For the first time since the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA) began in 2012, all four Community High School District 155 high schools have been nominated in at least one category.

This year, three District 155 students earned nominations in individual performance categories:

• Corey Atkinson (Crystal Lake Central) was nominated for Best Performer in an Actor Role for his portrayal of Harold Hill in The Music Man.
   
• Lydia Jensen (Prairie Ridge) was nominated for Best Performer in an Actress Role for her role as Katherine Howard in SIX: Teen Edition.
   
• Aaron Yaccino (Cary-Grove) was nominated for Best Performer in an Actor Role for his role as Jack in Into the Woods.

In addition, two District 155 school productions received recognition:

• Crystal Lake Central’s production of The Music Man was nominated for Best Ensemble and Best Production.
   
• Crystal Lake South’s theatre director, Ben Stoner, was nominated for Best Direction for The SpongeBob Musical.

Brenda Hernandez Ortiz, a senior at Crystal Lake Central, has been named a Dell Scholar, earning a $20,000 scholarship along with a laptop, textbook credits, academic advising, career coaching, and ongoing support throughout college. Only 500 students nationwide are selected each year for the Dell Scholars program, which recognizes students who show a strong sense of purpose, perseverance, and a drive to succeed.

As a first-generation college student from a Mexican immigrant family, Brenda said the scholarship brings financial relief and peace of mind. Combined with merit aid from her future college, it ensures she can pursue her goals without the financial stress.

Brenda plans to attend Aurora University this fall to major in nursing. Her passion for nursing developed during her time at Crystal Lake Central, where she took the school’s certified nursing assistant (CNA) course. She currently works as a CNA at a local nursing home, the same one where she completed her clinical.

“Being able to work as a CNA has allowed me to get my foot in the door of the healthcare field and begin building my experience,” said Hernandez Ortiz. “The CNA course at Central really confirmed my passion for nursing.”

Throughout high school, Brenda maintained a GPA above 4.0 and took several dual credit classes while staying active in the school community. She served as an AVID tutor for underclassmen, a student mentor, and a leader in Latino Leadership. She was also an AVID student ambassador in this year’s showcase.

Brenda credits both her AVID teacher, Mrs. Shannon Levitt, and her parents as the most influential figures in her academic journey. 

Crystal Lake Central High School senior August Szadowski, who plans to attend Illinois State University in the fall to major in art education, has been named a Golden Apple Scholar. This award is given to students statewide who are committed to pursuing teaching careers. The program provides up to $23,000 in financial assistance for college, along with mentoring, training, and job placement support. In return, August will commit to teaching for five years at an Illinois school in need—something he views not as a requirement, but as a meaningful opportunity.

Hadley Ferrero, a senior at Crystal Lake Central High School, has been named to the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-State Academic Team, one of just 26 students statewide to earn the IHSA’s highest academic honor. She was honored at the IHSA banquet on Sunday, April 13, in Bloomington for her outstanding achievements in the classroom, in athletics, and in service to her school community.

“I am honored to be awarded this. It is a testament to the hard work I have put in and the people who have supported me. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of my family, friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates,” said Hadley Ferrero, CLC senior.