Inspiring Lives of Purpose and Excellence
For more than 135 years, the Latin School of Chicago has provided an educational experience that empowers students to tinker, make mistakes, ask questions, and change how they see the world around them. We put our students at the heart of everything we do, embrace their uniqueness, and encourage their curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and empathy. We also ensure that every Latin Learner has what they need to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence. |
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Twelve talented Latin students have earned a prestigious spot in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) honor choirs this year, marking the highest number of students selected from Latin in recent years.
Each year, ILMEA auditions attract some of the best young singers in the state, with on average only the top quartile of auditions selected for the district-level ensembles. This year, Latin had six students selected for the ILMEA Honors Chorus and an additional six selected for the 9-10 Honor Chorus which is open to ninth and tenth grade students.
Of those chosen for the district-level ensembles, an even further competitive group is selected for the All State Festival Chorus and All State Honors Festival Chorus, where some of the most exceptional young musicians across Illinois come together. The finalists for the All-State level will be announced later in 2024.
ILMEA’s District 1 is the largest and one of the most competitive districts in the state. Latin students have prepared audition materials since the beginning of the year, and have gone through a rigorous and competitive audition process.
There are two festivals where students who are selected for the district-level ensembles work with a collegiate choral clinician and sing with more than 250 of their peers from over 60 surrounding schools. The first is the senior festival, which was held on Saturday, November 9, at Elmhurst University (pictured in this article). The second is the junior festival, which will take place on Saturday, November 23, at Unity Junior High School in Cicero.
You can watch a video of the performance of “Measure Me Sky” from the senior festival here.
The following Latin students were selected for the ILMEA Honors Chorus:
- Junior Level Participants (Middle School)
- Sahana M.
- Neysa P.
- Nivi S.
- Sybella Z.
Senior Level Participants (Upper School)
- Finn D.
- Stella Tate R.F.
The following Latin students were selected for the 9-10 Honor Chorus:
- Gianna B.
- Ellen C.
- Emma D.
- Sebastian K.
- Mateo L.
- Noa W.
A huge congratulations to these talented student musicians.
Small Hands Big Impact (SHBI), a grassroots charity co-founded by Latin eighth grader Madison M., is seeking donations to help “Pack the Pantry” for the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) at Lurie Children’s Hospital. SHBI’s goal is to collect 500 pounds of non-perishable food items by November 22 to benefit RMH, which provides a variety of critical services (e.g., homemade meals, overnight stays, shuttle services, etc.) for families with children in the hospital.
There are two ways to support this important cause:
- Drop items off at the Middle School’s main office.
- Donate items via the Amazon SHBI RMH Registry.
While RMH has specifically requested breakfast cereal, individual snacks, aluminum foil and plastic storage bags, donations of any non-perishable food items would be welcomed and greatly appreciated.
Fifth and sixth graders had the chance to meet and learn valuable life lessons from New York Times bestselling author James Ponti during a recent visit to Latin.
Ponti is the author of four popular middle grade book series, including “City Spies,” “Framed” and “Dead City.” The students read the first book of the “Dead City” series over summer break, so they were familiar with Ponti’s writing before he came to the school.
During his visit to Latin, Ponti spoke about his life growing up in Florida and how he initially did not like to read. However, thanks to positive experiences in school and inspiring lessons from his teachers, he said he grew to love reading and writing.
After his own poetry and playwriting impressed his classmates and teachers, Ponti decided that he wanted to be a professional author. In addition to his literary success, Ponti has worked as a television writer and producer for more than 20 years.
Lower School students learned more about Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, by creating their very own ofrenda during a recent assembly. The activity fostered understanding and appreciation of this holiday that honors the memories of loved ones who have passed away.
During the assembly, students added symbolic items to the ofrenda, including photos, candles, water, papel picado (perforated paper) and marigolds. Latin faculty also shared personal stories about how their families celebrate the holiday with their own ofrendas.
We wish everyone a warm and reflective Día de los Muertos.