Richards High School hosting Arts Extravaganza and Craft Fair

Harold L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn is hosting the Friends of Community High School District (CHSD) 218 Education Foundation’s Arts Extravaganza and Craft Fair tomorrow.

The annual event, which is a fundraiser that supports CHSD 218 student scholarships for college and teacher mini-grants, is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Friday at 10601 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn.

Events include a craft fair, theatrical and musical performances, displays of fine and industrial art, and dinner prepared by students from Richards, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Alan B. Shepard High School, Delta & Summit Learning Center, and CHSD 218's local partner schools.

Performances include musical previews from Eisenhower and Shepard high schools, as well as choir performances from Richards High School and the Adult Transition Program (ATP). It will be the first time that ATP—CHSD 218's program for 18-22 year old adults with disabilities—will perform at the event.

"Our students are very passionate about the arts, and we feel it is our responsibility to put them in a position to showcase their passion and talent," said Jim McCormick, assistant ATP coordinator.

The District 218 Honor Band will also perform at the Arts Extravaganza for the first time. It is made up of honor band students from Eisenhower, Richards, and Shepard high schools. Honor band students are selected after an audition or a recommendation from the band director.

"Each director selected one piece for this concert and will rehearse and subsequently conduct that piece in concert at the Arts Extravaganza," said Dr. Justin Antos, Eisenhower band director.

Tickets are $10 for adults ages 19 - 59, $5 for students ages 18 and younger and for people ages 60 and older, and free for children ages 5 and under.

The Friends of Community High School District 218 Education Foundation was established to enrich and enhance the education and lives of the District 218 students which it serves. The Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that encourages donations, grants, and bequests that further support its purpose:

• Nurture school and student improvement.
• Provide funding for innovative programs for academic, extracurricular, and other educational needs of the students.
• Provide opportunities for student enrichment and scholarship.

To learn more about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit its website.