Spotlight on the Arts
Perfecting the transition. Mixing the most amazing color. Hitting the note. Rehearsing it one more time. Getting that homework finished. Hating your alarm clock.
Students who participate in the fine arts work hard. Their commitment is unwavering. Their creativity is amazing. And their accomplishments are outstanding. Time after time, study after study, participation in the Fine Arts has shown to be an accurate predictor of future success. The Arts are Smart!
In order to create a central location for those interested in IESA Fine Art activities, the "Spotlight on the Arts" webpage is being introduced.
This area will be devoted to honoring accomplishments, centralizing fine art information, providing useful links, and reinforcing the inspirational spirit of the fine arts.
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Distinguished Service |
Year |
Speech |
Music |
2010 |
Kathy Litherland, Lincoln JHS |
Debbie Seelhoefer, Mt. Zion |
2011 |
Cheryl Home, Cerro Gordo MS |
Stephanie Mencel, LaHarpe |
2012 |
Julie Nelson, Braidwood Reed-Custer |
Amanda Allen, Monticello MS |
2013 |
Terry Bosley, Armstrong-Ellis |
Patti Peterson, Wenona MS |
2014 |
Lynn Stehlik, Bradley Central |
Renee Kiah, Augusta Southeastern |
2015 |
Julie Nelson, Braidwood Reed Custer |
Robert Fornander, AlWood Middle School |
2016 |
Kathy Brake, Fisher JHS |
Beth Nuss, Paxton-Buckley-Loda |
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Steve Betz, Bradley Central |
2017 |
Mary Nelson, Dunlap MS |
Mike Fogarty, Mt. Zion IS |
2018 |
Rita Gemmer, Morris Saratoga |
--- |
2019 |
Susan Niendorf, Frankfort Hickory Creek |
Jennifer Bolton, Normal Parkside |
2020 |
Beth Sadler, Bradley West |
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2021 |
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2022 |
Lisa Lox, Stronghurst West Central & Susie Lafary, Lewistown JHS |
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2023 |
Nina Andrews, Dunlap Valley |
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Class Act |
Year |
Speech |
Music |
2010 |
Pam Iverson, Mahomet-Seymour |
Andrew Patton, Winchester |
2011 |
Liz Martin, Crescent City GS |
Abigail Houser, Paris Mayo |
2012 |
Julie Kallenbach, Mt. Sterling Brown County MS |
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2013 |
Mandy O'Neil, Champaign Jefferson |
Megan Schillinger, Chicago Holy Family |
2014 |
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Madeline Wood, Monmouth United |
2015 |
Robert Blackburn, Spring Bay Riverview |
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2016 |
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2017 |
Molly Nixon, Normal Epiphany |
Rachel Aupperle, Fisher JHS |
2018 |
Barb Scott, Newark Lisbon |
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2019 |
Susan Lipcaman, Mt. Sterling St. Mary's |
Jonathan Smaga, Annawan |
2020 |
Brandy McQuen, Ottawa Rutland |
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2021 |
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2022 |
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2023 |
Natasha Jones, Manteno |
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Ken Bradbury Lifetime Service- Speech |
Year |
Speech |
2018 |
Ken Bradbury |
2019 |
Kathy Litherland |
2020 |
Roger Green |
2021 |
Trish Ballard |
2022 |
Carole Rogers |
2023 |
Lynn Mueller, Watseka |
Music |
"Music is about communication, creativity, and cooperation, and by studying music in school, students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective."
- Bill Clinton, former US President
STUDENTS IN MUSIC PROGRAMS:
- Achieve significantly higher graduation rates.
- Improve their overall academic performance.
- More likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
- Develop a positive work ethic and pride in their work.
- Appreciate and understand the world around them.
- Are more engaged in the learning process.
- Express themselves creatively.
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Speech |
"I tell my football players that it was the athletic program at Triopia that made me a player, but it was Jr. High speech contest that made me a coach. That's where I learned to express myself."
- Jay Wessler, former head football coach, Triopia High School and member of state champion IHSA football team
Last year 200 elementary schools in the state of Illinois were given a chance of a lifetime, and all at little cost to their school districts!
No other organization in Illinois offers any type of speech competition for grades 5-8, and a proud tradition of elementary and junior speech and dramatics stretching all the way back to 1934.
Like all the arts, Speech allows students to communicate with and understand others in new ways. Perhaps more than any other activity, Speech also provides training in the very practical aspects of communication so necessary in today's increasingly information-centered world. The ability to communicate effectively will give students the tools to be dynamic leaders in their communities.
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Art |
"Art helps students develop and showcase their creativity and problem solving skills. These skills are in great demand in the 21st century workplace as companies seek out individuals who can help them prosper by creating innovative products and services".
- John Rokenbrod, Assistant Principal
Our economy is increasingly based on careers in sectors that require creativity, problem solving and analytical thinking. Participation in the arts is a key component of a student's education and development. Knowledge of the arts will profoundly impact their lives and shape their success in the future.
A well-rounded education that includes the arts improves students' chances of success after graduation, both within and outside of traditional creative industries.
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