In March, the arts came alive at Hillel Academy with the help of the Muse Machine Adventure Program and artist-in-residence Michael Lippert.

Lippert, a founding member and resident artist with The Human Race Theatre Company, has created workshops and residencies for teachers and students in more than 500 schools throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan.

Students at Hillel in kindergarten through eighth grade participated in five theatre workshops with Lippert, in which Lippert was able to draw out many of the students’ unique performing talents.

The culmination of the project was A Celebration of Learning, held at the school on the evening of March 22. This production was sponsored by friends of the Zwelling family in memory of Irwin Schlass.

The theme linking all the performances together was The Choice Is Ours.

The four student presentations reflected ideas the students developed in their workshops, with Lippert’s creative guidance.

Kindergartners performed an original Purim story. Students in grades one through three presented a skit about protecting the environment.

Students in grades four, five and six showcased their individual talents in music, dance, academics and sports.

The seventh and eighth graders reflected on their years at Hillel and expressed their hopes for the future as they confront new choices.

The Muse Adventure Program helps schools promote the development of creativity, communication, critical thinking and problem solving.

Pulling the Muse Machine program together for Hillel Academy was first-grade secular studies teacher Jane Collins. This is the second year Hillel has participated in the Muse Adventure Program.