CAST: Cougar Arts Support Team

You don't need an audition to join this CAST.
Supporting
Art • Band • Choir • Orchesis Dance Company • Orchestra • Theater
Our mission is to support the Vernon Hills High School Fine Arts Department in providing a rigorous, supportive and innovative environment for students and faculty.
You can support this mission by becoming a CAST member today! See below for details on becoming a supporting member of CAST. Not sure if you already joined CAST? A list of members can be found at the bottom of the page.
CAST Membership Info
Membership Fee: $40
Purchase Your CAST Membership Online ($40)
What Your Membership Supports
CAST funds, including your $40 membership fee, support an enhanced arts experience for your student, providing dynamic and unique opportunities for learning, performance and artistic development that would otherwise not be available. Additionally, CAST provides student meals and snacks for events as well as student scholarships, among other opportunities for the arts students throughout the year.
Benefits of Membership
Early Bird Ticketing for all pre-sale Fine Arts events (including the Holiday Concert), a free download from a concert of your choice, an eye-catching VHHS Fine Arts decal, and acknowledgment in arts programs and at events throughout the school year.
Why should I join CAST as a parent member?
If you believe that a strong fine arts program is an integral part of your student's educational, social and artistic development, then you should join CAST. Building one of the best Fine Arts programs in the state takes dedication and a firm commitment to arts education from teachers, administrators, students, and parents like you. To help maintain this tradition of excellence, parents and staff formed CAST, the Cougar Arts Support Team. We invite all parents to support arts education and join CAST as a parent member.
Board Reports
2025-26 CAST Board
| Position | Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Officers | ||
| President | Jackie Lanscioni | |
| Vice President | Lauren Katzman | |
| Secretary |
Holly Marder |
|
| Treasurer | Carolyn Husnick | |
| Department Representatives | ||
| Art | Kris Kaminsky | |
| Band | Kasia Olson | |
| Choir | Gwen Babb | |
| Orchesis Dance Company | Jaime Block | |
| Orchestra | Michele Gaus Ehning | |
| Theatre | TBD | |
| Committee Chairpersons | ||
| Fine Arts Director | Drew Russell | |
| Membership | Lauren Katzman | |
| Music in the Park Coordinator | Katie Sultan | |
| Picnic Coordinator |
Kasia Olson |
|
| Restaurant Fundraising |
TBD |
|
| Social Media Coordinator | Gwen Babb | |
| Spirit Wear | TBD | |
2025-26 CAST Board Meeting Schedule
CAST board meetings are held in VHHS Conference Room 2701 on the first Thursday of the month. This meeting schedule is subject to change.
Meeting Dates:
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, at 6:30
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at 6:30
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at 6:00** time adjusted for Choir Concert
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 6:00** time adjusted for Band Concert
No meeting in January -- (winter break)
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at 6:00** time adjusted for Winter Play
Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:30
Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 6:30
Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:30
CAST 2025-2026 Membership List
Coming Soon
