Student awards

Congratulations to freshman Tara Fahimi for receiving the Kent Walker Award and a certificate of achievement for Outstanding Scholastic Effort. This award is given to a student in on-level courses whose work reflects determination and persistent efforts in scholastic achievement. This is the only time that the award has been given to a freshman.

At the April 29 Awards Assembly, Principal Joan Benz called Fahimi, “an exceptional young lady who strives to do well and succeeds” and who “gives 100 percent every day in class.” Her English teacher said she is “truly a pleasure to teach.”

Diesel Pigeons win first place in Battle of the Bands

After last year’s successful comeback from a ten-year hiatus, the Battle of the Bands competition came back to the CHS stage May 14.

Six CHS bands got to showcase their talent in front of the surrounding community. The Diesels Pigeons, a pop-punk group consisting of sophomore Zac Vogel and Class of 2009 alumni Evan Vogel, Jonah Weinreich and Eric Taft, left with the victory.

Ever Since Beginnings, Noise, Sheeza Commando, Hot Broccoli and Churchill’s Got Talent winner J.A.W.A.N.J.A all had their turn on the stage. Their genres ranged from pop-punk to jazz and every type of rock in between.

“Our class officers had shown some interest in doing a school event so Scott Selman, our SGA advisor, figured out that we could be in charge of Battle of the Bands this year,” freshman vice president Hana Quirós said.

Battle of the Bands was a solution to help funding for the class of 2013.

“My idea was to create an event that could kick-start the fundraising for the [freshmen] class early,” Selman said.

Auditions were held by the freshmen SGA officers and Executive Board members April 20 and 21. Bands were primarily judged on preparedness, talent and stage presence.

The Diesel Pigeons performed at After-Prom and received a recording studio microphone package donated from Guitar Center as their prize.

After the past two years’ turnout, Battle of the Bands will probably become a CHS tradition once again. While it is a way to help support the freshmen class, Vogel also cites Battle of the Bands as a valuable opportunity for local bands.

“I really hope that events like this will encourage CHS students to respect and support local music,” Vogel said. “I’ve seen kids who appreciate it in other areas, but the support is nowhere to be found here.”

Students win scholastic Gold Key awards

Congratulations to senior Elizabeth Michaels for receiving the Gold Key Award from the Alliance For Young Artists, a prestigious recognition program for teenage artists and writers. Michaels’ work was judged for its originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal vision or voice. A Gold Key Award is the highest level of achievement on the regional level.

Students win scholastic Gold Key awards

Congratulations to senior Kelly Foster for submitting her digital film, “The Interpretation of Dreams” to the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers and for winning the Gold Key award. The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers is one of the oldest and most esteemed recognition programs in the U.S. It is the highest regional award one can receive for this competition.

Student Awards

Congratulations to junior Laura Butvinik for winning an award for Best Documentary at the Toronto Student Film Festival. Butvinik placed first out of 26 finalists, and her film was screened in Toronto on April 24. She is currently looking for a college in which she can double major in film production and in another subject, and she is working to hopefully become a filmmaker in the future.

Seniors win musical excellence award

Congratulations to seniors Steven Riguax, Shelby Sykes and Josh Simon for winning the Superintendent’s Award for Musical Excellence. They were nominated by their drama director and teacher Jessica Speck for their extreme dedication, hard work and talent. They have all been in the drama and music department for four years. In those four years, they have made many exceptional achievements in drama and music, performing in the plays Chicago, Rent, and in CHS performances of Blast.

Science awards

Congratulations to Michael and Will Kovacs for winning awards in The American Society of Human Genetics DNA Essay Contest.  Michael won first place with his essay on the genetic and environmental interactions that can contribute to obesity.  He won a $400 prize and a $2,000 prize for the school to purchase new lab equipment.  Will received an Honorable Mention for his essay on inherited traits.