College Credits: Geneva Student Marches In NY Thanksgiving Parade

GENEVA, IL — We're keeping track of all the major higher education accomplishments of students in the area. Send your submissions to emily.rosca@patch.com.

Geneva student part of WIAC championship for UW-Whitewater football

Caden Naselli, a native of Geneva, IL, and graduate of Geneva Community High School, is a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, which clinched at least a share of the program's 38th Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship last Saturday with a 13-7 win against UW-La Crosse in front of 11,991 fans at Perkins Stadium in Whitewater.

Naselli, a freshman at UW-Whitewater, is majoring in criminology.

With the win, the Warhawks (9-0 overall, 6-0 WIAC) earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Playoffs, which began Nov. 20.

— Merit Page News

Musicians from Geneva will perform in Christmas concert at Augustana College

The Augustana College Department of Music presents Christmas at Augustana, December 4 and 5, 2021 in Centennial Hall.
Local students are taking part in the concert:

• Austin Aquino of Geneva, IL will perform with the Augustana Choir.
• Madeline Herwig of Geneva, IL will perform with the Augustana Symphony Orchestra.
• Megan Johnson of Geneva, IL will perform with the Augustana Symphony Orchestra.
• Ariela Policastro of Geneva, IL will perform with the Augustana Choir.

Presented by Quad City Bank & Trust, Christmas at Augustana is returning live after a one-year hiatus. Christmas at Augustana has thrilled audiences in sold-out performances for over a decade. Student musicians will take the stage to share their talents in what has become a highlight of the Augustana and Quad-Cities holiday season. Featuring performances by the Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Ascension Ringers, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble and Augustana Concert Chorale. This holiday concert is not to be missed.

Christmas at Augustana has been a tradition since 2008. After the performance was offered in a virtual format in 2020, the Augustana College department of music is ready to be on stage again.

"We are so excited to be able to sing together again in Centennial Hall this year," says Augustana Choir director Dr. Jon Hurty. "The students and directors are really looking forward to sharing our Christmas music, live and in person!"

— Merit Page News

Geneva musician performs in Thanksgiving Day parade

The University of Alabama Million Dollar Band was selected to perform in the 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, representing the state of Alabama.

Benjamin Fioresi (Geneva) performed in the Mellophone section/position.

This marked the first appearance by the band in the parade. The Million Dollar Band joined the parade to the call of "Let's Have a Parade," the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

"The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of America's iconic holiday traditions," said Dr. Ken Ozzello, UA professor of music and director of bands. "Having the opportunity to participate will be thrilling for the members of the Million Dollar Band and provide them with life-long memories."

— Merit Page News