School News

 

Two District 155 Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

Two District 155 seniors, Braedan Mendro, Cary-Grove High School, and Jackson Lisle, Crystal Lake Central High School, have been named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Semifinalists. This prestigious program recognizes the top-performing high school students in the nation based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and now have the opportunity to advance to finalist standing, which could lead to National Merit Scholarships totaling more than $28 million nationwide.

Braedan Mendro is active in student council, national honor society, CG elevate, invest CG, disc golf club, and baseball, and serves on the student council board. He credits teachers Tim Garis and Matthew Hawley for inspiring him to fully engage in his classes.

“They were both so passionate about their classes and preparing students for success—it made me want to put my full effort in,” said Braedan Mendro, Cary-Grove senior.

Braedan also highlights the support of his family. After high school, he plans to study mechanical engineering and hopes to pursue research in nuclear fusion or robotics.

Jackson Lisle, student council president at Crystal Lake Central, balances leadership roles with involvement in national honor society, legacy club, math team, scholastic bowl, varsity tennis, and Central Crazies. He thanks teachers like Audrey Mazzuca and Angela Welder for their support and impact on his academic growth.

“Mrs. Mazzuca’s passion for science inspired me to pursue a career that I love, and Mrs. Welder taught me grammar and test-taking skills I still use today,” said Jackson Lisle, Crystal Lake Central senior.

Outside the classroom, Jackson serves on the Crystal Lake City Youth Commission, assists in a mobile app development class, and completed an internship with Every Page Counts, a publishing company. He plans to study finance and computer science to explore his interests in technology and business.

The achievements of Braedan and Jackson reflect District 155’s dedication to academic excellence and its focus on preparing students for success beyond high school. 

 

Performance Dates & Times: 

October 23 - 6:30 p.m.
October 24- 6:30 p.m.
October 25 - 6:30 p.m.

Ticket Information: Tickets can be online or at the door. 
$10 for adults,
$5 for students
Free for students with an activity ticket.

Purchase Tickets Here

Description:
CLC is proud to bring the fast-paced, unpredictable world of Chicago's very own Neo-Futurist theater to the Central stage with its production of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. In this unique performance, students race against the clock to present “30 Plays in 60 Minutes,” a whirlwind mix of comedy, drama, and audience interaction. Each short play—funny, thought-provoking, or absurd—reflects the energy and creativity of our ensemble. Because each show is shaped by chance and audience participation, no two performances are ever the same

All Four D155 High Schools Nationally Recognized for Seventh Straight Year

 

For the seventh consecutive year, all four Community High School District 155 high schools have been ranked among the top 14% of public high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings. Nearly 18,000 public high schools were ranked nationwide, based on graduation rates, state assessment performance, and college readiness, out of more than 24,000 reviewed. 

All four schools also earned recognition among the best high schools in the state of Illinois.

Cary-Grove - 68

Prairie Ridge High - 87

Crystal Lake Central - 102

Crystal Lake South -108

“As a district, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that our schools are rigorous, relevant, and responsive to the needs of our students and community,” said Dr. Neil Lesinski, superintendent. "We celebrate recognition when it comes, but our true measure of impact is found in our students’ growth, their readiness for life after high school, and the positive contributions they make to their communities. That’s the work we are proud to stand behind every day."

The U.S. News rankings highlight the excellence of District 155’s high schools and reflect the district’s commitment to providing students with a broad range of opportunities, innovative learning experiences, and a supportive, inclusive environment that prepares them for success beyond high school.

 

All Four D155 Schools Earn Statewide Recognition at Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards

 

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.

The IHSMTA is one of the top honors for high school musical theatre in Illinois. Each year, students from across the state compete for recognition in a highly competitive process, with over 315 students from 85 schools participating this year. Nominees are selected by a panel of industry professionals who evaluate performances in musical theatre productions.

“Being nominated is an incredible honor, and it wouldn't have been possible without the hard work of my cast, crew, band, and directors. This journey has taught me that doubt and fear are the only things standing between you and your dreams. Believe in yourself and see how far it can take you,” said Aaron Yaccino, nominated for best performer.

These students will participate in workshops with professional theatre artists leading up to a live performance on May 12, 2025, at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place in Chicago. Two students from the 24 actor and actress nominees will be selected to represent Illinois at the Jimmy Awards in New York City this summer.

Crystal Lake Central’s Brenda Hernandez Ortiz Named Dell Scholar

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. 

“From day one, Mrs. Levitt pushed me to be involved and always believed in me,” said Brenda. “She’s held me together on my hardest days, and I always look forward to seeing her.” 

She added that her parents have been a constant source of encouragement, always urging her to stay focused and take every opportunity.

Brenda’s goal is to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and continue serving her community as a nurse. As the oldest child in her family and the first to attend college, she hopes her story inspires others who share similar backgrounds to aim high and pursue their dreams.

“I want to show other children of immigrant parents that their dreams are valid, and it’s possible to achieve them.”