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District 214 students to show off talent at Arts Spotlight

Talented High School District 214 students will light up the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre stage at 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, with a series of dance, vocal and instrumental acts in the second annual Arts Spotlight, a showcase of talent benefiting career exploration in the arts.

Hosted by the District 214 Education Foundation, in partnership with the district's Fine and Performing Arts departments and instructors, the event will feature two acts from each of the district's six comprehensive high schools, as well as 2D pieces from student artists at every school.

Stephen Colella, an Elk Grove High School alumnus who starred on Broadway before returning to District 214 to teach - he now heads up Wheeling High School's choral program - will emcee the event.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The price includes appetizers donated by Arlington Heights restaurants, as well as the entire show. To purchase tickets visit, 214foundation.org/arts.

A sell-out crowd of community members, alumni, donors, parents and staff attended last year's inaugural event, raising more than $5,000 to launch the fund, which creates new opportunities for students to explore unique arts fields and provides funding where it's most needed to prepare young artists for success beyond high school.

"We are so proud to partner with staff and students on this event," said Erin Holmes, executive director of the foundation. "To see their enthusiasm and pride as they perform on stage, and see the audience overwhelmed by the talent, is another reminder of why we do what we do, and a wonderful example of why public education works."

The event is sponsored by Yev Kozachuk-Edward Jones of Mount Prospect. Bronze sponsors include Crown Trophy, Quinlan and Fabish and School of Rock in Arlington Heights.

Donating restaurants include Rep's Place in Rolling Meadows and Shakou, Mago Grill and Cantina, La Tasca Tapas Restaurant and Passero in Arlington Heights. Tortorice's Pizzeria will provide pizzas for performers.

Every year, the schools' arts teachers and coordinators work together to select top performers who represent various aspects of the fine and performing arts.

"As educators who work with these students every day, we know the talent. It is second to none," said Jeremy Morton, District 214 Fine Arts coordinator.

"Our goal is to make sure everyone else knows and recognizes it takes a community to build the incredible program we have in District 214. We are so thankful to have a board, foundation and parents who recognize the value of the arts and continue to create new opportunities."

While some acts have yet to be confirmed, performances will include: Buffalo Grove High School: violin solo and piano composition; Hersey High School: instrument solo and vocal solo; Prospect High School: dance solo and orchestra group; Elk Grove High School: dance group and vocal solo; Rolling Meadows High School: humorous interpretation piece and oboe solo; and Wheeling High School: small vocal group.

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