Arts

We congratulate Gabriel R. (11th grade) on being selected as one of the four finalists of the 2026 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artist Competition.

This is a prestigious concerto competition for Illinois’ top young soloists, sponsored by the Crain-Maling Foundation, whose mission includes supporting education and cultural activities. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1891, is consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world.

After taking part in a preliminary round, Gabriel auditioned at Symphony Center alongside a competitive field of applicants in front of a distinguished panel of judges. From there, he was selected as one of four finalists.

As a finalist he has been invited to perform live in Orchestra Hall, accompanied by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and led by Naomi Woo, Music Director of the NYO Canada.

The winner of this final round will earn a place as a featured soloist with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as part of the CSO School and Family Concerts series. We wish Gabriel the best of luck!

To learn more about this program, visit Young Artists Competition.

Congratulations to The Forum editorial staff for being recognized at the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Nashville.

The convention brought together almost 4,000 young journalists from across the country who attended workshops, networked with their peers, met with industry professionals, and sat for a critique of their publication. One of the highlights was the announcement of the winners of the National Media Contests, which offer high school students "a platform to showcase journalism excellence, earn recognition and receive feedback on their work."

Latin's student newspaper, The Forum, took fifth for Best of Show in the Website category amongst a highly competitive landscape. This is the highest award the staff has ever won at the national level. In addition, the following students were recognized for their individual contributions:

• Editorial Writing: Ben L. - Excellent
• Sports Writing: Anderson M. - Honorable Mention
• Editorial Cartooning: Lyla G. - Honorable Mention
• Commentary Writing: Eli S. - Honorable Mention
• News Editing/Headline Writing/Current Events: Rohin S. - Honorable Mention

Thank you to the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association for providing this wonderful opportunity. We are so proud of the Forum staff and congratulate them on these well-deserved accolades!

Read and follow The Forum
Learn about the National High School Journalism Convention

We congratulate Edie P. on being named Alternate Winner in the Senior Piano Division of the MTNA State Competition. This is a huge accomplishment, as it recognizes her as one of the top two student pianists in Illinois.

Per their website, the mission of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) is to "advance the value of music study and music making to society and to support the professionalism of music teachers." Its competitions "provide educational experiences for students and teachers and to recognize exceptionally talented young artists."

Considered one of the most prestigious student music competitions in the country, MTNA attracts thousands of applicants who vie for state and national recognition. Edie's success comes from the commitment she has to her music and the hard work she puts in. Edie's mother also notes that her success "would not have been possible without Latin's support and teacher's understanding and flexibility." 

Edie also devotes time to giving back to the field she loves. She recently participated in a fundraising event with WFMT radio to support music programs in Chicago-area schools, and launched a mentorship initiative in partnership with the Chicago Center for Music Education.

We wish Edie continued success with her musical and philanthropic pursuits.

Learn about MTNA.
Learn about Chicago Center for Music Education.
Explore the Arts at Latin.

Nine talented Latin students have earned prestigious spots in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District I ensembles.

Each year, ILMEA auditions attract some of the best young musicians and singers in the state, with only the top quartile of students who audition typically selected for the district-level ensembles. ILMEA’s District 1 is the largest and one of the most competitive districts in the state. Applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation of their technique and overall musicianship.

Congratulations to these Latin students for being selected:

Junior Band: Alexandra G. (8th grade) - flute, Alexandra Z. (6th grade) - flute

Junior Chorus: Payton A. (8th grade) - baritone, Theo K. (8th grade) - baritone

Senior Chorus: Ellen C. (11th grade) - alto I, Stella Tate R. (11th grade) - alto II, Theodore T. (12th grade) - bass II

9-10 Honor Chorus: Bridget B. (9th grade) - alto, Gianna B. (10th grade) - soprano

These artists will work with a master clinician/ensemble conductor and come together with other top musicians and singers in the state for festival performances. The Junior Festival will take place at Unity Junior High in Cicero on November 22, and the Senior Festival occurs on November 8 at Elmhurst University.

From the district-level ensembles, an elite group of students will be chosen to perform at the All-State Festival, which brings together some of the most outstanding young musicians and singers from across Illinois. All-State finalists will be announced later in 2025.

We applaud these students on this exceptional accomplishment and look forward to their upcoming performances.

Learn more about Illinois Music Education Association.
Explore the Arts at Latin.