Through the power of music led by IHA teacher, Mrs. Maureen Buscareno’93, audience members were transported around the universe, from Poland to Jupiter to the fictional land of Westeros. As a special treat, the musical artists presented an original composition, in honor of spring, which was written in six different languages including Latvian and Russian. A wonderful addition to this year’s festival, Toni and Gaetano Cecere and the Don Bosco Preparatory High School band and choir members joined in the celebration. In honor of Don Bosco’s one hundredth anniversary and Polish heritage, IHA’s own Olivia Stopka’18 organized a performance with her Polish dance troupe, Podhalanie.
At this year’s Arts Festival, the senior musicians were recognized and the senior members of the National Art Honor Society received their graduation tassels. New members of the International Thespian Society were also inducted. Additionally, this year, the Mary Ellen Offer Memorial Award was presented to Nila Nejad’16, in memory of Mary Ellen “Molly” Offer, IHA Class of 2006. The memorial scholarship, established by Molly’s parents and four sisters, is presented to a student who typifies the qualities so loved in Molly: a student who loves art and design; has a deep love for family; and is willing to share compassion, spiritual values, and love of life with everyone she meets. Nila is an active member of the National Art Honor Society and, like Molly, is sharing her IHA experience with two sisters. Nila has excelled in her art classes and, true to the spirit of the award, she is always someone who is willing to lend a hand.
Also at the Arts Festival, the late Ms. Marilyn Rich, IHA faculty member, ORB literary magazine moderator, and Arts Culture and Theater moderator, was remembered for being an advocate of the arts at IHA. Additionally, Molly Dudas’15 and Alexa Gonzales’15 gave a beautiful tribute to Mrs. Lorraine Mongelli, long-time IHA faculty member who is retiring at the end of the 2014-15 academic year.
Thank you to the students; the IHA faculty, staff, and administration; the Don Bosco community; and members of the IHA Parents’ Club for their assistance with and support of this year’s Arts Festival. It was a night to remember for all involved!
Click here for more photos from the 2015 Arts Festival.