Thank you for supporting my petition to save Lagniappe, which has over 2,100 signatures. I wanted to share some brief updates.

First, I met with Superintendent Paul Sally and Winnetka Principal Denise Dubravec just before winter break. I wanted to better understand the administrative concerns that led to cancellation. They said that they were cancelling the show due to insufficient student interest in taking on leadership positions. I believe we can satisfy this concern. I would like to present a slate of juniors prepared to take on the leadership roles for next year. The administration, at this time, remains resistant to the students proving that there is sufficient interest.

But I would like to bring this to the upcoming Board of Education meeting, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m at the Northfield campus in Room C234. Please come join me and show your support. For those who are comfortable speaking and sharing their positive experiences with Lagniappe, nothing formal or scripted is required. Each speaker gets three minutes during the public comments portion of the meeting (which is right at the beginning – and you can leave after). It would be impactful for the Board to hear from the community about what Lagniappe means to people.

Second, even if you can’t attend the meeting, we students have so appreciated the alumni and community support. Unfortunately, arts are a common target of cuts. If you are willing to be involved in continuing to support the arts at New Trier in any way, big or small, please reach out to me by email: ethan.d.epstein@gmail.com, and I will add you to an email list that we will use going forward.

Finally, I just wanted to flag some media coverage that is worth checking out, and to encourage you to read the tremendous comments shared on the petition. Thank you again for your support.

Show’s over for Lagniappe-Potpourri — New Trier’s 86-year-old music and sketch tradition

Letter to the Editor: New Trier should not cancel the Lagniappe show

Sincerely,

Ethan Epstein

Junior, New Trier High School