The LaFontaine Arts Council named Huntington North High School seniors Erica Ashley, Luke Bangma, Thom Greving and Katie Melcher as its Artists of the Month for January.
Ashley was nominated by Director of Choirs Aaron Childress and drama teacher Ruth Reed for excellence in vocal music and theater, respectively. Childress remarked that he was impressed by Ashley’s growth as a performer over the last two years as a member of Varsity Singers. Reed praised Ashley for being a bright student and valued contributor to the Masque and Gavel Drama Club.
“Overall, I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to work with Erica Ashley,” writes Reed. “She is a talented young lady with endless potential. It is a delight to share shows with someone like Erica who is blessed with diverse talents and abilities.”
Ashley is the daughter of Tom and Janet Ashley, of Huntington. Beyond performing at Huntington North, she takes part in Fort Wayne Community Theatre productions.
Bangma was nominated by Band Director Michael Petek and Assistant. Band Director John Gardner for his contributions in band. He is the son of Christina Bangma and Eric LaRocque, of Huntington.
Greving was nominated by Reed for his accomplishments in theater.
“Thom is a talented, dynamic cast member who is always on time and prepared to play his part,” writes Reed. “In fact, he can memorize lines overnight without difficulty. He willingly practices lines with other cast members and he jumps in as a volunteer to help wherever he can.
“Thom thrives on challenges and problem-solving situations and, in the theatre department, we offer him both opportunities.”
In addition to his onstage and offstage contributions to plays and musicals at Huntington North, Reed notes that Greving has also worked as a student assistant on productions at Riverview Middle School. He is also a member of Varsity Singers at Huntington North, says Reed, and has participated in productions at Pulse Opera House, in Warren, and Fort Wayne Community Theatre.
Greving is the son of Heidi Greving and Evert-Jan Greving, of Huntington.
Melcher was nominated by visual art teacher Jonathan Harrigan for excellence in ceramics. Harrigan states that Melcher is a superb student who works diligently and with an eye for detail.
Melcher is the daughter of Matt and Gayle Melcher, of Roanoke.