Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation

The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the 2025 Chris Patterson Performing Arts Award recipients.

West Aurora High School

Music performance has been a huge part of my high school experience. As a member of
the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra. and Woodwind
Quintet, I have been lucky enough to have many opportunities to develop my own skills, interact
with talented individuals. and embrace what we affectionately call “the ultimate group project.”
However, the benefits of these experiences are much more extensive than solely the fine arts.
Without a doubt, music is largely dependent on communication. Communication is key
between performers, but also between a musician and their audience. The most impactful
performances tell a story and convey powerful emotions without ever uttering a single word. I
can hardly even begin to describe how much better I can hold conversations with people, express
my thoughts with conviction, and write more eloquently, all thanks to nine years on my
instrument. Similarly, I have learned to embrace failure and adopt perseverance in my habits
through music. This has helped me specifically in my math classes throughout my high school
experience, since math often involves a series of trial and error, and a single problem can take
nearly an hour. Within music, there are sometimes practice sessions that focus on a single
measure for an extended period of time, which has certainly helped strengthen my work ethic.
Ultimately, the performing arts have encouraged me to pursue my academic ambitions,
developed my communication skills, and helped me understand the importance of a growth
mindset while making mistakes. Now, I am a better writer, mathematician, historian, and person
overall.

West Aurora High School

My love for music has transcended into all aspects of my life, especially with my all Honors and
AP schedule that I have had all 4 years of high school.
During my freshman year, my band director asked our band “Would anyone be willing to switch
to the oboe?” While I played the Clarinet at the time, I didn’t hesitate at all to accept this new
opportunity. Little did I know that this would become the hardest challenge I have taken on thus
far. I dedicated myself to the oboe, earning myself nominations to the SPC {South Prairie
Conference}, making my school’s top ensemble, Wind Symphony, during my sophomore year,
and later becoming a 3-year ILMEA musician. The oboe has taught me how to challenge myself
beyond what I considered my limits. I wanted to quit at times, crying over video submissions for
auditions, but I ultimately succeeded in proving to myself that I am capable. Because of this, I
have taken all Honors and AP courses throughout my high school career due to my hardworking
attitude. It is not easy, but I continue to work towards that similar feeling of accomplishment
where I can look into my past and say “That was a challenge that allowed me to grow.” Overall,
the oboe has taught me far more about myself than its own temperament.
Outside of the school day, I have been a Blackhawk marching band member for the past four
years. For the last two years, I have been a section leader for the clarinet section of over 45+
members. It was certainly challenging at times, such as dealing with conflicts between members,

but the leadership experience that I gained from this activity has translated into the active roles I
play in my courses. I am a better student because I have been so involved with providing for
others within my section and cooperating with the Student Leadership Team. This applies to my
decisions to take initiative in socratic seminars in AP Lit, ask thought-provoking questions in AP
State, or to understand the oscillations of music notes in AP Physics. I have learned to guide
others around me, inspiring those to share a similar passion for succeeding in our education just
as I once encouraged my fellow Clarinets to find their appreciation for always performing our
best. This activity has afforded me a greater desire to serve others within and give back to my
community at West Aurora High School.
Along with the Blackhawk Marching Band, I participate in the Early Bird Jazz Band, Naperville
Youth Symphony Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Mentor Summer Camps, West Aurora
Woodwind Quintet, American Legion Band Post 84, and private Oboe lessons. I have performed
for the Chris Patterson motorcycle rides every year with the Blackhawk Marching Band, and I
actively serve my community through the American Legion Band Post 84 during my summers.
To €conclude, I believe that I am a better student, colleague, and person because of the ways that
the fine arts have transformed my life. I wish to continue my passions as they have positively
impacted my education by developing my sense of self. I look forward to where music takes me
as I pursue my other academic pursuits in college and in the workforce as well. I will always be
indebted to the many lessons that music has taught me, and I look forward to my future success
as a gifted musician and a determined student. Thank you.

