Students from Community High School received a standing ovation from their peers when they performed their fall play "Arsenic and Old Lace" at Theatre Fest January 8 to 10 at Illinois State University. "Arsenic and Old Lace" was one of 12 plays chosen out of 40 that entered the contest to perform at Theatre Fest.

Theatre Fest brings together 3,500 students and 500 teachers from throughout Illinois for a three day convention which features workshops, games and productions. The festival began with "Arabian Nights" performed by a professional theater company.

Mary Hafertepe is the play director. This is the fourth play or showcase she has brought to Theater Fest from Community High School. "I am tremendously proud of our students for their performance, their cooperation, their team effort and most especially, their responsible behavior," said Hafertepe. "They represented our school and our community in an amazing fashion and made our Theatre Fest 2004 experience one which I will always remember," she added. "Our kids were awesome!" said assistant director Kim Brafford.