Willowbrook hosts celebration to recognize senior who participated in 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival

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On Jan. 30, Willowbrook hosted a celebration to recognize and honor senior Ean Tomenbang, who recently participated in the 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) All-State Production of “Newsies.”

The festival took place on Jan. 8, 9 and 10 at Illinois State University (ISU), and Tomenbang was selected as a member of the All-State Company with the crew. A group of nearly 30 Willowbrook Thespians traveled to ISU to support and cheer on Tomenbang during one of the performances (pictured above, top left).

Five Addison Trail students joined Tomenbang on stage and were part of the production as well – seniors Mia Alvarez (crew), Nataly Gonzalez (crew), Katherine Preciado (crew), Joseph Vargas (crew) and Mary-Terese Tamondong (orchestra). The show also was directed by Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna McSweeney, and District 88 System and Theatre Specialist Alex Holod served as the Technical Director. 

To read more about District 88’s involvement with the All-State Production of “Newsies,” go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/17261.