Batavia High School

Being involved in my school’s music program has greatly impacted
the rest of my school life. playing an instrument is proven to be so good for
your brain with all the multitasking going on, and I can definitely tell it has
improved my focus. In addition, the patience and dedication it takes to
practice has given me the ability to apply this to doing homework for other
classes. I can sit down for hours at a time doing schoolwork. All of these
things have had a very positive impact on my schoolwork. Music is also
where I have met all of my friends in school. The connections I have with
people in marching band and orchestra are unlike any other connections I
have ever made. The people there are amazing, and I am so glad I spent
so much time doing music. There’s nothing else I would rather be doing
than rehearsing what we’ve all poured so much commitment into with all
my closest friends. In college I plan on pursuing math along with my music
degree so I can continue to put these skills l’ve gotten from music into my
academic work.

Kaneland High School

I have taken music classes since elementary school. The older I got, the more I took, and
it became my choice instead of a requirement. In high school, I delved deeper into the world of a
choral student.
There have been many times where something as simple as vocal technique and lyrics
have aided me. In my film class, I was able to discuss another level of the music behind a piece
of cinema, because my vocal training lent me a different perspective. I remember having
struggled with choosing a focal point on that essay. My teacher suggested, “”Is there something
with your music background that you could look deeper at?” While we analyzed figurative
language, I brought in register shifts and tone. I scored full points on that essay. Just recently, I
had a mathematics test. There was a question about unit conversions, and at some point I needed
to get from “years” to “seconds.” We’re working on a piece from Rent called “Seasons of Love,”
in which the main theme outlines that there are 525,600 minutes in a year. The lyrics from a song
we were learning helped me to skip several conversions, thus lessening the chance of error along
the way.
Beyond systematic help, my music classes have made me a better student and peer. I’ve
found that the time we spend in choir translates into communication skills and a dedication to
success. There are very few classes that rely on the commitment of each student as much as a
choir class does. I strongly believe that the work we put in towards a music piece, the
communication we need to have with each other and the director, or the confidence we need to
have in ourselves to succeed has correlated with my academic standing. I thrive academically: I
get straight A’s, I work hard, and I get along with ny teachers and peers. However, I think it is
my choir classes that have given me the space to thrive as a person. It is hard to succeed when
you’re worn down mentally, or not confident in yourself about doing big things. Choir has been a
pathway towards stronger communication with peers and teachers, stronger self confidence, and
a practiced dedication to work hard and complete things timely.
I often wonder what it must be like to go through school with full classes all day. I cannot
imagine not having the mental break of just making music with your friends. Whether small or
extensive, having music classes throughout high school has impacted my life both mentally and
academically.

Geneva High School

I have grown so much because of my performing arts experiences throughout my school years in
Geneva, I played trumpet in school band in 5th through 8th grade, and I learned how satisfying and
fun playing together in a concert made all the hours of practice worth it. I acted in several plays and
musicals over the years, too, which taught me the importance of planning, following direction, and
that the show must go on! The performers, tech crew, and staff all had to work together. These skills
and experiences helped me develop diligent study habits, be collaborative, and use time
management to be successful in high school, especially in my honors and AP classes.
I have been in choir since 6th grade. Since junior year, I have been a member of my high school’s
varsity audition-only choir, an achievement which I had to work very hard for. The audition process
taught me perseverance and resilience, two more valuable skills that apply to my classes as well as
life in general My experience with music helps me to be able to better pay attention to my
surroundings, since watching and listening to a teacher is very similar to watching a director and
focusing on the voice parts around me. Sight-reading assignments helped me with quick thinking
skills, which are important during tests and class discussions. I struggle with math, and reading
music has helped me with calculating basic intervals, too.
I recently performed with my high school choir in London and Paris. This was the first time my high
school music program has done an international trip! Music gave me the chance to experience new
cultures, foods, and sights. The trip gave me a global perspective that I can apply in my classes and
beyond. Without choir, I would have never had this opportunity.
I love going to choir every day during school. It gives me a space to unwind and re-energize, which
helps me better focus rest of the day. It is also just a loving community for me to be a part of, and it
has been one of the best parts of my high school experience.

Have you completed your submission for the 2025 Performing Arts Award? The due date is quickly approaching, and all submissions must be postmarked by Friday, March 28th, 2025.

