Five Illinois students named Young Artists

Five Illinois high school students, including three from the North suburbs, were chosen from more than 4,000 applicants to participate in YoungArts Week.

The students will spend Jan. 11 to 16 in Miami for classes with world-renowned artists, performances and exhibitions, said Kate McPherson, a spokesman for YoungArts, based in Miami.

The students also will compete for a chance to be named gold and silver winners and travel to New York for an additional week in April. Once in New York the students will compete for a chance to visit the White House in June, McPherson said.

"But Miami is the starting point and students will be flown in for an all expense paid trip," she said.

The 17- and 18-year-old Illinois students are:

• Willson Oppendahl of Libertyville (Libertyville High School): Music

• Lauren Williams of Northbrook (Chicago Academy for Arts): Music

• Katelyn Wilson of South Barrington (Barrington Community High School): Voice

• Matthew Lipman of University Park (Crete-Monee High School): Music

• Rebecca Lucas of Chicago (University of Chicago Laboratory High School): Writing

YoungArts is the core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. YoungArts recognizes students in the categories of cinematic arts, dance, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing.

"We are honored to recognize these fine young artists," said Christina DePaul, president of YoungArts. "They represent the next generation of extraordinary artistic talent, and it is our hope that their experience with YoungArts will compel them to pursue their passions."