Congratulations to Shane Washington on his State Recognition in Filmmaking! #207Now #excellence @mainewestfab @wmth_west

Maine West continues to shine in the creative arts! We recently learned that student filmmaker Shane Washington has been named a State Finalist in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Electric 18 Film Competition.

Shane’s film, Injury Diaries, offers a personal look at his experience navigating an injury as a runner. Through thoughtful storytelling and strong visual choices, the film captures both the physical and emotional challenges of being sidelined from something you love.

This recognition highlights not only Shane’s talent and dedication, but also the powerful work our student filmmakers are creating every day. We’re excited to see his work recognized at the state level and look forward to what he creates next!

We invite you to watch Injury Diaries below:

Shane will be recognized by the Maine Township Board of Education Meeting for his state qualification on May 4th (Maine South).

Congratulations to West Visual Artists on Their Selection to the CSL Art Exhibit! #207Now #artexhibit #excellence @mainewestart @lahartanddesign2 @mainewestfab

 

A number of Maine West visual art students have been selected for exhibition at this year's Central Suburban League (CSL) Art Exhibit! 

Please join us for a public reception at The Art Center of Highland Park (1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL) on April 16th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.!

Congratulations to the following students!

JAIME OROZCO	Maine West	Color Pencil
AISHA MUSIC	Maine West	Mixed Media
VANESSA KOPEC	Maine West	Graphite Drawing
ANTONIA GOMEZ	Maine West	Acyrlic Painting
LUIZA SZERSZENOWICZ	Maine West	Graphite Drawing
DIONE LOYOLA	Maine West	Mixed Media
VICTORIA KAMBOUROV	Maine West	Mixed Media
HENRY HRYHORCHUK	Maine West	Color Pencil
ABIGAIL SCOTT	Maine West	Acyrlic Painting
SALINA MITHANI	Maine West	Mixed Media
BLAKE PREIKSAITIS	Maine West	Color Pencil
HENRY HRYHORCHUK	Maine West	Marker
BELLA DUREC	Maine West	Digital Art
SABEEN SALEH	Maine West	Digital Art
ABBY GOMEZ TELLO URIAS	Maine West	Digital Art
DANIELLE ESCOBAR	Maine West	Digital Art
ADELINA ORTEGA	Maine West	Digital Art
ISABELA HENRIKSON	Maine West	Digital Art
GWEN VAN HUIS	Maine West	Digital Art
RAY COPELAND	Maine West	Digital Art
MARK DAVID	Maine West	Digital Art
AISHA MUSIC	Maine West	Digital Art
ALEXANDRA RIVERA	Maine West	Digital Art
ANELYA ASANKULOVA	Maine West	Pastel
PENELOPE SALINAS	Maine West	Photography
RUTH GONZALEZ	Maine West	Photography
ANDREY CATALAN	Maine West	Photography
NATHAN SUCIU	Maine West	Photography
BELLA DUREC	Maine West	Photography
LIANA ZAJCZENKO	Maine West	Photography
MAIA TARASZKA	Maine West	Photography
LEAH BRATANCH	Maine West	Photography
KATELYN YZQUIERDO	Maine West	Photography
ALONA DANIEL	Maine West	Photography
ALEXIS FAJARDO	Maine West	Photography
ELISA MURILLO	Maine West	Photography
SABRINA FOY	Maine West	Printmaking
NATALIE PABON	Maine West	Fiber mixed media

Improv Warriors Spring Show! #207Now #improv @mainewestfab @mainewestdrama

 

Maine West's very own improv troupe, The Improv Warriors, took the stage and delivered a night that was completely unscripted, unpredictable, and full of energy!

From the very first game, students jumped in with confidence - building scenes on the spot, embracing unexpected twists, and fully committing to every moment. What made the performance especially memorable was their willingness to take risks. In improv, not every idea lands perfectly, but the strength of this group was in how they supported one another, adapted quickly, and kept the momentum going.

Audience suggestions fueled the entire show, turning everyday ideas into creative, often hilarious scenes. Whether it was a quick-thinking wordplay challenge or a longer-form scene that evolved in surprising ways, the Improv Warriors showed just how powerful collaboration and creativity can be.

Beyond the laughter, this performance highlighted important skills our students are developing: listening, teamwork, confidence, and the ability to think on their feet. These are skills that extend far beyond the stage and into every aspect of their learning and growth.

This was a joyful, high-energy performance that reflected the dedication and growth of these students. Bravo to each and every Improv Warrior and to their director, Mr. David Harmon!

More pictures can be found HERE.

Congratulations to all of the students inducted this morning into the Tri-M Music Honor Society! #207Now #honors @mainewestfab

 

This morning's Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction Ceremony was a meaningful celebration of both achievement and commitment to music. Students were recognized not only for their musical excellence, but for their leadership, service, and dedication to growing our music community.

Throughout the ceremony, inductees reflected on what music has taught them—discipline, collaboration, and the courage to perform and create. These students represent the very best of what our Fine Arts programs strive to cultivate.

We’re proud of the way they continue to raise the bar, support one another, and contribute to a culture where music matters every day.

Maine West Winter Guard Places 3rd in the State Competition! #207Now #winterguard #colorguard @mainewestfab @mainewestguard

 

We are incredibly proud of our Maine West Winter Guard Team for placing THIRD in their class in this past weekend's State Championships at Victor J. Andrew High School! In only its third year of existence, the West Winter Guard has elevated themselves as a force to be reckoned with! This is a reflection of all of the hard work and dedication of every team member, as well as their incredible coach, Kaitlyn Colyer. We are so proud of you all! Way to represent West!

West Side Dance Company performs "Out With the Old, In With the New!" #207Now #dance #orchesis @mainewestfab @mw_westsidedanceco @mainewestguard

 

The West Side Dance Company took the stage last night with their concert, Out with the Old, In with the New, delivering a performance that was both powerful and deeply expressive. What made the concert especially exciting was that most of the pieces were student-choreographed! Each work showcased individual creativity and perspective, from bold, high-energy routines to more intimate and reflective pieces. The dancers moved with confidence and intention, showing growth in both precision and artistry. 

A special highlight of the evening was the guest performance by the Maine West Winter Guard. Through their integration of movement, music, and visual design, they created a captivating experience that expanded the scope of the performance.

A huge thank you goes to West Side Dance Coach Tuesdai Perry!

Congratulations to the West Side Dance Company and the Maine West Winter Guard on a performance that reflects both where they are now and the exciting direction they’re headed. The bar has clearly been raised, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Many more pictures from tonight's performance can be found HERE.

The program can be found HERE.

If you missed tonight's performance, a video captured by our video production interns can be enjoyed below:

Maine West Winter Guard Performs Double Act for Community Ahead of their STATE Competition! #207Now #winterguard @mainewestfab @mainewestguard

 

Maine West Winter Guard’s “Double Act” performance dazzled the audience with selections from the musical Chicago, highlighting both technical skill and showmanship. In just their third year, this group has grown tremendously, bringing precision, energy, and creativity to every moment on the floor.

Their hard work paid off at the Hersey Competition, where they earned first place, and now they’re heading to the state level to showcase their talent on an even bigger stage! A huge thank you to their visionary coach, Ms. Kaitlyn Colyer, whose dedication and high expectations continue to inspire the team to reach new heights. 

Well done, Winter Guard! We are so proud of you!

HERE are more pictures from the Winter Guard performance.

If you missed it, please enjoy watching "Double Act" below!