Contestants Ready for FOCUS Talent Show Finale on July 24

Since the inception of Raue Center For The Arts we have always had the desire to host a show that highlights the talents of our youth. The inaugural FOCUS talent show ran last year and was an overwhelming success. With the hard work and dedication of the FOCUS Educational Committee and staff, we have been able to further bring this idea to fruition and turn it into an annual event.

This year, Raue Center is delighted to present FOCUS 2010. A multifaceted, multi-month talent show open to all youth 18 and under, this event strives to promote emotional, intellectual and intuitive development in each child through the encouragement of artistic expression. The event’s theme, “A community of change. What does this mean to you?” will permeate all four unique showcases in this year’s event: fashion design, vocal ensemble, visual arts and performing arts.

With the finale showcase only a couple weeks away the finalists have been named for all four showcases. They will perform/present before the judging panel and the winners will be announced on July 24, 2010.
Performing Arts Showcase Finalists
Elementary Division: Jayden and Carsen Forte, Esha Gourikrishna and Daniel Souvigny
Junior High Division: Lena Burke and Ryan Lammers, Rachel Cottrell and Kushal Gourikrishna
High School Division: Maroon Man Group, Lane Parsons and Benjamin Valle

Fashion Design Showcase Finalists
Senior Division: Haley Beyer, Ashley Margaret Bolda, Shelby Difiore, Anna Goldberg, Sara Hinkle, Johnny Laman, Sarah Magnuson, Audrey Pangallo, Alyssa Phillips, Hillary Ruhlin, Nikki Schweber and Amy Sticha
Junior Division: Veronica Buchweitz, Emma Downing, Taya Freese, Annie Kamps, Emmerson Meurett, Mary Plazak and Elise Rockwell

Visual Arts Showcase Finalists
Elementary Division: Mary Clare Schofield, Erik Stiegman and Lauren Rickgauer
Junior High Division: Dylan Manke and Kathy Swerbenski
High School Division: Connor Jacobsen, Terrill Freese and Henry Hillstrom

FOCUS 2010 is brought to you by Burnhill Union Records with additional support from Centegra Health System, Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria and Pub, Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers, Exemplar Financial Network, Northwest Herald, Aesthetics, Donna L. Vestal Fund and the McGown Gin Rosica Family Foundation.
For more information, call Christin Kruse, Director of Development, at 815-356-9010 or visit