Who is eligible:  You must have participated in the performing arts (this includes Band, Choir, Orchestra, Drama or Stage Crew) and be a graduating senior at a participating school.  2025 participating schools include West Aurora High School, Batavia High School, Kaneland, and Geneva High School.

Submission Requirements: Submit a 100 word, or more, essay on how participating in the performing arts has assisted you in your core educational classes. Each submission must have two (2) endorsements from any of the performing art instructors at your school. (Band/Orchestra Directors, Choral Directors, and Drama Teachers) Click the link to download the Award Endorsement Form

We chose only 100 words because Christopher hated having to write essays and we know that those seniors going on to higher education are already writing a lot of essays.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:

Mail (USPS) your essay, completed endorsement page, and contact information to:

Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation
Attn: Performing Arts Award ( Your school name )
610 Cherrywood Dr.
North Aurora, IL 60542-1032

This year’s Red Tie Gala was a huge success as well as a fun night for all attendees!

Held at Shannon Hall in Batavia, IL, this year’s theme was Red Tie Gala Goes Gaelic. Many guests joined in the theme and attended the event dressed as kings and queens or in traditional kilts.

The Red Tie Gala is the annual event that funds the Chris Patterson Performing Arts Awards. Through this year’s event and online fundraisers run during March, six awards have been funded for 2025! The foundation is excited to add a sixth area high school next year and will announce which 6 area high schools will be eligible later this year.

Thank you to The Ron Porter Band for being the musical entertainment for the night!

Many people and organizations assisted in putting together this year’s event and making it a success. An event of this size could not be held without the sponsors, the donations, and the volunteers who worked to make it happen. Thank you!

This year’s Red Tie Gala Sponsors include:

Bob Jass Chevrolet and Roosevelt-Aurora American Legion 84

State Representative Stephanie Kifowit

Wealth Financial Strategies, Fox Valley Veterans Breakfast Club, Family of Thomas J Murphy

Home Depot – Geneva, IL, Acquaviva Winery & Ristorante, Pollyanna Brewing Company

Thank you to Allegra Marketing Print Mail and Flip Design Studio for all of the printing and design tasks for our events. We appreciate your continued support!

Two of our 2023 Performing Arts Award recipients were able to attend this year’s gala. Batavia High School Alumni, Morgan Hutchens, and West Aurora High School Alumni, Rebecca Evans. Over the past 7 years, the foundation has given out over $26,000 to award recipients like Morgan and Rebecca. Learn more about these awards and read recipient essays on the Performing Arts Awards webpage.

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Red Tie Gala! See you next March 2025!

The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the 2024 Chris Patterson Performing Arts Award recipients.

West Aurora High School

From West Aurora High School, the recipient was Ashlee Marin!

The Winning Submission

Throughout my years at West Aurora High School, I have been involved in the Wind Symphony and the Marching Band, as well as the theater troupe and assemblies. With being so involved, I had to learn to manage time and deal with the stress of the workload. I am an all-honors student involved in many AP classes, including AP music theory, these classes give me plenty of work to complete at home.

Starting with music, I am a member of the Blackhawk Marching Band and the Wind Symphony. As a member, I must practice and memorize so much music and drills that it gets tough. I learned how to give some time to myself and motivate others around me. As a section leader of the flutes, I am given the task of caring for 27 students and making sure they are all participating and learning. In all honesty, my flutes are the reason I am eager to do marching band, they are so lively, and I know that they are supported through one another. Being in a band has taught me to memorize and practice things that I find difficult and work them out. If there is a problem I am having with an assignment, I break it down and work on it. I can put my home practice style into how I do my regular schoolwork, this advances my studying and raises my grades overall.

Theater has definitely been a huge part of my high school career. I have been in the theater class and programs since freshman year, and as a result, I have learned to take pleasure in being in front of others and opening up. It makes me more open to talking to teachers and genuinely asking for help when I am struggling. I have received immense support from my theater class and with that, I know I have friends to help me and be by my side. I have been able to host study sessions with a lot of my friends from the theater class and people who I was in shows with.

