District 99 Students Wrap 'Newsies' Production At State Theatre Festival

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Three District 99 students were part of the production team that presented "Newsies" at the 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival earlier this month.

The students, Mo Harris, Rain Heller and Tess Lerette, were among 100 students selected from the pool of more than 520 who auditioned to be part of the all-state showcase.

They were joined by William Hunter Evans, who works as the coordinator and technical director for the performing center at Downers Grove South High School. Evans was the scenic designer for "Newsies," marking his sixth time in that role, according to District 99.

The cast and crew for the all-state production of "Newsies" was made up of actors, tech crew members and musicians from across Illinois. The three-day production ran Jan. 8 through Jan. 10, but students and staff worked throughout the fall of 2025 to prep the show.

“The All-state Showcase presents a distinctive opportunity for high school theater students who excel in the theater arts,” Evans said in a statement.

He added, “We are immensely proud of Tess, Rain, and Mo for representing our technical theater programs and our district in such a significant and impressive manner. You are sure to see their work on our stages and beyond in the future!”