We’re all familiar with Maleficent, Jafar, the Evil Queen and Cruella De Vil, some of Disney’s most infamous villains. We grew up watching them, cheering when their evil plans went awry, and later introducing them to our own children. But in all that time, it probably never occurred to us that those villains might have children of their own.
Well, they do. And now those children are teenagers. In Willink Middle School’s production of Disney Descendants this weekend, you’ll get to meet them, in all their teen-angst, evil glory.
The energetic musical tells the story of the villains’ four troubled teenage offspring — Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jave — who with their parents are imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost. They’ve never before ventured off the island. But when they’re sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?
More than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders have been working hard for four months to bring Disney Descendants to the Willink stage, and their efforts have created something magical. With catchy Disney-esque tunes (including a few you might recognize), high-powered dances and clever costuming, the audience is swept along through a surprisingly heartwarming story of friendship and adventure.
One of the things I enjoy most about attending a middle school musical like this is the opportunity to see talented young singers and actors just beginning their journeys in the performing arts. Their acting and voices may not yet be fully polished, but it’s easy to see the natural talent underneath. Watching those skills grow and develop as these young performers move on to the Thomas High School stage will be a real pleasure.
Disney Descendants will be performed in the Willink Middle School Cafetorium , 900 Publisher’s Parkway, on Friday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 31 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults, $7 for students and senior citizens, and free for children age 2 and younger. Click here to get yours now.
Here’s a slideshow of more photos from the rehearsal:
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(posted 1/28/2026)
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I usually don’t post this particular blog until the middle of February, but I think we all need a little breath of spring today, so I’m going to shout it to the rooftops: IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS DAY!
This annual event, held at Webster Schroeder High School, is a family-friendly festival which showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and invites dozens of community groups to display their great contributions to our community. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
So that’s still a few months away, but I got an email today saying that registrations are now being taken for community groups, vendors and performers who’d like to participate in this year’s Community Arts Day. For $35, community groups can have a table to share information, calendars of events and sign-ups. Vendors can sign up for $50. Additional opportunities are available for auditorium, gymnasium and small stage performances. Click here for more information.
And while you’re there, check out the opportunities to become an event sponsor or make an in-kind donation.
Organizers are also looking for interested community members to join the planning committee and help make this event a success. Email CAD@websterptsa.org to find out more about volunteer opportunities.
Community Arts Day is a Webster PTSA-sponsored event, created in 1976 as a joint venture with each of Webster’s schools to raise money to support cultural arts activities in our 11 buildings. CAD showcases our children’s artistic, vocal, musical, and theatrical talents. It also involves the whole community in a day to celebrate cultural arts, bringing in 2000+ people to enjoy activities from art displays, musical performances, craft demonstrations, community exhibits, craft vendors, sweet treats, a carnival space, and more. So make sure to put Saturday, April 11 on your calendar now for this year’s Community Arts Day.
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(posted 1/26/2026)
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Flag football has exploded in popularity in recent years at both the high school and collegiate levels. Both Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder high schools now have flag football teams, with individual athletes and entire squads finding success in local and state tournaments.
It’s no surprise that our Webster athletes are already winning accolades in the sport. Most recently, flag football standout Emma Rascoe, a senior at Webster Schroeder High School, received an especially huge honor. She was chosen to join the roster for the Pro Bowl High School Flag Football Showcase to be held Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Levi Stadium in San Francisco, home of Super Bowl LX. Emma was nominated by the Buffalo Bills to represent their team in the game.
The girls’ high school flag football game will be a big part of the National Football League’s Pro Bowl Week festivities. Much like the Pro Bowl itself, the game pits all-stars representing the AFC teams against all-stars representing the NFC. It will be broadcast on ESPN and stream on ESPN+ and Disney+.
Emma was selected following her standout junior season, where she served as the quarterback and a key defensive weapon on Webster Schroeder’s state championship team. Her leadership, athleticism, and impact on both sides of the ball helped lead the program to a historic season. She’s one of only 32 girls nationwide (and only two from New York State) chosen to participate in this prestigious event.
Congratulations, Emma, on this incredible honor, You make Webster proud!
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As I sit here at my dining room table/office desk writing this, it’s snowing outside. But despite the don’t-get-used-to-40-degree-weather-yet, in-your-face attitude that Mother Nature is trotting out today, I know that spring is right around the corner. That’s because a few days ago I got my annual “spring musicals are a-comin'” email from the Webster CSD.
Our middle school and high school musicals are a great way to see live theater for a little price. The productions are always well done and very entertaining. There’s also a very good chance that one of the actors up on stage will be going on to bigger and brighter things — and you saw them at the very beginning of their acting career. (Case in point, Chris Perfetti, who graduated from Schroeder in 2007 and is now a lead actor on the Emmy-nominated series Abbott Elementary.)
