Eagle Spirit

March 4, 2025

The Eastern European Club will be selling Pączki next week. Pączki are a Polish pastry of fried dough balls filled with jam or cream and covered in powdered sugar. They are similar to American donuts but with denser dough and a richer flavor.

• When: Friday, March 14th
• Where: Before school in the Cafeteria

We need YOUR opinion. Please answer THESE QUESTIONS to tell Leyden which activities you want to see take place during the lunch periods. Mini-golf, basketball, dancing...the possibilities are endless!

Do you recognize the young man?

That's Mrs. Black-Foltin's son, Stephen. At the age of 3, Stephen began shaving his head to raise money for pediatric cancer. He continued doing this for 10 years through St. Baldrick's. Last year, Stephen was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, that led to the amputation of his right leg. Raising money for St. Baldrick's became even more important to Stephen. In 2024, Stephen's St. Baldrick's team, with the help of East Leyden's Snowball Club, teacher Mr. Leu and student Dominic Ganir, raised over $20,000! Stephen is currently preparing for this year's St. Baldrick's event while celebrating being in remission!

Are you interested in supporting pediatric cancer? Check out the posters below to see how you can donate spare change and/or attend the St. Baldrick's fundraiser event.

Leyden Fine Arts proudly presents Matilda the Musical, the heartwarming and witty adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved story. This vibrant production at West Leyden High School showcases the incredible talent of our students, from the memorable songs to the imaginative set designs that transform the stage into Matilda's world. Prepare to be transported into a story filled with humor, heart, and hope.

Performances:

• Thursday, March 6th @ 7:00pm
• Friday, March 7th @ 7:00pm
• Saturday, March 8th @ 2:00pm
• Saturday March 8th @ 7:00pm

Student tickets are free at the door with ID. Planning on attending with Friends? Make sure to arrive and reserve your seats together as there is assigned seating.

On February 7th, FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America) members attended the regional competition at the College of DuPage. Club members competed in a variety of events with the opportunity to earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals.

Gold Medalists:

• Alessia Incandela and Klaudia Zubrzycki: Children’s Literature Presentation
• Cassandra Meraz: Pastry Arts Fondant Cakes
• Emily Perez and Vanessa Moreno: Fashion Apparel Display
• Andres Rios: Salad Production
• Nicole Cychosz: Pastry Arts Decorated Cookie

Many other students earned Silver and Bronze medals. Congratulations to all participants for their achievements and dedication to FCCLA! If interested in learning more about FCCLA, email Mrs. Stockard at NStockard@Leyden212.org.

Thanks to all the students who participated in last month's Lunar New Year celebration. Students created origami figures, raced against each other using chopsticks, and tested their memory with a special red envelope game. A special thanks to Mr. Leu and his Asian American Affinity Group club members for helping with this special event.

East Leyden has over 60 clubs, including: academic, cultural, general interest, honors, music/performing arts, and service. To learn more, visit the East Leyden Clubs page or see a list here. Most clubs will have their first meeting within the next few weeks. You can always check the East Leyden Student Activities calendar or email the club sponsor for more information.