Standout Theatre Student Dedicated To Honing His Craft: Star Student

OAK FOREST, IL — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Cheryl Harris-Sumida who nominated Brenden I., senior of Oak Forest.

Star local student’s name

Brenden I., Senior

Star local student’s home state

Illinois

How do you know the star local student?

Brenden is in the Fine Arts program at Oak Forest High School. I have directed Brenden in many theatrical productions in the Group Interpretation IHSA Competition Drama group, Madrigal Drama group, Fall Play One Acts and enjoyed his singing performances from the audience during choir performances and during the Spring Musical. Acting, theatre and singing is in his blood!

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Brenden is one of the stand-out students in our school's outstanding theatre program. Since he was a freshman, he has worked hard, listened to criticism, and tried to improve his craft, all while maintaining top grades. He holds very high standards for himself and inspires those in his music classes also to reach for those high standards as well. It was a pleasure to watch Brenden fall in love with Jazz Singing and then make it to the All-State Jazz Choir this year, which is a very big honor! All of the things that Brenden does requires hours of rehearsal after school and on the weekends, requiring him to work late into the night to get his homework done, but somehow it all happens!

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

Brenden's big stage presence is a pleasure to watch and seems to come naturally to him—but that is deceptive as he works hard at his craft. He puts in the effort of a much older student and is very focused on becoming better at theatrical and vocal performance.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future,Brenden I., Senior!

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