News Briefs: Wilmette cellist wins competition; NSCD raises $400,000 for teachers; Regina dance program performs

Jan Vargas Nedvetsky, a cellist from Wilmette, won the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 solo competition for high school musicians.

For his efforts, Nedvetsky received a $500 prize and will perform as a soloist with the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra in concert on June 22 at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., in Naperville.

In that concert, Nedvetsky will play the first movement of Antonin Dvorak’s “Cello Concerto No. 2.”

Nedvetsky reportedly began playing the cello at age 5 and is a senior in the North Atlantic Regional High School independent study program. According to a news release from the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra, he currently studies cello at the Academy of the Music Institute of Chicago and will continue to pursue a music career this fall at Northwestern University. 

He is the son of Yana Nedvetsky and Axel Vargas and a co-founder of the Musicians for Hope organization, which raises funds to support music education in Chicago-area public schools.

NSCD fundraiser takes in $400,000

More than 250 friends of North Shore Country Day helped the school raise more than $400,000 on Feb. 21 at Michigan Shores Club in support of the school’s staff.

According to a release from the school, the annual Benefit for Teachers funds teacher retention, recruitment and professional development.

“Teachers shape not only what students learn in the classroom but also who they become as people,” said Lynn Kahla-Ryan, an event co-chair. “They create an environment that encourages curiosity, growth and empathy, leaving a lifelong impact on every student they teach.”

The cocktail party included food stations, a photo booth, student performances and an auction, all leading up to the traditional paddle raise that ended with a raffle for a trip to Las Vegas.

“This event was the culmination of how our community — students, families, alums and donors — believe in the positive, far-reaching impact of NSCD’s teachers,” said Hannah Chung, the other co-chair. “We are so grateful to have been a part of it.”

Regina’s orchesis puts on annual showcase

Regina Dominican dancers welcomed crowds Feb. 28 and March 1 for the orchesis performance, “PRISM.”

Orchesis, Regina Dominican’s dance company, showcased a variety of dance genres, including ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tap and Irish dance. 

The program is led by Director Ally Valadez and Assistant Director Katie Lyons with support from senior captains Allison Buck and Abby King, according to a release from the high school. A majority of the dances reportedly were student-choreographed, and the event included a few director-choreographed pieces, as well as a special guest-choreographed piece by Fernando Rodriguez of Giordano Dance Chicago.

“This production featured a variety of dance genres, and we are so proud of all the hard work and dedication seen from these dancers throughout the season,” Valadez said in the release. “It’s been a joy to work with these dancers, and we are so happy we were able to bring ‘PRISM’ to life on stage!”

The student-created art displays, in collaboration with Regina’s art students, also added to the show’s immersive experience. The show also included pieces from the jazz dance and advanced dance classes offered at Regina Dominican.