Adam Albert: (on right, with mentor Bre Henderson)
Adam is 21 and has mild cerebral palsy, developmental delay and a seizure disorder. He has thoroughly enjoyed the past 4 years with the Penguin Project, and wants to thank everyone for the opportunity to be involved. This is his last year and is going to miss everyone terribly. Adam intends to keep in touch with the many friends that he's made by joining the new Penguin Players performing troupe.
 
Cris Bennett: (on right, with mentor Erin Cealy),
Cris is 17 and a senior at Dunlap High School. This is his fourth production. He’s had lots of fun and has made lots of friends. Cris is intellectually disabled, but that doesn’t stop him from learning his lines and performing! Cris was Benny Southstreet in “Guys & Dolls”, Cogsworth in “Beauty and the Beast”, and Fyedka in “Fiddler on the Roof” this past year. He and his family thank Dr. Andy, Ms. Kathy and Ms. Kim for helping him “be his best” and shine.
 
Emily Bieneman: (on left, with mentor Abby Walschaert)
Emily is 10 and in the 4th grade at Oak Grove East. She loves riding her bike, taking walks, fishing with her Dad and having family game night. This is Emily's 2nd year in Penguin and now she says she's a STAR!! Emily has Prader-Willi Syndrome.
 
Erika Burdette: (on right, with mentor Rebecca Zilkowski)
Erika is 17 and a junior at East Peoria Community High School. She is a rider at Central Illinois Riding Therapy. Erika rides a horse named Phoenix. She also has a dog named Duke and 3 turtles named Speedy, Blaze and Miss Ugly. She was one of the” original” Penguins, and has participated in all 6 Penguin productions.
 
Trevor Colby: (on right, with mentor Zach Pauli)
Trevor is 19 and a senior at Morton High School. Cooking, bowling, singing and dancing make him happy and most of all he loves his job at Sidwell’s Family Restaurant. Down Syndrome does not slow him down a bit – just try to keep up with his moves! This is Trevor’s sixth year in the Penguin Project. He is one of the “original” Penguins. He has loved every show and made great friends.
 
Olivia Coombs: (on left, with mentor Elizabeth Coombs)
Olivia is 15 and homeschooled. Although it may take her longer to learn, she memorized her part as Yente this past year in “Fiddler on the Roof” and everyone else's part too! She enjoys Star Trek (Spock in particular), the Wal-Mart toy section, beanie babies, reading and doing toy set-ups all over the living room. Olivia thanks Dr. Andy “You are really funny.” and Ms. Kathy “You are lots of fun.” She’s grateful to The Penguin Project giving her so many friends.
 
Brian Cramer: (on right, with mentor Meghan Pantages)
Brian is 18 years old and a junior at Dunlap High School. He was born 15 weeks premature and has cerebral palsy, which confines him to a wheel chair. Brian enjoys The Penguin Project tremendously, and has performed in five productions. His favorite things are auctions, watching "Ghost Hunters Academy" and the Bradley Braves. Brian is very thankful his mentor, Meghan, has returned for another year.
 
Krissy Diveley: (on right, with mentor Elizabeth Muir)
Krissy is thirteen and a 7th grader at Broadmoor Jr. High School in Pekin. She was Chava in this year’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof”, and Babette in “Beauty and the Beast” last year. Her favorite things are to sing, shop, go to school and perform in Penguin Project plays. Krissy has gained a lot of confidence by being in the plays, and has made a lot of great friends. She has a physical disability of Erb's Palsy, learning disabilities of Auditory Processing Disorder, and A.D.D.
 
Haley Dowell: (on left, with mentor Marissa Corder)
Haley is 10 years old and a 5th Grader at Lincoln School. She has Early On-Set Bipolar Disorder. Haley loves to dance and hopes to be a dancer or an artist. She thanks everyone who came out to support her!
 
Benjamin Ellison: (on left, with mentor Caleb Ellison)
Ben was born 17 weeks early at 1 lb. 8oz. and 12 inches long, but is now 14 and thriving. He has low vision, bilateral hearing loss, mild Cerebral Palsy and some developmental delay. He has been involved in various activities over the years, but “Fiddler on the Roof” this past year was his first time in a play. He was Perchik, and had the time of his life! In this new environment, where kids with various disabilities are lovingly encouraged to learn and do new things, he is definitely learning to fly!
 
Travis Freeman: (on right, with mentor Colleen Swanson)
Travis is 21 years old and has Fragile X Syndrome. He performed in last years' Penguin production of "Beauty and the Beast" and in “Fiddler on the Roof.” He loves to imitate Dr. Andy directing. Travis will be graduating from Robert Jamieson School in Peoria and from The Penguin Project. 2010 will present new challenges. Travis participates in Special Olympic Golf through HISRA. He also spends the summer months "managing" Wedgewood Swim Club.
 