Being a part of the Arts has given me the resources to learn how to study better and be an overall better student. I have learned how to manage time, study better, remember vital information, find a good study group, and how to open up to others. I have truly enjoyed being a part of the Performing Arts programs here at West and I could not be prouder to have been in it for so long.

Batavia High School

From Batavia High School, the recipient was Kyle Holzman!

The Winning Submission

Last summer, an orange squeak-toy pig with a lei, flowered shorts, and sunglasses became the answer to my problems. Heading into my fourth and final year of marching band, I was selected to be a leader. I was nervous because I was not confident that I would be able to do a good job and foster a fulfilling experience for my section and bandmates.

Early in the season, I bought “The Pig”. I intended for him to be a joke purchase for Spirit Week to help us get some extra points for Hawaiian Day – but he turned into a low brass section mascot. I used his “melodious” squeaks to keep time during sectionals. During breaks, if someone felt frustrated or needed to let their anger out, I’d toss them The Pig to squeak. The Pig was great for playing catch with. During or before big competitions we would “bless” members with The Pig. The Pig helped connect us during brutal, physical eight-hour days.

One memory that stands out to me was my last performance. It was at Illinois State, and we made the finals. As we left the field, after our best performance of the season, I made eye contact with one of the baritones. He was a shy freshman, and I would always give him The Pig to balance on his head. When I looked at him, after this performance run, he looked back at me with tears in his eyes. I realized in this moment that the actions I made and the things I did were not about me but about others. I helped a new member of the section feel welcome and have a positive first experience and to me, that was worth more than a five-dollar plastic pig.

This past year, I learned how to better connect with people, and it’s made a big difference in my life. Being social is Something that (like music), I can practice. Working in group projects in English class or History is no longer something I dread. I feel more confident talking to my teachers, my classmates, and how to ask for help. Marching band has taught me how to connect with others and has helped me grow not just as a student but as a person.

East Aurora High School

From East Aurora High School, the recipient was Diego Garcia!

The Winning Submission

Performing Arts, more specifically band, has played a pivotal role in shaping my educational journey and general outlook on life, both directly and indirectly. Through my involvement in jazz bands, theater pits, and music theory, I have cultivated skills and a mindset that extends far beyond simply musical proficiency.

The environment created within our school’s music wing has provided me with lessons about dedication, collaboration, and personal growth. The act of performing has provided me with a profound sense of accomplishment. The joy you get when the culmination of hours spent practicing a piece pays off in a performance is immeasurable, and I would not trade it for anything. The showcase of your dedication and hard work is something I strive for in any journey I embark on. I have learned that struggle, uncertainty, and turmoil always pay off with the satisfaction of success for those who are willing to invest the necessary effort.

Furthermore, my involvement in the band has fostered a welcoming attitude towards criticism and feedback. Music has taught me to embrace feedback as an opportunity for improvement rather than taking criticism as a personal attack. By setting aside your ego and keeping an open, non-biased mind, the expansion of your skillset is inevitable. This is not only important in music but is applicable in any area of life, whether it be academics or any other endeavor.

The process of perfecting a musical piece draws many parallels to the steps required to excel academically. Just as in learning a complex musical composition, education requires patience, persistence, and commitment for incremental progress that may sometimes be barely noticeable. What matters is that each incremental step, even if small, puts you a step closer to the goal. This realization has helped me cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement. Understanding true proficiency never comes easy and is achieved through diligent effort over time. Music has also taught me the importance of prioritization and focus. In a world filled with distractions and constantly having new things to pursue, having the ability to concentrate on one task at a time is invaluable. You can’t achieve true excellence in one area if you are trying to achieve similar excellence in fifty other areas. Through my involvement in music throughout high school, I have not only improved as a musician but also developed skills that have enriched my academic journey and prepared me for future endeavors.

Kaneland High School

From Kaneland High School, the recipient was Jackson Guidry!

The Winning Submission

The Performing Arts have been an integral and meaningful aspect of my life. In the performing world, punctuality and effort are not an option, but a requirement. In order to display my best and most polished work, putting effort forth and being organized is the one true way I can dedicate myself to performing. Learning lines, memorizing music, and perfecting techniques are affected by punctuality and are fully made up of the effort I put into my work and performances.  Learning to work this way aids me educationally because I can apply these skills to have the most satisfying results in class.

