It has been shown that art education strongly promotes the development of creative thinking and problem-solving skills in young students. The Showcase of the Arts here at Lake High School highlighted the importance of these art programs as a cornerstone of education. Continuing to supply adequate funding for art education is also necessary in order to ensure that students are provided with an imperative outlet for self-expression.
Upon first arriving at the Showcase of the Arts, a variety of student artwork could be seen on display down the entirety of the entrance hallway. Featuring pieces from kindergarten students all the way up to high school seniors, this scene of artistic expression truly set the stage for the diverse panel of creativity presented throughout the event. Seeing as the occasion required no entrance fee, this event also presented an accessible opportunity for friends and family to support their featured student’s artistic talents.
Kicking off the showcase was a performance from the Lake High School Reflections, a selective chorus consisting of a number of talented high school vocalists. Led by Mrs. Bordo, Reflections embodies the lyrical capabilities that have been fostered through maintaining our school’s musical studies. Paige Bays, a senior member of the Reflections program, states that the arts have “allowed me to meet a lot of people and connect with some of my current best friends.”
She also shares that these programs are essential to maintain, as they provide students with “another pathway for expression that they otherwise wouldn’t have.
Following the Reflections production, Mrs. Shaub, the head of the Unified Arts department, gave her opening speech celebrating the immense talent presented by our arts students. Deserving the spotlight just as much, she also accentuated the incredible dedication displayed by the educators fueling our STEAM programs. As a Lake Elementary music educator, Mrs. Shaub shared the importance of creative expression in granting students, “the ability to see yourself as who you are.” She then continued on to share the insightful perspective that, “when you create the ability to enhance the lives of others through the arts, it makes the world a better place.”
After this, attendees could then make their way to the main gym to enter into a variety of raffle basket opportunities and enjoy the student-led children’s craft station. Inspired by the joyous artist Gary Hirsh, a group of volunteer choir students directed a unique, family-friendly creation of personalized “joy bots” using domino-esque canvases and Sharpie paint pens.
The next performance of the night was a series of vocal solos from a select few Reflections students. Due to the group’s January performance having been unfortunately canceled, the Showcase of the Arts presented a wonderful opportunity for these students to exhibit their remarkable abilities in front of a considerable audience. Occurring alongside these performances was a preview of this year’s high school musical production, “Into the Woods.” Also administered by the Lake High School choir director, Mrs. Bordo, “Into the Woods” follows a series of conjoined fairy tales played by a 32-person cast consisting of committed students with varying personalities and musical attributes.
Transitioning over to the Performing Arts Hall, showings of all three of the high school concert bands were previewed in sequence. The first group introduced was the Lake High School Concert Band, followed by the Symphonic Band, and concluded with the Symphonic Winds. These awe-striking performances provided the groups with a beneficial opportunity to prepare for their official end-of-year concert on May 8th, 2025. Well-deserving of its title as the pride of Lake Township, the Lake High School Band program is an extraordinarily well-established department fueling the presence of artistry in a number of students’ lives.
The last, but certainly not least performance was from the Lake High School Orchestra, a 73-member group featuring exceedingly talented student musicians. The strength of the orchestra program was presented across two different productions during the event, one consisting of a small string choir and the other featuring the entirety of the ensemble. Directed by Mrs. Scott, the Lake High School Orchestra perfectly demonstrates the exceptional creativity and expression promoted through the arts.
In the end, maintaining the stability of educational art programs should be a top priority of Lake Local Schools, as music and art are the root of individuality. Creative expression accentuates the values that fabricate a successful student, requiring an immense amount of focus, technical skill, and patience. The Lake Unified Arts program recognizes the importance of fostering these creative aspects among students, continually promoting the qualities that truly make Lake great.