Amy Getz: (on left, with mentor Janah Paulk)
Amy is 15 and has Chromosome 18 Ring syndrome. She’s a freshman at Morton High School and has been riding in CIRT horse-shows for the last 10 years. This is Amy’s second year in The Penguin Project. She likes to play with the family’s new puppy, Arwen.
 
Taylor Graves: (on left, with mentor Hannah Schultz)
Taylor is in seventh grade at Central Junior High School in East Peoria and has spina bifida. This is her fifth year in The Penguin Project. She was Amaryllis in “Music Man”, and Schprintze in this year’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Taylor loves Broadway shows, and this year saw productions of both “Legally Blonde” and “Wizard of Oz”. Her hobbies include dancing, singing, band and sewing. Taylor thanks all her friends and family for coming out to see her.
 
Naomi Hardesty: (on left, with mentor Jacqui Muir)
Naomi is 16 and attends East Peoria High School. She enjoys swimming, chorus, church youth group, shopping, talking on the phone, texting and The Penguin Project. She was one of the “original” Penguins, and has been in 5 productions. She took one year off to be a cheerleader at her junior high school. Naomi was Pepper in “Annie” and Zenita in “Music Man.” She wants you to know: “I love getting together with the artist and mentors, especially Jacqui, the best mentor anyone could hope for. I had a traumatic brain injury when I was 7 years old so now I use a wheelchair. Thank you so much Dr. Andy, Kathy, Kim, Tracie and Jacqui, for making dreams come true!”
Emerson Holt: (on left, with mentor Megan Harkness)
Emerson is 10 years old, and loves to learn about Science, draw, go to youth group at church and play golf. He collects penguins and now has over 100 in his collection! This was his first Penguin Project production and he had having a blast! Emerson has ADHD and is slightly autistic but really enjoys singing and dancing on stage. He was excited to have a part in the play (Mendel), and take part in the bottle dance. Megan, his mentor, has become a friend and great big help in learning all those dance steps.
 
Jamie Huebsch: (on left, with mentor Lexus Rice)
Jamie is fifteen years old and attends East Peoria High school. She has a learning disability. Jamie is one of the” original” Penguins and has been in all 6 shows. She knows all the songs and lines, and is the first one to volunteer to “sub” at rehearsals. She likes to dance and sing.
 
Quentin Icenogle: (on right, with mentor Erin Hale)
Quentin is 11 years old and in the 5th Grade at Lincoln Elementary School in East Peoria. He enjoys card games, playing the piano, wrestling thru the school program and camping. This is Quentin's first year as a Penguin. He was introduced to the program through his older sister, Isabella, who is a second year mentor. Quentin has really enjoyed the music in “Fiddler on the Roof” and learning about another culture.
 
Kristin Koch: (on right, with mentor Elena Sherrren)
Kristin is 17 and a sophomore at Morton High School. She has Down Syndrome and a lung disease called PCD. Kristin enjoys Treble Choir, Circle of Friends swimming, bowling, dancing, singing and acting. She is an “original” Penguin and has been in four productions. She loves being with her parents, Nicole and Bryan. Visiting grandparents in Chicago is a highlight & she loves spending the holidays with her cousins. She thanks Elena Sherren for being such a great mentor and friend!
 
Nathan Lambert: (on left, with mentor Michelle Gray)
Nathan is 10 years old. He attends 5th grade at Parkview School in Creve Coeur. He loves to read, play video games and play with star wars toys. Nathan has Asperger Syndrome. He really enjoys The Penguin Project and has lots of fun dancing and singing with his friends. He was LeFou in last year’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”
 
Josh LaMere: (on left, with mentor Abigail Roberts)
Josh is in the 11th grade at Morton High School. He has autism. This is his second year in The Penguin Project and he’s really looking forward to next year. Josh likes singing and dancing with his friends and Cousin Abigail, (his mentor). Watching movies, reading and doing puzzles are some of Josh’s favorite things.
 
Jessica Long:
Jessica is a 17 year old junior at Washington High School. She is in her school choir. This is Jessica’s 4th year with The Penguin Project and she has made a lot of friends. Jessica loves to text on her cell phone! She has bi polar disorder and ADD, but that doesn't slow her down to do what she loves to do which is acting.
 
Marie Nelson:
Marie is a freshman at ICC, majoring in education. Next year she hopes to be transferring to a four year university. Marie has been in approximately 26 plays around the area, and has been in all 6 Penguin Productions. She was thrilled to play “Golde” in “Fiddler on the Roof” this year, since it is her dad's favorite musical. Marie is an “original” Penguin and has been one of our “shining stars.” She was Miss Hanigan in “Annie”, Mrs.Paroo in “Music Man”, Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls”, and Mrs. Potts in “Beauty and the Beast.”
 
