News Briefs: Sears’ Polar Plunge raises $10,000; ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’ takes the stage this week; new Highcrest principal in Wilmette

The Joseph Sears School annual Polar Plunge raised more than $10,000 in support of Special Olympics Illinois on March 19 in Kenilworth.

Sears teachers and students braved the cold weather and the cold water to raise the funds. The Kenilworth Police Department even got in on the fund as Sgt. Oscar Padilla took a turn in the dunk tank.

‘Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert’ comes to McGrath March 28-30

Highland Park Players will present “The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert” from Friday-Sunday, March 28-30 at the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, 3424 Illinois Road, in Wilmette.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on March 28 and March 29 and 2 p.m. on March 29 and March 30. A preview performance will take place on Thursday, March 27. 

Tickets are available for purchase online.

“Returning to the Highland Park Players is truly an incredible experience,” director and choreographer Connor Giles said in a press release. “Bringing this story to life — featuring beloved songs from the Disney-animated film alongside stunning compositions by two of the greatest musical storytellers, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz — is nothing short of a dream.” 

The production stars Andres DeLeon (Quasimodo), Rachel Carreras (Esmerelda) Kent Joseph (Dom Claude Frollo), Joe Moerschel (Phoebus De Martin), and Aaron Mann (Clopin Trouillefou) with Matt Sergot (King Louis XI and ensemble), Max Trotter (St. Aphrodisius and ensemble), Vanessa Vuckovic (Madam and ensemble), Jessica Fisher (Frederic Charlus and ensemble), Michael Ermel (Official and ensemble), Jeremy Treadwell (Father Dupin and ensemble), Featured Ensemble includes Mike Idalski, Danielle Bahn, Bethany Brautigam, Jamie DePaolo, Christopher Finch, Megan Holloway, Raymond Mindas, Allison Mann, Peter Moeller, Tommy O’Brien, Becca Robertson and Arlecia Stapleton. 

The choir features: Rick Aiello, Robin Bennett, Amber Bond, Joseph Brenckle-Herron, Calvin Chervinko, Erika Cowhey, Christine Cummins, Brian Dahms, Karrie DeBlauw, Rick Doppelt, Jeff Grossman, Annabelle Hayes, Jadyn Hogue, Marian Kaderbak, Jack Keilman, James R.B. Kieliszewski, Michael Kirby, Alison McLaughlin, Megan McLaughlin, Christina Minetos, Brennan Monaghan, Ryan Owen, Shannon Paul, Andrew Principe, Jack Rough, Lily Shapkarov, Ashley Storinger, Jesse Thielsen, Donnie Williams and Alexander Wisniewski. 

The production team includes Scott A. Schwartz (producer), Connor Giles (director), T.J. Anderson (vocal director), Ken Preuss (orchestra director), Erin Versosky (stage manager/assistant director), Daniel Melendez (sound design), Alec Kinastowski (lighting design), Tristan Wold (assistant stage manager), Sarah Tilford (marketing and social media) and Jacob Cohen (PR). 

“Presenting a musical experience that prioritizes the raw power of the music itself, free from embellishments is a real treat,” said producer Scott A. Schwartz in the release. “We are excited to bring ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ as a staged concert to the stage as part of our salute to those who feel like the outsider. We’ll continue those themes this summer with our production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning show ‘RENT’ this July.” 

Anthony Haduch will be new principal of Highcrest Middle School 

Wilmette Public Schools District 39 is promoting Anthony Haduch to the role of principal of Highcrest Middle School.

The district’s School Board approved Haduch, the current assistant principal at McKenzie Elementary School in Wilmette, for the role in March and he will assume the new role on July 1.

“It is an honor to assume the principal position at Highcrest Middle School,” Haduch said in a press release. “Our Highcrest community is truly invested in the growth and development of our students. I am eager to start working with the Highcrest faculty and staff, families, and, of course, the students to continue to grow the culture of connectedness that they have created and achieve great things together.” 

According to the district release, Haduch is in his seventh year as an educator in District 39 after serving as a middle-grade level teacher and STEM curriculum lead in Arizona. After one year as a third-grade teacher at Central Elementary, Haduch moved into an administrative role and has been the full-time assistant principal at McKenzie since the fall of 2020.

“Anthony is an experienced educational leader and relationship builder with a history of success in promoting student achievement and cultivating a positive school culture,” District Superintendent Dr. Kari Cremascoli said in the release. “He truly embraces a collaborative and inclusive learning environment and he is well-prepared to lead our Highcrest community.” 

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