GL_050318

18 | May 3, 2018 | The glenview lantern School
glenviewlantern.com
Wescott first-graders explore the wonderful world of dogs
Submitted by District 30
Wescott School firstgraders
performed the
original musical “Dogs!”
for the last time with Bill
Vaananen.
The musical premiered
32 years ago and has been
a beloved show for many
classes. Wescott School
first-graders presented the
show this year on April
20.
Vaananen has served as
Wescott’s music teacher
for 37 years and has been
affectionately called “Mr.
V” by countless students.
After the first-graders’
performance, he said that
“today we performed
our original musical
‘Dogs!’ for the last time
at Wescott. We premiered
the show 32 years ago
with the third-graders in
March 1986. Since then,
we have done ‘Dogs!’ or
one of its sequels over a
dozen times — not counting
summer-school productions
and other spinoffs.
The children did a
Retiring music teacher Bill Vaananen plays the piano.
wonderful job. Thanks for
the memories, kids.”
Principal Chris Brown
said, “Everyone’s tails
were wagging this week as
Wescott’s first-grade students
treated the students,
staff and Wescott families
to one final performance of
‘Dogs!’ Thank you to our
first-grade teachers Ashley
Grosshuesch, Courtney
Hoffman, Sharon Latek
and Sydney Lichten for
giving production assistance
and practicing lines
with the children in class,
and to physical education
teacher Roy Grober for his
production assistance and
technical setup.
“We extend a big thank
you to music teacher Bill
Vaananen, composer and
director of ‘Dogs!’ His last
show with the fifth-graders
takes place on May 17-18
and will be titled ‘Finale.’”
Wescott first-graders (left to right) Nola Kunkle, Ainsleigh Kruz and Kacey Lee sing
during their performance of the original musical “Dogs!” on April 20 at the school.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
The Wescott first-graders perform “Dogs!”
Sarah Tanzif, dressed in a dog costume, dances during the show.