Editor’s Note: Mara Saltzman is an entertainment and opinions editor for the New Trier News and acted in Lagniappe-Potpourri. She was not involved in the writing, reporting, or editing of this article. 

The New Trier High School Performing Arts Department and the administration recently canceled Lagniappe-Potpourri for next school year, citing the declining number of students involved in the 85-year-old show. 

Winnetka Campus Principal and Assistant Superintendent Denise Dubravec wrote to the “New Trier News” that recruiting leaders, actors, and dancers for the student-run Lagniappe has become harder in recent years, causing faculty to take on more roles. In discussions with performing arts students, she heard from them about the difficulty balancing their school work and activities. 

Dubravec said in place of Lagniappe next school year, students can apply to the newly created Lagniappe-Potpourri Student Leadership Board where they could produce, direct, vocal direct, choreograph, conduct, stage manage, and design the freshman-sophomore musical. 

“This is a unique opportunity for students to lead a book musical from start to finish, and New Trier has not found other high schools that offer a similar opportunity,” Dubravec said. 

Lagniappe’s replacement keeps the student leadership opportunity that has been a cornerstone of the program throughout its history. Dubravec said the show has undergone many changes, starting as a talent show fundraiser for Tri-Ship to a traditional musical to a musical with both dance and music. 

The school’s decision has come under some criticism, with a petition on change.org being created opposing the decision. As of Dec. 13, the petition has garnered 1,623 signatures. 

The petition’s creator, junior Ethan Epstein, wrote that Lagniappe is something alumni see as the highlight of their high school years. 

“It is a source of pride that makes our school community vibrant and unique, while also fostering a sense of continuity and tradition. While all of the other schools in the area have variety shows, none have a tradition as rich and unique as lagniappe,” Epstein wrote. 

Dubravec said she and others hope this new board reenergizes students to take up leadership roles in the performing arts. 

“This solution offers the opportunity for the school to evolve a longstanding tradition, supporting New Trier’s ongoing balance between tradition and innovation in academics, athletics, activities, and performing arts,” Dubravec said.