Addison Trail gets into the spirit of the holidays

This holiday season, Addison Trail has gotten into the spirit with several festive events.

Holiday Benefit Concert

On Dec. 7, Addison Trail hosted its annual Holiday Benefit Concert. Top left: Pictured are Addison Trail senior Annalise Morrone and junior Alejandro Salazar. Top right: Pictured is Addison Trail senior Caterina Partipilo. Bottom left: (From left) Addison Trail seniors Jason Nuehring, Nico Favuzzi, Rachel Mackey and Robert Reichel perform during the concert. Bottom right: Members of the Addison Trail Concert Choir perform. Photos by HR Imaging

On Dec. 7, the sounds of music filled the gym at Addison Trail during the school’s annual Holiday Benefit Concert. The event featured 24 pieces performed by Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Beginning Mixed Choir, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. Alumni singers and instrumentalists were invited to come on stage for a performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus (see a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEjMZXMt51I). About $1,500 was raised during the concert for Addison Trail’s Baton Coach, Robin Murphy, who has served Addison for nearly 30 years. Murphy runs the Westernettes Baton Corps and has had numerous students go through Addison Trail’s music program, perform with the school’s Marching Band and go on to be the featured baton twirler with countless Division I collegiate marching bands. Murphy recently had a heart transplant, and a GoFundMe page was set up at http://tinyurl.com/jpkgmq7 to help offset medical costs.

Madrigal Dinner

On Dec. 16, Addison Trail hosted a Madrigal Dinner. Top left and right: Addison Trail students provide Renaissance-style musical entertainment during the event. Bottom left: (From left) Addison Trail senior Michael Owsiany, senior Andrew Garavito, sophomore Claudia Czerepko and senior Zachery Michaliska perform. Bottom right: Addison Trail junior Callie Weigelt serves Addison Trail parent Crisanta Mercado.

On Dec. 16, guests were transported back in time during this Renaissance-style event. Participants enjoyed holiday songs performed by the Addison Trail Concert and Treble choirs, as well as dinner. The event was interactive for audience members, as students engaged them in comedy skits throughout the evening.

Principal’s Cup of Cheer

On Dec. 16, Addison Trail hosted its annual Principal’s Cup of Cheer. Top left: Pictured are five of the nine people who have served as Principal of Addison Trail. They are (from left) Jim Mortier, Larry Weck, Adam Cibulka (current District 88 Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment), Michael Bolden (current Addison Trail Principal) and Dr. Scott Helton (current District 88 Superintendent). Top right: Addison Trail junior Jocelyn Garcia (left) and sophomore Jessie Avila assist guests during the event as part of their culinary arts class. Bottom left: (From left) Addison Trail retirees Steve Biddinger, Myrna Smith, Gary Kupkowski and Margaret Nolan catch up during the event. Bottom right: (From left) Addison Trail retirees Larry Jones, Linda Fudacz and Frank Yaccino pose for a picture.

On Dec. 16, Addison Trail hosted its annual Principal’s Cup of Cheer. About 300 people attended this year’s event, which provides an opportunity for Addison Trail staff and retirees, District 88 administrators, local officials, Board of Education members, Booster Club members and community members to spread holiday cheer and enjoy light refreshments.