Geneva Community High School

From Geneva Community High School, the recipient was Erin Hendrain!

The Winning Submission

Throughout high school, I have participated in band, choir, and theater. People might think that music is not connected to core educational classes but that is not the case. Music has given me confidence, taught me to think on the spot for classroom conversations, helped me to see the underlying story of books I have had to read, and has given me an escape and relaxation when working on homework.

Through the process of performing solos and in ensembles, I have gained a newfound confidence that I bring with me to every presentation, allowing me to shake away the nerves. The unexpected occurrences that can happen during performances have enabled me to think on the spot for classroom contributions. Having to identify and understand the meaning of each song in both choir and band has helped me to notice subtle nuances within required reading texts for school. This has helped me see details that others not involved in music might not see. Finally, I listen to music quite frequently, but especially when doing homework. Some find it distracting, but for me, it is the opposite. Listening to music allows me to focus on my work while also having some joy and movement.

Music improves my abilities in core educational classes, and I am beyond grateful for my involvement in choir, band, and theater.

This year the Red Tie Gala is going Gaelic and tickets are now available!

Join us as we once again host the Red Tie Gala. This years gala will be hosted at Shannon Hall in Batavia on Saturday March 9^th, from 6-10pm.

Purchase your tickets soon! Special Early Bird Pricing of $45 is only available through the end of 2023.

EVERY TICKET INCLUDES:

4 hours of open bar, heavy Hors d’oeuvres, and a special gift!

Red Tie Gala Goes to the Islands

Join us for an evening of dinner, music, and supporting the arts, as we once again host our annual Red Tie Gala. This year’s gala will be held at Shannon Hall in Batavia on Saturday, March ^8th, from 5:30-9:30 PM. It is sure to be a fantastic evening!! We hope to see you all there!

Tickets are available at the early bird price of $45 until February 10^th.

$55.00

Register Now

The proceeds from this event go towards funding our yearly Performing Arts Awards.  Currently, we offer these awards at 5 area high schools. Each is a $1000 cash-award given to a graduating senior who has participated in the Performing Arts.  For more information about these awards and how to apply visit our Awards Page. 

Have you completed your submission for the 2024 Performing Arts Award? The due date is quickly approaching, and all submissions must be postmarked by Friday, April 5th, 2024.

Who is eligible:  You must have participated in the performing arts (this includes Band, Choir, Orchestra, Drama or Stage Crew) and be a graduating senior at a participating school.  2024 participating schools include West Aurora High School, Batavia High School, East Aurora High School, Kaneland, and Geneva High School.

Submission Requirements: Submit a 100 word, or more, essay on how participating in the performing arts has assisted you in your core educational classes. Each submission must have two (2) endorsements from any of the performing art instructors at your school. (Band/Orchestra Directors, Choral Directors, and Drama Teachers) Click the link to download the Award Endorsement Form

We chose only 100 words because Christopher hated having to write essays and we know that those seniors going on to higher education are already writing a lot of essays.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:

Mail (USPS) your essay, completed endorsement page, and contact information to:

Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation
Attn: Performing Arts Award ( Your school name )
610 Cherrywood Dr.
North Aurora, IL 60542-1032

Tickets for the 7th Annual Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation Motorcycle Ride, scheduled for August 12th, 2023, are now available. This yearly event in August brings together the “For God and For Country” aspects of the foundation’s mission.

“We started this fundraiser, the Motorcycle Ride, as a way of connecting Chris’s love of the Arts with his love for the military. Every year, 2 organizations are selected to be the recipients of the money raised through this event with a focus on organizations that support those causes. It will be a fun day for everyone and we hope to see you there,” stated Robert Patterson, Chris’ father and board member of the Foundation.

Join us on Chris’ Last Ride, a scenic 50-mile journey through the countryside, passing by significant locations such as West Aurora High School and Immanuel Lutheran Church. The ride will be fully police-escorted, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Registration will start at 8 am on the day of the event, with kickstands up (KSU) at 10 am.

