Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of writing and creativity! The LCHS English Department is excited once again to host Writers Week, set to begin on Monday, February 13th. Throughout the week, English classes will attend presentations in the auditorium. The week-long event will feature a diverse range of talented writers, including a writing workshop with Grammy award-winning rapper Rhymefest, renowned photojournalists Griffin Quinn and Jeanee Sacken, senior editor at The Onion, Lauren Moser, bestselling novelist Kim Oclon, author Anna Lewis, acclaimed poets Rick Meier and Jordan Dunn, local favorite Stu the Piano Guy, Pete Dankelson from the band "Pete's Diary," and others. Join us for a week of inspiring talks, workshops, and performances that will leave you feeling recharged and ready to tackle your next writing project.
RHYMEFEST
As a world traveler, prolific writer, artist, community organizer and teacher Rhymefest has shattered countless negative stereotypes in Hiphop. His award-winning documentary “In My Father’s House” details a journey to redeem his relationship with his estranged father who’d been homeless for over 30 years.
His work on Songs like Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks,” Common & John Legend’s Glory and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s M3 has garnered countless awards including multiple Grammys, a Critics Choice award, Golden Globe, and an Oscar. As a Dartmouth Montgomery Fellow, and Co-founder/Creative Director of his own organization (Art Of Culture) Rhymefest has expanded his artistic expression to Acting as he Co-Stars in his first major film The Public, written & directed by Emilio Estavez, while maintaining a profound passion to teach and pass his experiences to new generations of youth and artists.
Che Rhymefest Smith lives by the example and mantra that, “The Only True Power, Is The Power To Empower Others”.
PETE DANKELSON
"Peter Dankelson has been called, “A champion of the human spirit,” by Stevie Dacanay of the band Buckcherry and a “Difference maker in life,” by Mike Babcock, NHL Head Coach 2002 - 2019 and a 2x Olympic Gold-Medalist.
Peter motivates audiences to live their best life by choosing a positive mindset and finding self- acceptance. He shares his medical journey with Goldenhar Syndrome, living life with a facial difference, and overcoming his hearing loss and other disabilities to teach himself how to play the guitar. Peter demonstrates how music helps him express his emotions, and he encourages audiences to find their own creative outlet. Peter has been honored as a Patient of Courage by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Champion of Hope by Global Genes. He is an ambassador for Children’s Craniofacial Association, the front man for the Pete’s Diary band, and co-author of his autobiography, How I Learned to Rock My Life: The Peter Dankelson Story. He has performed with professional musicians including Joe Bonamassa, Tyler Bryant, Jared James Nichols, Dirty Honey, and Buckcherry. Music Radar named him one of 2020’s Best Online Guitar Personalities."
ANNA LEWIS
"Anna M Lewis is an award-winning author, toy designer and illustrator from the Chicago suburbs. Her career started at Tonka Toys and Mattel, where she was routinely recognized for her creativity and ingenuity with children’s toys. As her own children made their way through school, she became involved with arts education programs — bringing the A into STEAM education (Science, Technology, Education, Arts, and Mathematics)."
GRIFFIN QUINN
"Griffin Quinn is a visual storyteller who captures the beauty of movement and the role that sports play as a unifying force. Through embedding himself within teams and their communities, his work explores the human connection rooted in sports. He is currently the Assistant Director of Design and Brand for Northwestern University Athletics where he helps shape the visual and creative outputs of the department. Previously, he has worked with the Boston Red Sox, Syracuse University Athletics, and University of Dayton Athletics."
JEANNEE SACKEN
"As a novelist and photojournalist, Jeannee has travelled extensively in Africa, South and Central America, and Asia, capturing images of nature and wildlife and documenting the lives of people who live in some of the most remote and fascinating places on earth. Her first novel, BEHIND THE LENS, introduces Annie Hawkins Green, a seasoned war photographer working in Afghanistan. Her second novel, DOUBLE EXPOSURE, Follows Annie's new adventures when she returns to Afghanistan to cover peace talks between the government and the Taliban."
KIM OCLON
Kim Oclon is a mother, creative writing teacher and co-founder of her school's first gay-straight alliance. She combines her passion for storytelling and people in her writing. Soon to be released is Man Up, a story of coming out and coming up against the backdrop of high school sports.
STU THE PIANO GUY
Michael "Stu" Stoinski, The Piano Guy is a singer, songwriter and entertainer in the midwest that enchants crowds with his upbeat free-style piano entertainment. A founding member of the band Bella Cain, Stu is now a one-man show who regularly plays at restaurants, entertains for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and numerous other special events. He is known for his fun attitude, free-style playing and high energy. Of his many accomplishments, Stu is most proud of his original music, he has funded and recorded two albums with a third hopefully in the future.
LAUREN MOSER
Lauren Moser is a seasoned editor with a passion for satire and humor. She has built a reputation for her comedic writing and her ability to bring out the funny in even the most mundane topics. As a senior editor at The Onion, Moser has honed her skills and made a name for herself in the world of satire.
OTHER GUESTS INCLUDE:
