After what seems like over four months of winter, students and teachers can’t escape the winter blues. Far from the initial excitement that follows the beginning months of a new school year and out of sight of the activities and thrills of homecoming, school can become dull and many start to wear down. To remedy the snow sickness and bring a bit of color back into the community, ACHS hosts a week of recreation and summer fun: Summer in Winter Week.

As is customary, an assembly was held to serve as kick off to the week. This year’s assembly was run a bit differently though. Rather than having our attention centered on our sports teams and teachers like usual, this year’s kick off assembly was mainly fine arts focused and entirely run by students. When the band played, ACHS Band Director Jonathan Untch sat on the sidelines while senior Megan Bering and junior Morgan Yankee conducted the sections in perfect synchronization. The jazz choir and HarMENy were both given their starting pitch not by a piano or the choir director, but by sophomore Quintin Tallian, a student with perfect pitch.

The assembly was emceed by senior Karen Pimpo and Bering, two students who were honored for receiving Illinois Music Educator Association recognitions. Jesse Tamez, who qualified for the Illinois All State Improv Team, hosted a raffle game called “Let’s Make a Deal.”

This assembly was the first that featured the entire wind ensemble together rather than just the pep band. This was also the first that all male elective choir HarMENy has performed at.

It wasn’t all music, though. The boys wrestling, girls basketball, dance, football and girls bowling were all recognized for their seasons efforts.

“Everyone was so involved in what was happening. Everybody cheered for others!” junior Devin Kappie said.

Overall, the assembly left the student body ready for the rest of the week. Summer in Winter Week 2014 continues through Friday.