This year, the event will begin at Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles, where we will also have an after-party from 12 pm to 2 pm. The after-party will feature live music, raffles, and delicious food from Mission BBQ. Please note that the after-party is included in the ride tickets, but standalone tickets are also available for those who only wish to attend the after-party.

“I believe that this is exactly what Christopher would be doing. He would have disliked the spotlight of an event honoring him, but he would be riding in other memorial rides to honor the fallen,” stated Social Media Director for the foundation, Rachel Bailey. “It is through events like this ride that the foundation supports programs that are meaningful to who Christopher was and his legacy.”

A portion of the proceeds of this year’s motorcycle ride will be going to K9s for Veterans and Immanuel Lutheran School music program in Batavia.

Register now at: https://chrispattersonmemorial.org/product/7th-annual-motorcycle-ride/

Ride Tickets are $35 per person for riders or passengers and include lunch at the after-party. Register before August 31st and save $5.

After-Party Only Tickets are $20.

The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation is excited to announce the 2023 recipients of the Chris Patterson Performing Arts Award.

West Aurora High School

From West Aurora High School, the recipient was Rebecca Evans!

The Winning Submission

The Performing Arts have always played an important role in my life. I have been heavily involved in choir and drama at Goodwin Elementary School, Jewel Middle School, and West Aurora High School and can confidently say that the lessons learned while participating in the performing arts have significantly and positively influenced my success in all areas, not only of my education but in my personal development. As a Senior this year at West Aurora High School, I can now look back at how the performing arts have helped shape the student and person that I have become.

In terms of my participation in the Performing Arts, I was a member of the Goodwin and Jewel choirs and drama productions every year that I was eligible. I am a four-year choir student at West, have performed in 8 theater productions, directed a show for our Winter One Acts, and will bring my time there to a close by performing the role of Bea in Something Rotten! I am also the current Drama Club president and have been a student assistant for Mr. Brian Smith in the choir department and Mr. Kenneth Ruffalo in the drama department. Outside of school, I take voice lessons and was honored to sing the National Anthem for the Christopher Patterson Annual Motorcycle Ride in 2022 and was able to hitch a ride and participate in the amazing 50-mile journey.

From the very start, performing has taught me the values of courage, confidence, and responsibility. It takes courage to audition for a role in a play or a solo in a choir. I learned that I needed to jump in and try my very best. It takes confidence to perform on stage in a show or lead your section in a song. The Performing Arts taught me to value myself and appreciate what I could bring to the group. To succeed in all of this requires practice and attention and through my participation in the Performing Arts, I learned that it is my responsibility to put in the time and effort to get the work done.

The values of courage, confidence, and responsibility that I learned through participation in the Performing Arts have helped me in all other areas of my education. Whenever I struggled in class with a certain topic or felt the stress of a project, I knew I would need to just jump in and get started, know that I can handle it, and put in the work to accomplish the task. No matter if it is a math or science class, English or history, I have been able to use lessons learned in choir and the theater to succeed. I plan to go to Illinois State University this fall and major in Elementary Education. My goal is to apply these lessons I have learned, as a teacher and I hope to teach students to appreciate the Arts and to be courageous, confident, and responsible — just like me.

Batavia High School

From Batavia High School, the recipient was Morgan Hutchens!

The Winning Submission

Music has assisted my learning in nearly every core subject. I took dance lessons and piano in grade school. In fifth grade, I learned to play the flute. Those experiences led me to be interested in learning other instruments like the piccolo, tin whistle, accordion, bari saxophone, ukulele, and guitar. From improving my math skills by learning complex counting and rhythms to knowing the history behind the music and being able to tie it to historical events. Music has never left my side from the moment I was introduced to it. Although, some moments stand out more than others. Being involved in music and having a love for it meant I became very interested in musicals and movies at a very young age. Additionally, many of these musicals are staged during an important time in history.

