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Students present Bonnick Theatre highlights and a Build On school project in Malawi
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Summary
Students and staff showcased Bonnick Theatre's role in building skills and presented results from a Build On trek to Malawi, describing host-family experiences, cultural workshops and a community-built primary school now recognized by local authorities.
Students and staff used the board meeting to spotlight the high school’s Bonnick Theatre program and to report back on a Build On international service trip to Malawi.
Katie Schreck, an English teacher who directs the school’s productions, told the board that theater ‘‘helps students to develop these same essential soft skills’’ — including teamwork, communication and confidence — and introduced students and staff involved in recent productions. Student speakers described the auditorium as ‘‘one of the safest spaces I’ll ever know’’ and credited the program with improving public speaking and leadership.
Stephanie Quigley, the pit director and musical director, said the theater community is ‘‘uniquely welcoming and supportive’’ and praised the level of student involvement, noting this year’s pit was largely student-staffed.
Students and staff also reviewed a Build On trek to Malawi. Presenters described the logistics (visa processing, host-family placements and an in-country support team), the work on a primary school and cultural workshops including discussions about gender roles and adult literacy. One student said the group ‘‘couldn’t have had a better experience’’ living with host families who welcomed them; another described the physical challenges — long walks to water sources and simple accommodations — that underscored the trip’s educational value. Presenters said Build On has built thousands of schools and that the completed school in the village is expected to be recognized by the Malawian government, which would enable assignment of teachers and delivery of supplies.
Why it matters: The presentations illustrated curricular and co-curricular learning — public-speaking, leadership, cross-cultural engagement and service learning — and highlighted how district-supported travel and arts programs extend learning beyond the classroom.
Next steps and context: Staff and students noted fundraising efforts and administrative oversight (including safety protocols and in-country support). The board applauded the students’ work and moved on to routine business.
Representative quotes used in this report come from students and staff who spoke on the record at the meeting.
