Hallie Spolarich has been named to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) 2018 Rising Star Honor Roll, an annual recognition of outstanding youth who show creative leadership. In addition to a passion for and outstanding skill in the arts, Rising Stars finds ways to lead and serve others, whether helping in class, with their peers or in their community.
Spolarich was nominated for this prestigious award by the Beverly Arts Center (BAC) in the area of theater. Nominees were reviewed and winners chosen by Chicago artist professionals.
Spolarich, a talented and dedicated actor and dancer, has been taking classes at the BAC, since she was eight years old. She has performed in many theatrical and dance productions. “With all the time I have spent there, I considerate [the BAC] home,” she said.
“The BAC is a place where everyone can grow in different types of disciplines,” Spolarich said, adding that her studies at the BAC taught her many skills that she can use on and off stage. “I have strengthened my [dance] technique in ballet, modern, tap, pointe and jazz, [but] the most important concept that I have learned in dance is that we all learn and grow from each other.”
Spolarich said that being named to the Rising Star Honor Roll is “truly the most amazing thing that has happened to me. There is so much talent in Chicago and I am honored to be recognized . . . It makes my passion for theater even stronger.”
A recent graduate of Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, Spolarich will be a theater and mathematics major at Hope College, Holland, Mich. in the fall. Following college, she hopes to return to Chicago to pursue a career in acting. Spolarich is a resident of Beverly/Morgan Park and the daughter of Ken and Elizabeth Spolarich.
Spolarich and Chicago’s Rising Stars show that creative youth can be great artists and great citizens. This award celebrates the creative spirit of the next generation as an essential part of Chicago’s cultural life.
Rising Stars and their nominators will celebrate their achievements at a reception in August at the Chicago Cultural Center. The Rising Stars will also be recognized as a group at the Creative Youth Festival in Millennium Park on Saturday, Sept. 22, and they will have opportunities for continued engagement through the DCASE Year of Creative Youth.