The play “Hamilton” was staged all throughout the American Revolution and told the stories of important men and women throughout history. This musical became popular just at the time of learning about the American Revolution and taking the Constitution test in seventh grade. My parents would not allow me to see the play due to some bad language. They bought me the soundtrack, with the swear words taken out, for my birthday. I then remember using the songs by singing them in my head to recall facts in two additional history and government classes. Surprisingly enough, in my junior year English class, we had an actual unit on the “Hamilton” musical and analyzing lyrics. I played the soundtrack on my CD player many times throughout the years and had every bit memorized, which made the unit a breeze to accomplish.

Another musical that comes to mind would be the musical and movie “Hairspray”. As a little kid, I watched this movie over and over for years. Although it does get cheesy at times, the movie taught me at a very young age about segregation and civil rights. Whenever the topic came up in history classes, I would always think back to different moments in the movie and be able to tie it back to what we were learning.

My love for music, movies, and playing many different instruments has brought me here to you, to apply for this generous scholarship and to pursue a career in Music Education. Thank you for considering my essay.

East Aurora High School

From East Aurora High School, the recipient was Kennia Pineda!

The Winning Submission

With Performing Arts taking such a huge place in my life, since late elementary school, I’ve learned so much from the arts that have become applicable to other parts of my education. I’ve been in band since 5th grade, where I had dreams to get as far as I could with the band and to be the best I could be. However, somewhere in between I began to lose that love and passion for the band and the Performing Arts in general. I wasn’t sure about what the band program could provide for me, and I had begun to lose hope in gaining anything from the band program. However, the people I met in the band program made it something I wanted to keep pursuing and something I wanted to hold onto. The Performing Arts taught me leadership skills, passion, and dedication which then turned into the mantra I began to follow for everything school related.

I became section leader for the 2022 to 2023 school year and that made me realize I had leadership skills I never knew I had in me. The people I had seen as just peers had now become the kids I had to look after, the kids that gave me back the passion I once had for band, these kids were now looking up to me and I knew I had to give it my all to not just band but to school to show these kids that there was so much more the band program had to offer besides music. With the leadership skills I had unlocked I was able to lead different groups in school be it projects or presentations. I was able to become a person who was reliable and able to lead people and it helped improve my social skills and voice my opinions to my classmates.

The newfound dedication made me realize that I wasn’t a single person most of the time and that I was an extension of a group. I learned to dedicate my time to becoming a team player. It wasn’t an easy task, however band helped with the task, I had a section that I had to lead and I was no longer just me I was now part of something bigger a group that I consider a family. This was one of the biggest advantages the band gave me as I learned to be a team player and not just a person who wants to spend all my time avoiding group work. Instead, I embrace it now and I’m more open to being a small part of the bigger image.

I also discovered what passion was. Before I never truly felt like I had anywhere I truly belonged and I never gave my all to anything, I had no drive, no motivation, and no perseverance. Band gave all those feelings back. Before I had fallen into a typical burnout student role where nothing felt right, but after taking a bigger role in band I realized that the passion I had locked away was more useful now than ever, as a senior I needed that passion, and without band, I would have never had that passion resurface and I would have continued to average Cs and not the student I am now.

So, although I never felt like the Performing Arts was a major part of my school life, I realized that band was the foundation of who I was, and the student I present myself as, and it’s something that I am so glad I didn’t leave it behind because I’m the student I am because of it.

Kaneland High School

From Kaneland High School, the recipient was Mya McIntire!

The Winning Submission

Something I take great pride in is my love of patterns. Call it childish or strange if you wish, but I love them. Patterns give everything a reason; they keep everything in order and open the door to many possibilities. Some of my favorite patterns are in music; there are endless possibilities of melodies and rhythms, yet somehow, amidst all the chaos, I hear patterns. It happens in pop music, the same chord progressions are used in so many songs, so once you learn one on whatever instrument, it is easy to figure out many more songs.

My love for musical patterns carries over to my schoolwork, as well. I can recognize patterns faster than some of my classmates, which makes learning material easier. In math, I can memorize equations based on how they relate to each other, much like how voice parts build off each other to create beautiful choral music. In English class, I can identify how an author wants the work to be read and compare it to how I interpret it, much like actors must do when they are reading their lines and building character.

