2026 Talent Expo

A Celebration of the Arts

The 2026 Talent Expo was held Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center — a celebration of the exceptional visual and performing artists in the Round Lake Area Schools CUSD #116 community, with students from Pre-K through 12th grade taking the stage.

Thank you to the students, families, educators, sponsors, and donors who made it possible.

The arts play a vital role in shaping the future of our children. Studies consistently show that participation in visual and performing arts fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and communication - skills essential for success in every field. For our students, these opportunities are more than extracurricular; they are foundational experiences that spark innovation, build confidence, and prepare them for leadership roles in their communities and beyond.

The RLAS-116 Education Foundation has funded approximately $47,000 in Talent Expo grants since 2018. Proceeds from the Talent Expo directly support the expansion of fine arts programs across our district, funding classroom and program grants that empower our educators to nurture creativity and leadership in our students.

Supporting Future Talent Expos

Interested in sponsoring or donating to a future Talent Expo? Make checks payable to the RLAS-116 Education Foundation (811 Sunset, Round Lake, IL 60073), or contact Yanira Garcia at 224.842.2003 with any questions. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law, and all proceeds benefit the Round Lake Area Schools CUSD #116 Visual and Performing Arts Programs.