Rebekah Nickerson: (on right, with mentor Emily Muller)
Rebekah is 19 and a student at Pekin high school. She loves to go to concerts, sing, dance, perform, swim, go for walks and hang out with her family and friends, especially grandma. She even got to sing with Garth Brooks! Rebekah has Down Syndrome. This is her first year in The Penguin Project. Her brother joined her in the program as a mentor. She wants to thank all her family and friends who came to see the show, her mentor Emily, “she’s the BEST”, Dr. Andy, Kathy and Miss Kim.
 
Dustin Porch:
Dustin is 19 and a recent graduate from East Peoria High School. He loves to make people laugh on and off stage! Dustin has been with The Penguin Project for 3 years now, as well as productions with PPT, Eastlight and East Peoria H.S. He was Lumiere in “Beauty and the Beast” last year.
 
April Raine:
April is 16 and loves shopping at the mall, babysitting, working with animals, and to be on Face Book. Her Auditory Processing Disorder and ADD have contributed to her shyness, but rehearsing and working alongside of other caring Penguins has helped her to overcome that. This is her first year in the program. Her brother, Dustin, is also a Penguin.
 
Dustin Raine: (on left, with mentor Emanuel Roberts)
Dustin is 12 years old. He loves to play video games, skate board, bike ride and swim. Dustin takes piano lessons and loves to perform. His Asperger Syndrome gives him incredible memory skills and his ADHD gives him an abundance of energy. The Penguin Project gives him the opportunity to use them both. This is his second year in the program. The Penguin Project has also given Dustin his two best friends!
 
Jordan Ralph: (on right, with mentor Dale Domnick)
Jordan is 17 and a junior at Dunlap High School. This is his fourth year in the program. He was Sky Masterson in “Music Man”. His disabilities include cognitive disability, autism and sensory integration dysfunction, but they are just a few of his many attributes. Jordan loves to help people, volunteer for the tech crew at Eastlight, and can’t wait until he finds a job. He loves being a Penguin because he feels like he belongs here.
 
Holly Randall: (on left, with mentor Jade Rice)
Holly is a junior at Morton High School. She loves to sing and make new friends. Although she has cognitive and physical delays due to static encephalopathy, this does not keep her from enjoying life! Performing with The Penguin Project is one of Holly’s highlights, because it gives her an opportunity to sing and make great friends. This is her second year in the program.
 
Wesley Ratliff:
Wes is 18 years old and attends Pekin Community High School. He was one of the “original” Penguins, and has been in all six productions. He was The Beast in last year’s “Beauty and the Beast” and Lazar Wolfe in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Wes has Soto syndrome and dyslexia. He loves to act in plays, play the guitar, listen to Elvis CDs, work on cars and cook in Food Class.
 
Katie Riddle: (on right, with mentor Emily Beth Lange)
Katie is 19 and in the Young Adult program at Morton High School. This is her first year with The Penguin Project and she has loved every minute. Katie has Apraxia that affects her speech and other motor skills.
 
Liv Roach:
Liv Roach has only missed the first Penguin Production, “Annie Jr.” She's enjoyed roles such as Gracie Shinn in “Music Man.” and Sharpay in “High School Musical Jr.”. Liv is in the 6th grade at Grundy in Morton. Her disabilities of Language Processing and ADHD don't stop her from deepening friendships she's developed over the years in The Penguin Project!
 
Matthew Schultz: (on left, with mentor Dan Getz)
Matthew is 19 and has Down Syndrome. He is a graduate from Morton H.S., and is now in the Life Skills Program in Morton. He loves bicycle riding, swimming, music, reading, singing, traveling, working on furniture layouts on the computer and taking care of his two dogs; Lilli and Evee. This is Matthew’s 4th year in The Penguin Project. He loves to perform and always “lights up the stage.” This past year, he had a lead role for the first time as Motel the tailor in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Matthew can't wait to get to every practice and is always anxious to see all of his friends.
 
Michael Shanahan: (on right, with mentor Isabel Muir)
Michael is an 11 year old sixth grader who is home-schooled. His interests are baseball, soccer, drama, video games, movies and spending time with his friends. This is his first year with The Penguin Project and he’s having a blast!! While ADD and Dyslexia may sometimes make reading the script an interesting dilemma, his friends don't seem to notice....and adds “I sure have made A LOT of them!
 
Ryan Shanahan:
Ryan is 18 and a home-schooled senior. He has been in five Penguin Project shows. Ryan’s ADHD, Asperger Syndrome and OCD contribute to his need to "occasionally" correct our beloved directors, but he loves them... and all his friends at P.P. Ryan was Marcellus in “Music Man”, Chad in “High School Musical”, Gaston in ‘Beauty and the Beast”, and Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Ryan adds “What do you get if you mix a penguin with an alligator?" ... I haven't a clue either but I wouldn't adjust his bow tie if I were you!!”
 
