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15th annual P-ARTS Variety Show March 9 to benefit school arts program

The 15th annual P-ARTS Variety Show will highlight the talents of St. Charles East High School students at 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, at the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road in St. Charles.

The show will feature Mia Barone, Jamie Dowat, Leah Henson, Nikki Macey, David Michelotti, Stefani Paladino, Jeremy Pilario, Kyle Pullman, Selena Rosalio, Jason Sreniawski and East's Vocal Jazz Workshop, which is directed by Cory Jones.

Variety show emcees are Margaret Bronec and Alex Saviano.

Tickets will be available for purchase Friday night when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 or $5 for students.

Celebrating its 15th year, the P-ARTS Variety Show is the major fundraiser for People for the Arts or P-ARTS, St. Charles East High School's arts advocacy and booster club. P-ARTS was formed in 1979 by East teacher Ron Koeppl, who spent more than 50 years as an educator and director, most of which was in District 303.

The Black Box Theatre at St. Charles East High School bears the names of Ron and his wife, Gretchen, who devoted their lives to theater and education. After Ron died on March 10, 2016, donations in his memory were designated in part toward the theater department at the high school. These funds were used to purchase a sound system for the Black Box Theatre.

P-ARTS volunteers work with faculty and students to promote, educate and advocate for the literary, visual and performing arts as a vital component to a quality education.

In addition to the variety show, P-ARTS provides grants to East's Humanities Department and the Visiting Artists Program, and offers P-ARTS student members arts scholarships for college, camps and festivals.

P-ARTS has also been instrumental in procuring artwork displayed in the halls of St. Charles East High School. To become a member, volunteer or donate to P-ARTS, contact stcgp@hotmail.com.

St. Charles East High School is committed to equipping students with the tools they need for academic, personal and social achievement. The school enables every student to reach their highest potential by establishing a curriculum that meets or exceeds government standards for education; providing extracurricular programs that develop children's mental, physical and social skills; and partnering with parents and the community to create an environment geared to the success of all students. For more information, visit www.east.d303.org.

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