Something I had to learn the hard way from participating in the Performing Arts is how to manage my time better. Believe it or not, pushing schoolwork off until I have a break was not a good way to manage my time. Between daily rehearsals and occasional performances, spare time does not come easily. I do my schoolwork when I am offstage at rehearsals and start it right away when I get home. Procrastination is not an option in the world of the Performing Arts, and failing to do schoolwork is not beneficial to anyone. I develop a pattern in my day-to-day life for dealing with and completing homework and find ways to shape the work into activities that are a little more enjoyable than schoolwork usually is.

My participation in the Arts has taught me many lessons that I apply to my academic life to make that part a little less intimidating. My pattern recognition and time management that I acquired from the Performing Arts enable me to remain a good performer, as well as a reliable student.

Geneva Community High School

From Geneva Community High School, the recipient was Kyra Kopec!

The Winning Submission

Participating in Performing Arts is something I fell into and has only made me a stronger and more confident person in the classroom. As a student with a reading disability, I never had the opportunity to take exploratory classes like band and choir. I enjoy a variety of music genres and singing for fun with my choir and band friends. I attend local theater productions at the Paramount or a girl’s trip into the city to see a musical or play annually.

So, when people suggested I join I wasn’t sure at first if I could handle being a part of the after-school program with the amount of time my classes took for me to complete outside of the school day. I was so wrong! Instead, I learned Theater allowed me to express the artistic side of myself while also practicing my reading, and communication and improving my time management skills. Years later now instead of being afraid of being called on to read things aloud in class, I seize my moment. I use the skills learned from theatre to perform in class which has helped me be an active participant and lifelong learner in my education.

Recently hired as the Waupaca Community Arts Hub’s new administrator, Rachel Bailey will be the new face all students and their parents will greet when they arrive for art and cooking classes, or for music lessons. Bailey will handle the day-to-day operations at the Arts Hub, as well as marketing and support tasks.

Bailey also is the social media director for another non-profit, The Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation, and has a long history of participating in the Fine Arts as a French Horn player for her high school and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse marching bands. “Fine Arts education had a large impact on who I grew to be as an adult. The Arts wing of my high school definitely was where you could find me partaking in most everything that was offered,” Bailey said.

Bailey said that she has experienced first-hand how being involved in the Arts gives youth outlets for self-expression, creates a sense of community for them, and teaches lessons that reinforce those learned within the academic classroom. “I am excited to be joining the Arts Hub and I’m looking forward to helping the Arts Hub grow and move forward by strengthening community partnerships that help us reach even more members of the Waupaca community, especially our youth.”

After graduating with a degree in archaeology, Rachel married her college sweetheart, and Waupaca native, Eric Bailey. They relocated from La Crosse to her hometown area of Lake County, IL, where she worked in the museum education field developing and teaching youth programs.

Bailey began working for the CPMF when it was created to honor her cousin, Christopher Patterson after he was killed while serving with the Indiana National Guard in Afghanistan. The Foundation seeks to honor his legacy by supporting the arts, particularly through the local schools near where Chris grew up, where $21,000 in cash awards have been presented to local high school seniors who participated in the fine arts.

During her time in Illinois, Bailey and her husband had three sons and dreamed of returning to Wisconsin. They were able to make that happen early in the fall when Eric was hired as the Director of the Waupaca Public Library. Bailey said that her family is looking forward to starting this new chapter of their lives here in Eric’s hometown of Waupaca, where they are living in his childhood home. “One of our sons has already started in his father’s footsteps by playing hockey with WAYHA on the same rink that his dad played on from his childhood through his high school years,” Bailey said.

“We are so pleased to have someone of Rachel’s caliber, skills, and passion helping us grow our programs and make the arts more accessible to everyone in our community,” said Arts Hub Chairman Laura Reynolds. A program of the Waupaca Community Arts Board, the Arts Hub is critical to the Arts Board’s mission of creating community through the arts, said WCAB President Marci Reynolds. “We look forward to working with Rachel as she helps us make the Arts Hub what we always have dreamed it could be,” said Marci Reynolds. “We just love her.”

Waupaca Arts Hub Press Release March 2023