Maine West Film Festival & Awards 2026: A Celebration of Student Voice and Vision #207Now @mainewestfab @wmth_west

 

The Maine West Film Festival & Awards night on Monday, April 13th, was a powerful culmination of a year of creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. The event brought together students and families to celebrate the full range of film projects created throughout the year - each one a reflection of student voice, growth, and artistic risk-taking.

From narrative films to documentaries, experimental pieces to collaborative class projects, the festival showcased the depth and diversity of work happening within our media arts program. 

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of student leaders who have helped shape the culture of the program. These students have not only developed their own craft, but have also lifted others - mentoring peers, leading productions, and setting a tone of collaboration and excellence. Their contributions have left a lasting mark on the program and will continue to influence future filmmakers at Maine West.

We also took time to celebrate the senior class, whose body of work represents years of growth, persistence, and passion. Their films tell stories that are personal, thoughtful, and often deeply impactful. More importantly, they leave behind a legacy of creativity and leadership that will continue to raise the bar for years to come.

More pictures from this year's film festival can be found HERE.

Excellence in Action: Mr. Benitez Honored at Scholastic Awards #207Now #excellence #artexhibit @mainewestart @lahartanddesign2 @mainewestfab

 

Maine West is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of first-year art teacher Mr. Chuy Benitez, who was recently recognized at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Chicago Regional Ceremony as one of just eight educators honored for having the highest number of individual student award recipients.

In Photography alone, Maine West students earned recognition in an incredibly competitive field. Out of more than 4,000 total art submissions - over 1,000 of which were Photography - only about 15% received any level of award. Among those, nine Maine West students were recognized, an impressive accomplishment that speaks to both student dedication and strong instruction.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Benitez also served as the lead coordinator for Maine West’s Scholastic Awards submission process. His organization and leadership helped result in the highest number of student participants and award recipients the school has seen in recent years.

This kind of impact in a first year is remarkable. Thank you, Mr. Benitez, for raising the bar and creating meaningful, high-level opportunities for all of our visual art students!

AP Art Exhibit: A Celebration of Voice, Process, and Growth! #207Now #ap @mainewestart @lahartanddesign2 @mainewestfab

 

The AP Art Exhibit is always one of the most powerful moments of the year, and this year’s show was no exception. Walking through the exhibit, it’s immediately clear that this experience is about so much more than finished pieces - it’s also about the journey each student has taken to get there.

Throughout the year, AP artists are challenged to develop a sustained investigation - digging deeply into ideas, experimenting with materials, and refining their voice. The work on display reflects that commitment. Each piece is part of a larger story, showing not only technical skill, but thoughtful risk-taking, problem-solving, and persistence.

What stands out most is the individuality of each collection. From detailed drawings and expressive paintings to innovative mixed media, digital art and ceramics, every student approached their concentration with a unique perspective. 

Beyond the artwork itself, this exhibit represents growth. These students have learned how to think like artists: to revise, to reflect, and to push their work further with intention. That kind of learning extends far beyond the art room and will serve them in whatever path they choose.

Thank you to our AP Art students for the dedication, creativity, and courage you brought to this work, and to our teachers for guiding and supporting them every step of the way. This exhibit is something to be truly proud of - we hope this is just the beginning of where their artistic journeys will go.

Thank you to the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters for your financial support of the reception refreshments.

More photos from the exhibit can be found HERE.

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	Color Pencil
AISHA MUSIC	Mixed Media
VANESSA KOPEC	Graphite Drawing
ANTONIA GOMEZ	Acyrlic Painting
LUIZA SZERSZENOWICZ	Graphite Drawing
DIONE LOYOLA	Mixed Media
VICTORIA KAMBOUROV	Mixed Media
HENRY HRYHORCHUK	Color Pencil
ABIGAIL SCOTT	Acyrlic Painting
SALINA MITHANI	Mixed Media
BLAKE PREIKSAITIS	Color Pencil
HENRY HRYHORCHUK	Marker
BELLA DUREC	Digital Art
SABEEN SALEH	Digital Art
ABBY GOMEZ TELLO URIAS	Digital Art
DANIELLE ESCOBAR	Digital Art
ADELINA ORTEGA	Digital Art
ISABELA HENRIKSON	Digital Art
GWEN VAN HUIS	Digital Art
RAY COPELAND	Digital Art
MARK DAVID	Digital Art
AISHA MUSIC	Digital Art
ALEXANDRA RIVERA	Digital Art
ANELYA ASANKULOVA	Pastel
PENELOPE SALINAS	Photography
RUTH GONZALEZ	Photography
ANDREY CATALAN	Photography
NATHAN SUCIU	Photography
BELLA DUREC	Photography
LIANA ZAJCZENKO	Photography
MAIA TARASZKA	Photography
LEAH BRATANCH	Photography
KATELYN YZQUIERDO	Photography
ALONA DANIEL	Photography
ALEXIS FAJARDO	Photography
ELISA MURILLO	Photography
SABRINA FOY	Printmaking
NATALIE PABON	Fiber mixed media
VICTORIA DJURICKOVIC	Ceramic
YULIANNA DOVHA	Painted Foam
EDNA CHAVEZ	Ceramic
PAOLA ALVAREZ	Ceramic
LAYLA MILLER	Mixed Media
ARIANNA CLARINO	Ceramic
CHELSEA EBITTY-BOGNAN	Ceramic
LILY GARCEAU	Mosaic
AVIANA VEGA	Ceramic
EIVA SILEIKA	Ceramic
LAILA MORELLI	Ceramic
SYDNEY HOUDEK	Ceramic
ROXY TURADEK	Ceramic
OLIVIA ZOLLI	Mosaic
ARIANA ARZOLA	Mosaic

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!

