art facility featuring six food preparation stations, a classroom that also serves as a dining room, a dry storage room, a walk-in cooler, and a wash and storage area.

The culinary program at South continues to grow, enrollment is up in the culinary arts commercial classes by nearly 30 students for the 2018-19 school year. Students district-wide are eligible to enroll and travel to Crystal Lake South for these classes. Seven students will travel from other D155 schools to Crystal Lake South during the 2018-19 school year. ​