Kaci Meaghan Smith: (on right, with mentor Delayne Spangler)
Kaci is 16, and attends IVC High School. She is on the Special Olympics Swim team, loves to dance, ice skate and sing loudly. Kaci was diagnosed with Autism 18 months of age, so she has lived a lot of interesting life and worked very hard since then. She is one of the “original” Penguins, and has been in all six shows. She thanks Kathy and Dr. Andy for all of their hugs and laughter during the last few months! Her dream is to be on Oprah with all of her Penguin friends so they can spread the word!!!!
 
Holly Stephenson: (on right, with mentor Heidi Stephenson)
Holly is 10 years old and in 4th grade at Dee-Mack Intermediate School. She loves going to school and being with her friends and teachers. Holly has Down Syndrome and sometimes learning new things is hard. With the help of her mentor she has learned her part and likes being on stage with all of her friends. This is her second year in the program.
 
Tori Suau: (on right, with mentor Isabella Icenogle)
Tori is a sophomore at Richwoods High School. Her passion is playing the flute. This year was her first Penguin Project experience, and she was Hodel in “Fiddler in the Roof.” Asperger Syndrome hasn't stopped her love of acting. Tori adds “By being someone else, you discover yourself.”
 
Tyler Troyer: (on right, with mentor Logan Nickerson)
Tyler is 18 years old and has an intellectual disability. He loves to spend his time entertaining his family and friends by singing Hannah Montana songs. This was his first year in The Penguin Project. He was the Constable in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
 
Alexander Edward Tucker:
Alex is 19 years old and has Down Syndrome. He is one of the “original” Penguins and has been in 6 Penguin Project plays. He’s a big fan of Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, Keith Urban, & Jeremy Camp. Alex loves to hang out with friends, lift weights, stay up late, watch movies and go on dates with his GF. He works at Mississippi Valley Stihl (a wonderful place to work). In the spring he will be going to ICC part-time. Alex was Nicely Nicely in “Guys & Dolls”, Ryan in” High School Musical”, and Maurice in “Beauty and the Beast.” He dedicated his last performance to his sister, Camille, who is in Mozambique with the Peace Corps.
 
Jacob Urban: (on right, with mentor Grace Muller)
Jacob is in 6th grade at Lincoln School in Morton. He has Down Syndrome. Jacob loves movies, mashed potatoes and cotton balls. He had another great experience with his Penguin friends for the second year, and really enjoyed working with his mentor, Grace. He’s excited to be heading into junior high next year.
 
Daniel Van Buskirk:  (on right, with mentor Bunny Zell)
Daniel returns for his second year participating in The Penguin Project. Having Down syndrome has not stopped him from enjoying the thrill of performing as he also participates in Drama and Music Club at his school in Peoria. When he is not on stage he loves to watch movies, eat pizza, and play with his new puppy, Cricket.
 
Danielle Webster Blasé:
Dani is 20, and recently transferred from ICC to Lincoln Christian University in Lincoln. Dani was a 25 week preemie and has a vision and hearing impairments, but this hasn’t stopped her from living her dreams. She is one of the “original” Penguins and has been in all 6 productions. Dani has been a big part of the success of the Penguin Project as Annie in “Annie”, Marian in “Music Man”, Sarah in “Guys and Dolls”, Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”, and Tzeitel in “Fiddler on the Roof.” This will be her last year with the Penguins, but she plans to visit us often. She hopes to direct the Penguin Project someday and help other Projects get started. She’s thankful for the past six years and for everyone in the Penguin Family. “Just like Tzeitel, I’m not ready to leave all of you. I will miss you all so much! I love you! Keep soaring!! We’ll be together again soon.”
 
Victoria Williams: (on right, with mentor Morgen Talbot)
Victoria is 11 years old and in the 5th grade. She is in the pep squad and the band at her school and is an alter server at church. Victoria loves singing and dancing. This was her second show with the Penguin Project. She has Down Syndrome, but as you can tell it doesn't slow her down at all!
 
Gretel Winek: (on right, with mentor Ann Riddle)
Gretel is newly 17 years and has been in 5 Penguin Project productions. Despite CP and verbal apraxia (which makes it very difficult for her to talk), Gretel can smile, dance and hum along with everyone else. She loves seeing old friends each production and meeting new ones.
 
Sean M. Woods: (on right, with mentor Michelle Holdham)
Sean is 14 and in 8th grade at Beverly Manor School in Washington. He was born at 24 weeks premature weighing 1 pound 4 ounces. He has cerebral palsy, but has never let that stop him. He is one of the “original” Penguins and has been in all 6 shows. He played Winthrop in “Music Man.” He also participates in Special Olympics in bowling, basketball and track and field and in the junior-high choir at school. He loves to listen to Country Music, watch the Food Network and play Wii bowling, which he has bowled at least 15 perfect games.