Maine West's Group Interpretation Team Debuts "A League of Their Own!" #207Now #groupinterp #theatre #ihsa @mainewestfab

 

The return of Group Interpretation at Maine West marks an exciting new chapter for our performing arts program. For the first time since the 1980s, students took the stage as a team to bring "A League of Their Own" to life - blending storytelling, movement, and ensemble performance in a powerful and engaging way.

What stood out most was the commitment of the students to one another. Group Interp demands trust, precision, and a shared vision, and this team rose to the challenge. Their performance captured both the energy and heart of the story, while showcasing the strength of collaboration at its best.

A special thank you to their director, Ms. Kristin Imberger, for her care, vision, and dedication it takes to build something from the ground up. Bringing this experience back to Maine West has created a meaningful opportunity for students and set a strong foundation for what’s ahead.

This milestone performance not only celebrates what these students accomplished, but also opens the door for future performers to explore this unique and dynamic art form. It’s exciting to see this tradition return and begin building momentum once again!

Many more pictures of the performance and group pictures of the team can be found HERE.

Congratulations to Maine West Bands! #207Now #musiceducation @mainewestband @mainewestfab

 

Congratulations to the students in the Maine West Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Technique Ensemble on their wonderful performances at this evening's Band Concert!

The band concert showcased the growth and dedication of our students over quarter 3. They performed with confidence, strong ensemble awareness, and clear attention to detail.

Most importantly, students demonstrated their ability to work together and share their progress through a meaningful live performance. Thank you to all of the family, friends and fans who attended tonight's concert!

HERE is a folder full of pictures from tonight's concert.

HERE is the digital program.

Thank you to the students in WMTH for livestreaming tonight's concert! If you missed it, please enjoy the livestreamed video below:

Spring Choir Concert #207Now #musiceducation @mainewestchoir @mainewestfab

 

Tonight, the choir program presented their Spring Concert that highlighted the growth, dedication, and musicianship of our students. 

The program featured a thoughtful variety of musical styles, creating a concert that was engaging from beginning to end. Each selection challenged the students musically while still allowing them to perform at a high level. The repertoire also gave students opportunities to explore different musical traditions and expressive styles, and it was clear that they connected with the music they were performing. That connection showed in their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment throughout the performance.

Several students selected from the recent vocal solo night also performed at tonight's concert.

Most importantly, the concert reflected the hard work students have invested throughout the year so far. Learning to sing as an ensemble requires careful listening, trust, and collaboration, and the students demonstrated all of these skills on stage. Their growth as musicians and performers was clear to everyone in the audience.

Congratulations to all of the students who performed. Their dedication, courage, and teamwork made for a memorable evening of music!

More pictures from tonight's concert can be found HERE.

The concert program can be found HERE.

A livestream by the student filmmakers in WMTH can be found below:

Spotlight Art Exhibit 2026 #207Now #artexhibit @mainewestfab

Tonight, the Fine Arts Department hosted the Spotlight Art Exhibit, featuring work from students in Photography, Ceramics and Design, Digital Art, and Drawing and Painting classes. The exhibit celebrated the creativity and dedication students have shown throughout the year.

Visitors had the chance to experience a wide range of artistic approaches—from carefully composed photographs and detailed drawings to imaginative digital pieces and thoughtfully crafted ceramic work. Each piece reflected the time, effort, and artistic growth students have developed in their classes.

Events like this highlight the courage it takes to share creative work with an audience and give students a chance to see their ideas come to life in a public space. We are proud of the artists who participated and grateful to the teachers who continue to challenge and support students as they grow their skills and confidence.

The Spotlight Art Exhibit was a wonderful reminder of the creativity happening in our classrooms every day!

More pictures from the exhibit can be found HERE.

Thank you to the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters for your support of the refreshments and baked goods at tonight's reception!

Opening Night of Mamma Mia! #207Now #musicaltheatre @mainewestfab @mainewestdrama

Opening night of Mamma Mia! at Maine West High School was a joyful celebration of student talent, collaboration, and community spirit. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was transported to a sun-soaked Greek island, where the cast delivered energetic performances, heartfelt storytelling, and the timeless music of ABBA with confidence and charm.

The production showcased the extraordinary dedication of our students on stage and behind the scenes. Vibrant choreography, colorful costumes, and a dynamic pit orchestra brought the show to life, while the technical crew created a seamless theatrical experience that reflected months of careful planning and craftsmanship.

Most inspiring was the sense of connection in the room. Families, alumni, and community members filled the auditorium, cheering on students whose hard work and passion were evident in every scene. Opening night reminded us that the arts are more than performances—they are opportunities for students to grow, take risks, and create something meaningful together.

We are incredibly proud of everyone involved in this production and grateful to the supporters who help make these experiences possible. If opening night is any indication, this run of Mamma Mia! will be one to remember! 

You have three more opportunities to catch the Maine West Fine Arts production of Mamma Mia:

Friday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 22nd at 2:00 p.m.

You are encouraged to skip the line by getting your tickets in advance at mwfinearts.ludus.com!

Many more pictures from the production can be found HERE.

A HUGE thank you to all of the parent volunteers with the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters for your help - not just tonight, but throughout the entirety of our rehearsals and performances. You make incredible things happen for our students and community!