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Lake Zurich High set to Billy Misik Foundation musical gala

The Lake Zurich High School choir will host "In Love & Song," a musical gala celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Billy Misik Foundation.

The performance is Monday, June 20, at 7 p.m. in the Lake Zurich High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St. Admission is free.

The Billy Misik Foundation was established to provide scholarships for Lake Zurich High School students pursuing a major in vocal or dramatic arts at a four-year college or university. The scholarships are one part of the foundation's overall commitments to education and performing arts but also to supporting brain tumor research.

The foundation is a lasting legacy of Billy's life and passion for theater and music. Billy grew up in Lake Zurich, and from a young age, he was actively involved in theater, drama, music in school and local community programs, inspiring standing ovations with his remarkable talent.

Afflicted with a malignant brain tumor in the spring of his senior year of high school, Billy valiantly battled the cancer through three years of treatment while in college.

Realizing he was not likely to recover and achieve his dream of a professional career in musical theater, Billy asked his mom to set up a scholarship in his name to make it possible for other students who had shown a sincere dedication to their art to pursue their dreams in music and theater. The Billy Misik Foundation for Vocal and Dramatic Arts was established in 2006 after his death. Merit-based scholarships have been awarded on a yearly basis; as of this 10th anniversary, 22 scholarships have been awarded.

The request of one young man to "pay it forward" through this foundation, in the work that he loved so very much, is represented at this gala and continues in the excellence of these performers.

Scholarship recipients, alumni of Chris Misik's voice studio and friends of Billy and Chris will present a special evening of entertainment.

The Billy Misik Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization managed through Inland Bank, 1100 South Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. All donations are tax deductible.

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