Wheeling's Chelsie Coren Is Winner of District 214's 2013 Calisch Award for the Arts

     Chelsie Coren, a Wheeling High School senior and Wheeling resident, was chosen among six extraordinary District 214 nominees as the winner of the 2012-2013 Richard W. Calisch Arts Unlimited Award. She and the other five nominees were recognized by 214's Board of Education at a recent meeting.

     The prestigious honor was established in honor of Richard Calisch, a former English teacher and Arts Unlimited program coordinator. The award recognizes the student who best exemplifies creative excellence in the arts—drama, speech, music, visual art, dance, and creative writing.

     Coren was described by her nominators as an honor student who dances and choreographs for Wheeling's nationally recognized Orchesis program, is first chair clarinet in every top concert ensemble at Wheeling, plays saxophone and flute in the school's nationally recognized top Jazz Band, serves as drum major (and the first at WHS to be appointed as a sophomore) in the WHS Marching Band, and is an incredible leader.  Her academic achievement has garnered her a constant place on the "A" Honor Roll and membership in the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.  She has been named a National Latino Scholar and is an AP Scholar.

     First chair in District 214's Honors Orchestra, Coren has also earned selection to the Illinois Music Educators Association District VII Honors Band and the IMEA All State Honors Band multiple times.  If there were more hours in the day, she would undoubtedly carve her niche in each area of all the fine arts programs in District 214.  She has also been lauded by her art teacher for her "breathtaking photography" and cited as "an incredible writer."  Coren has amassed an unbelievable array of fine arts awards over her four years of high school and has been a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2009.

     Fine Arts Coordinator and Director of Bands at Wheeling, Brian Logan, commented, "It is Chelsie's desire to achieve, combined with her true love of the arts, that makes her one of the most capable and enjoyable students to ever grace the halls at Wheeling High School."  

     Candidates from the other five District 214 schools include the following "honorable mention" seniors who also are exceedingly talented in performing arts and academics, and share their time and talents with their communities.

     Tom Kirsh of Buffalo Grove High School and a Buffalo Grove resident, is the principal cellist and peer-selected president of the BGHS orchestra, as well as a member of the prestigious District 214 Honors Orchestra. As a member of the highly acclaimed HEAT Quartet since his freshman year, Kirsch and his ensemble perform for District 214 events, for weddings, and formal occasions not only in the community, but also throughout the state. His original compositions have been performed in school concerts to rousing audience acclaim, and he has conducted the BGHS Orchestra with great response, resulting in a feature article in the local newspapers.  Kirsch is also an acknowledged student leader of the school's Theater Tech Crew, having worked on every dramatic and musical production throughout his four years, and has received numerous awards from the directors and his peers.  In addition to his success in the arts, Kirsch is an outstanding student, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society and math team member. 

     Brent Wolff of Elk Grove High School, a Des Plaines resident, has excelled in speech, theater, musical and vocal music programs throughout his four years of high school.  Wolff is president of the Elk Grove Choral Program and section leader for various vocal groups. He has been chosen for the highly selective IMEA District VII ensembles.  As captain of Elk Grove's Individual Events Speech team, Wolff has competed with success in challenging categories.  In the community, he has been active in a dog rescue and adoption agency and visits with senior citizens at a local recreation facility, all while taking rigorous AP classes and maintaining commendable grades.      

     Rachel Campbell of John Hersey High School, a Prospect Heights resident, has been an active member of Hersey's Speech & Acting team all throughout high school, serving as captain and winning numerous awards. A familiar face on the Hersey stage in theater and the Improv Club, Campbell has turned in notable performances, winning her recognition both as an actor and assistant director.  An outstanding student, she was selected to the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, granted the AP Scholar with Honor Award, and was named an ISAC State Scholar.  Campbell has been involved in community service as a summer math tutor, game coordinator at the public library, freshman mentor, and performer for senior citizens.  She is also an award-winning artist, and enjoys writing and dancing.

     Sean Brennan of Prospect High School and a Mount Prospect resident, has been described by teachers at his school as "a true Renaissance man" for his passion and gifted abilities as a student director, composer, conductor, musician, performer, and vocal arranger. He is also an exceptional AP student, whose love and sophisticated understanding of literature displays maturity beyond his years. His ambitious and creative music composition for Prospect productions has brought the characters to life and enhanced the experience for audiences.  Brennan has amassed an extensive and growing music composition portfolio.

     Korinne Yonan of Rolling Meadows High School, a Rolling Meadows resident, is a multifaceted, well-rounded artist who excels in acting, dance, and vocal performance.  She is dance captain for her show choir, has choreographed, arranged, and has served as music director for the A Cappella group and overall director of the Variety Show. Yonan is a skilled leading actor, but is equally enthusiastic as an ensemble member.  She is a teaching intern in English class and assists all students in reading and speaking exercises with patience and kindness.  Named to the honor roll every semester, Yonan maintains high grades, despite a challenging cocurricular schedule.