Students selected for All-State theatre production

East Leyden students Yurem Mesa and Emelie Guttierez were selected for the 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival’s prestigious All-State production of Newsies. Chosen through a competitive process, they worked with students from across Illinois under professional guidance, including Leyden Vocal Director Stacy Cunningham and Assistant Vocal Director Noah Pligge (East Class of '08 and All-State alumnus), who also performed in the Opening Ceremonies. Yurem played Seitz and understudied Crutchie, while Emelie performed saxophone in the pit orchestra.