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Conant Alumni give thanks to retiring drama teacher

Upon the announcement that Marty Jean Goughnour, head director of the Conant High School drama club for nearly two decades, was retiring, alumni sprang into action to give her the surprise of a lifetime Saturday, night, May 21.

Goughnour, a Palatine resident, has been a member of Conant's English department since 1981, and has been the head director of the drama club, improv troupe, and thespian society since the 1997-1998 school year. In that time, she directed no less than 40 productions, has worked with at least 25 sets of siblings, and awarded 28 individuals the Honor Bar - an award given to those in high school theater who have put in at least 650 hours of service.

When it was learned that this school year would be her last, plans were made via a private Facebook group among alumni. The annual induction into the International Thespian Society was something all alumni had memories of, and the ceremony always acts as the final Conant theater event of the school year. It was the natural choice for a time to express their gratitude.

Following what is usually the conclusion of the ceremony on Saturday night, current students presented selections from Romeo & Juliet, a play Goughnour had always hoped to direct one day. Goughnour was then completely taken by surprise and many became emotional as representatives from almost every graduating class since 1998 joined her on stage, some traveling from as far away from New York, California, and Florida specifically for the event. She was presented with a book of alumni's favorite memories, an album of cast and club photos from over the years, and a slideshow.

The evening became a mass reunion. With all in attendance united by a common appreciation of theater as well as having once walked Conant's halls, conversation flowed. Older alumni connected with those fresh out of high school, and all reminisced about the time gone by.

The surprises were coordinated by alumnae Shayna Adelman (a current Conant teacher and drama assistant director) and Monica Fumarolo, and the slideshow was put together by alumna Bethi Oates.

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