Lake County Gazette

Lake Forest Schools have announced that Marco Paguia, a Tony Award-winning music director, arranger, orchestrator, and pianist, will return to Lake Forest High School (LFHS) to speak with students. Paguia, an alumnus of LFHS and a two-time Tony Award winner for the Broadway musical "Buena Vista Social Club," is scheduled to address students during the fourth period on Monday, September 22.

According to Lake Forest Schools, Paguia will discuss his journey from being an LFHS student to becoming a professional on Broadway. The visit is organized by Producers-at-Large (PALS) and the LFHS Fine and Performing Arts Department. It will feature a presentation on his musical training and career, followed by a question-and-answer session specifically for theater and music students. Permission slips are available in the LFHS Theater Schoology group or from Mrs. MacBlane.

PALS is described as the parent booster organization supporting theater at LFHS. Founded in 1975 as a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3), it raises funds through membership donations. These contributions are tax-deductible and used to purchase items not covered by the school budget, such as lighting and sound equipment, curtains, mirrors, body microphones, and specialized coaching. PALS also coordinates meals for cast and crew members, show t-shirts, program kudos, volunteer activities, and the year-end banquet while providing scholarships with the International Thespian Society to graduating seniors involved in theater.

Lake Forest High School was established in 1935 as a public secondary school serving grades 9–12 in Lake Forest, Illinois. According to Lake Forest Schools, approximately 95% of its students pursue higher education supported by personalized instruction within a collaborative school environment that emphasizes mutual respect, high expectations, and a sense of belonging. The school serves the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood under the motto "Pursuits become habits."

Lake Forest Community High School District 115 serves about 1,500 students from Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood in grades 9–12. The district offers various academic programs including advanced placement courses and specialized electives alongside extracurricular activities such as athletics and performing arts. Feeder schools include Deer Path Middle School and Lake Bluff Middle School among others.