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Volume 9, Issue 13
November 17, 2016
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| Little Shop of Horrors Delights Audiences |
Upper School musical theater students took the stage on November 11 and 12 to present the funny and poignant
Little Shop of Horrors.
Little Shop of Horrors is the story of Seymour, played with humor and compassion by Varun Iyer, a hapless botanist working alongside Audrey (whose vulnerability and low self-esteem were played brilliantly by Tillie McCoskey), in a Skid Row neighborhood flower shop.
The crabby owner Mr. Mushnik (made lovably annoying by Jacob Besser) laments his shops steady decline until Seymour happens upon a strange plant that feeds on human blood. Growing steadily on stage, the plant soon gains notoriety for Seymour and the shop, which turns the business around. The plant, named Audrey II by Seymour out of his affection for his co-worker, soon develops a domineering baritone voice and makes increasingly frightening demands. Warren Lester, offstage and unseen, delivered the classic line "Feed Me" as the voice of Audrey II, while Gaige McKnight brought the enormous puppet to life.
With the help of an outstanding choral trio to keep the story moving along (Abi Price, McKinney Waggoner, and Lily Turner), Little Shop of Horrors balances light-hearted moments with its characters' chronic despair, especially that of Audrey, as she contends with her abusive boyfriend Orin, a sadistic motorcycle-riding dentist, played with frightening precision by Noah Bernstein.
The Lakehill production showcased the talents of nearly 40 Upper School students. Special
appearances were made by fifth graders
Sofia and Lily Bracken
, as city dwellers in the musical number "Skid Row." The walk-on role in the musical is a special item sold each year during the Lakehill PFC Benefit Auction.
Lakehill's production featured stage direction by Mark Guerra and musical direction by Tracy Herron. Linda Booth provided musical accompaniment, while Lela Bell returned as choreographer.
Thanks to the PFC Performing Arts Committee, Sandhya Iyer, Barbara Clay, Susan Langley, Dana Turner, and Winnie Arrington, and their team of parent volunteers for their help and support in bringing Little Shop of Horrors to the stage.
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Chamber Recognizes Teachers of the Year
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Each year, the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce recognizes teachers who have made significant contributions in the classroom and in the community.
Lower School Computer teacher and Librarian Casey Pike was recognized as the Private Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Pike said she was honored to receive this year's award. "T
he fact of the matter is that I have an awesome job," said Pike. "I have wonderful, motivated students from supportive families and, of the 150 students in our Lower School, there isn't one who doesn't love computers or exploring books in the library. I am blessed to be able to do what I do at Lakehill!"
Lakehill Headmaster Roger Perry said he was especially thrilled at the way the business community turned out to support these teachers. "It is an honor to have one of our teachers recognized for her outstanding accomplishments," he said. "It is reassuring to know that the business community recognizes the importance of excellence in education and supports this program wholeheartedly."
"Since her first day teaching here, Casey Pike has been someone who has helped students and faculty grow more comfortable with technology," said Head of Lower School John Trout. "She has always looked for extra ways to give back to Lakehill."
Two additional Lakehill teachers were selected as finalists in the competition.
Patty Pippen was recognized in the Middle School category, while
Latricia Davis was a finalist in the High School category.
The Teacher of the Year Awards Program solicits nominations from all public and private schools in East Dallas as well as from business and community leaders. On November 15, Chamber of Commerce Chairman Andrea Saunders presented awards to the winners at a luncheon in their honor. Set against the natural beauty of Lakehill's Alice and Erle Nye Family Environmental Science Center, the day was a fitting tribute to East Dallas's finest teachers.
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Lakehill Named Adopt-a-Shoreline Group of the Year
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For more than 20 years, volunteer groups have gathered monthly to pick up trash at White Rock Lake. The Adopt-A-Shoreline program is a Dallas Park and Recreation Department initiative administered by For the Love of the Lake. Fifty local organizations have pledged their commitment by signing on as Adopt-a-Shoreline groups, agreeing to maintain a portion of White Rock Lake and its grounds and keep it litter-free.
On November 12, Lakehill was recognized as the 2016 Adopt-a-Shoreline Group of the Year at the annual appreciation picnic. Lakehill has been active in the program since 2009, and celebrated its 100th Shoreline Spruce-Up om Saturday prior to the awards ceremony. Nearly 40 Lakehill volunteers participated in the historic event.
"I am so grateful for the countless students, teachers, and families who have so enthusiastically dedicated themselves to this effort over the past eight years," said Gigi Ekstrom, Director of Marketing and Community Relations. "This award is a tribute to our amazing volunteers who are united in a common cause - to make our lake a better, cleaner place."
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Grandparents Day, 8:00 a.m.
Lake
hill welcomes grandparents, parents, and special friends to the annu
al Grandparents Day Celebration on Friday, November 18. The festivities begin at 8:00 a.m. with a breakfast
reception in the cafeteria. The program, which includes performances by various student groups, will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium. School is dismissed at 11:00 a.m. for Thanksgiving Break, and there is no after-school care.
Book Fair
November 18; November 28 - December 2
Stock up on new books for the holidays at Lakehill's Scholastic Book Fair which will be held in the Upper Library. It will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
Enjoy an advance preview and purchase books following the Grandparents Day celebration on November 18.
Watch for more information about the Book Fair and get ready for fun events every day, including a
special visit
from author Michelle Staubach Grimes and illustrator Bille DeOre on November 30. Order their book,
Where is Pidge?
here
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December 1
Upper School Admission Preview
Main Campus, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Invite your friends and neighbors to take a look at Lakehill's Upper School!
All Lakehill seventh and eighth grade families are strongly encouraged to attend.
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