Annual Drama Awards and International Thespian Induction Ceremony #207Now #thespian #awards @mainewestdrama @mainewestfab

 
Last night, we wrapped up another successful theatre season with our annual Drama Awards and Thespian Induction Ceremony—a night filled with laughter, gratitude, and heartfelt applause! Students were recognized for their outstanding performances, technical contributions, leadership, and commitment to our theatre community. From unforgettable roles on stage to tireless work behind the scenes, every award reflected the passion and dedication of our incredible students.

We also proudly welcomed our newest members into the International Thespian Society, honoring their achievements and commitment to the dramatic arts. Their induction marks a meaningful milestone in their journey as theatre artists and leaders!

Congratulations to all award recipients and inductees! Your talent, teamwork, and creativity continue to raise the bar and inspire us all. 

Thank you to Mr. David Harmon, Mr. Peter McManus and Ms. Judy Klingner for sponsoring such a celebratory event!

More pictures from the Drama Awards can be found HERE.

Spring Piano Recital #207Now #piano @mainewestfab

 

On May 6th, our Piano 1 and Piano 2 students took the stage for a beautiful recital showcasing their hard work, creativity, and growth! From first-time performers to more experienced players, each student brought their unique personality and musical voice to the keyboard. The recital featured a wide variety of pieces—from classical to contemporary—and highlighted the progress they've made in technique, expression, and confidence.

It was inspiring to see students support each other, take musical risks, and share their artistry with a full house of family and friends. Huge shoutout to our piano students for their dedication and to our amazing audience for creating such a supportive environment!

HERE are more pictures from the recital.

HERE is the program.

Maine West Film Student Katie Huk Earns NATAS Nomination! #207Now #filmmaking #studentemmy @wmth_west @mainewestfab

The Foundation of The National Academy for Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced the nominees for the 2025 National Student Production Awards. Nominees were selected from high school student entries from across the United States in 25 different programming and craft categories. 

"The EMMY® Awards are the “gold standard” in the television broadcast industry - recognizing the very best of the best. Similarly, the National Student Production Awards recognize the very best from our industry’s next generation of media creators and leaders.,” said Terry O’Reilly, Chairman, NATAS. “The work they’re doing today promises an amazing future ahead - for them, and for the entire television community."

“The work created by our nominees is exemplary,” said Danielle Mannion, Education Chair, NATAS. “Each year the students and their teachers raise the bar of excellence higher. The future of the industry looks bright with these talented individuals leading the way!”

This year’s submissions were successfully culled from over 2000 entries from the regional chapters of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Entries were judged by selected industry professionals and media academics.

Maine West's Kathryn Huk received a national nomination in the category of commercial for her piece, Eggo: Worth the Wait.

A NATAS nomination is the equivalent to being nominated for a student Emmy award! It is a huge honor and means you are in the top 2-5 projects of your submitted category. 

Enjoy "Eggo: Worth The Wait" below:

Orchestra Masterworks Concert #207Now #musiceducation #orchestra @mworchestras @mainewestfab

 

Tonight's Orchestra Masterworks Concert was a stunning celebration of musical depth, discipline, and artistry. Students performed with incredible poise and passion, tackling a challenging program of diverse repertoire that highlighted their growth and talent.

Bravo to our orchestra students and to our guest conductor for this quarter, Mr. Michael Follis! Thank you for all of your incredible work with the students of Maine West!

The program from tonight's concert can be found HERE.

More pictures from the concert can be viewed HERE.

If you missed the performance, we invite you to view the concert stream below! Thank you to WMTH, Ms. Rebecca Fisher and the video production interns for streaming tonight's concert!

Congratulations to senior Odom Mom on receiving the National School Orchestra Award!

Congratulations to senior Emma Penumaka for receiving the Director's Award!

Congratulations to senior Madison Story for receiving the Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award!

Maine West Film Students Earn Honors at Screen Test Student Fest Regional Film Competition #207Now #filmmakers @wmth_west @mainewestfab

Maine West filmmakers participate annually in the Schaumburg Screen Test Student Fest Film Festival. This year two Maine West entries earned placement in the festival:

Kathryn Huk's "Cultural Celebration Week" news package

Mia Cardoso's and Carter Roper's "A Rat Problem" short film

These students had their films showcased at the annual event on April 18th! Congratulations to Mia, Carter and Katie! We are so proud of you!

Maine West Filmmakers Honored at Midwest Media Educators' Association Film Festival! #207Now #film @mainewestfab

 

The Maine West media arts program participates annually in the Midwest Media Educators' Association Film Festival. This year, Maine West film students had 12 entries qualify for the final round, and incredible achievement that distinguishes these students as some of the best filmmakers in the region! 

Of the 12 entries, two of our videos earned awards:

Katie Huk - Placed First in the Demonstration Video category:

Ray Copeland and Danielle Escobar - Placed Fifth in the Demonstration Video category:

Yulien Morgado Represents Maine West at ILMEA Mariachi Honors Festival #207Now #mariachi #musiceducation @mainewestfab

 

This year, Yulien Morgado made history by proudly representing Maine West High School as a guitarist at the inaugural ILMEA Mariachi Honors Festival! Sponsored by the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA), and hosted at South Elgin High School, this brand-new event celebrated the incredible tradition of mariachi music while giving students across the state a platform to shine.

Yulien spent the day rehearsing with expert clinicians, connecting with peers who share a love for mariachi music, and performing in a dynamic final concert. The energy, pride, and musicianship on stage were absolutely inspiring!

Congratulations, Yulien! We are so proud of you!

More pictures from the ILMEA Mariachi Honors Festival can be found HERE.