People: Folsom High seniors stage play to benefit a children's hospital

Rachel Lichtman and Katie Ross, both seniors at Folsom High School, recently completed their senior project in January, raising more than $1,000 for the UC Davis Children's Hospital.

For their senior project, the girls chose to direct and co-produce a full-length play called "The Boardinghouse," written by Vern Harden. They are both involved in theater and thought this would be the perfect project for them, Lichtman said.

Lichtman and Ross contacted the owners of Stage Nine Theatre in Folsom, who allowed them to use their theater free of charge. They recruited cast members from the high school drama department. Costumes for the production were purchased at Goodwill, and, with the help of family members, Lichtman and Ross made all of the sets for the show.

Rehearsals were held during the school finals period. The cast bought shirts and T-shirts adverting the show as a memento of the experience.

The production ran Jan. 2-4 at Stage Nine Theatre on Sutter Street in Folsom, culminating in more than $1,000 in proceeds. "On opening night, we only had two seats left open, so it was practically a "sellout," Lichtman said.

The senior project is a Folsom Cordova Unified School District graduation requirement that allows each senior the opportunity to demonstrate 12 years of educational experience. Reading, writing, speaking, thinking, planning, implementing, self-discipline, problem solving and organizational skills are showcased in the three-part process.

The components include research, a 15-hour project related to some aspect of the research, a reflective paper and an eight- to 10-minute oral presentation that synthesizes the first two components and is given before a review board of staff members, community members and peers.

Students maintain a portfolio in their English classes containing their works consulted, letter of intent, parent consent form, mentor information, work log and reflective paper. To be successful, each student must complete and pass each component of the senior project. The project cannot rely solely upon what the senior already knows but must demonstrate an aspect of new learning and growth.

Last week, Lichtman said she and Ross would be presenting their speech before a panel at Folsom High School earlier this week. All proceeds from their senior project were donated to the UC Davis Children's Hospital.

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