All four of our secondary schools are deep into rehearsals for their upcoming productions. Here are details so you can mark your calendars:
The fun begins on January 30 and 31 when the Willink Middle School Theater Club presents Disney Descendants the Musical. The show follows the teenage children of iconic Disney villains as they’re invited to attend a prep school with the heroes’ kids in Auradon. They’re tasked with stealing the Fairy Godmother’s wand to free their parents from the Isle of the Lost, forcing the kids to choose between their parents’ evil legacy and finding their own goodness.
That sounds like a lot of fun and perfect for the whole family.
Show times are Friday Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Stay tuned for ticket information.
The following week, Feb. 5 through 7, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., will bring the classic On the Town to the stage. The story centers around sailors Gabey, Chip and Ozzie, who are on a whirlwind, 24-hour shore leave in New York City during World War II. They seek romance and adventure while exploring the vibrant city, with each finding a different romantic interest before their brief leave ends, leading to a classic score and dance numbers.
Show times are Thursday and Friday Feb. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come tickets.
The Webster Thomas High School stage comes alive with Footloose the Musical March 5 through 7. It tells the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to the small, conservative town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned by Reverend Shaw Moore after a tragic accident. Ren clashes with the strict town, falls for the reverend’s rebellious daughter, and with his new friends, rallies the teens to challenge the ban and fight for their right to dance.
This will be a high-stepping, energetic performance. Show times are Thursday and Friday March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come about tickets.
Finally, Spry Drama Club will present the hit musical Disney Newsies Jr. March 20 and 21 at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave.
This family-friendly stage adaptation of the Broadway musical tells the true story of New York City newsboys striking for fair treatment in 1899. Led by charismatic Jack Kelly and aided by reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies unite against powerful publishers like Joseph Pulitzer to fight exploitation, learn the power of their collective voice and win better conditions, while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and social justice.
Show times are Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21 at 7 p.m.
Mark your calendars now for all these shows and stay tuned for more information as they get closer.
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It’s always heartening to see how dedicated our young people are to helping out our community and those in need.
The latest example of this is coming up Wednesday, Jan. 14, when the Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder varsity hockey teams come together for their first-ever joint One Webster Hockey Fights Cancer Night.
The theme is “ONE night, ONE cause, ONE check, ONE community,” its goal to bring together student-athletes, families, and the broader community for a shared cause.
Admission to the game is $1, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. In the days leading up to the game, players will sell luminary bags for $5 each at their schools during free periods and lunch blocks. Students and community members are encouraged to decorate the luminary bags in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer. All decorated bags will be displayed at the rink on the night of the game. Additional luminary bags and Hockey Fights Cancer T-shirts will be available for purchase at the arena during the event.
Community members who are unable to attend the game but wish to support the cause may donate online here.
Webster Thomas held its own Hockey Fights Cancer Night last year, and raised $1,600 for cancer research and support services. Organizers hope that partnering with Webster Schroeder this year will significantly increase that impact and raise $3,000 this year.
The Hockey Fights Cancer Night is Wednesday, Jan. 14 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Webster Ice Arena, 865 Publishers Parkway.
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Now here’s a fun evening for anyone who loves to dance — or would like to learn.
The Webster Schroeder High School jazz bands will be hosting an evening of swing dancing on Monday, Jan. 12 in the Schroeder cafeteria.
Live jazz music will be provided by talented Schroeder jazz musicians, and the dance floor will be open for all to join in the fun. And do NOT worry if you don’t know how to swing dance. Alla Levi and Marty Steinhauser will be presenting a pre-dance introductory swing dance lesson from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
There’s no admission cost, but it is a fundraiser to help raise money to help bring a visiting artist to the school. So appetizers, desserts and refreshments will be available for purchase (cash only please) and additional donations will be gratefully accepted.
So put on your dancing shoes and join your friends and neighbors to learn — and dance — some swing dance moves! Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge Rd.
Here are a few photos from last year’s event:
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We have two very successful high school athletic programs, multiple public and youth sports clubs, and high-quality sports facilities like the Webster Athletic Center, Webster Thomas Field House, Lakefront Soccer Club and several lighted stadiums, which draw athletes from all over the region for swimming and diving, softball, hockey, soccer and Special Olympics competitions.
Because of the Webster community’s strong commitment to sports, our programs have produced dozens of respected coaches and athletes who made a lasting impact here and have gone on to accomplish remarkable things.
On Friday, Jan. 2, the achievements of 23 of these men and women will be recognized when the Webster Central School District announces the inaugural class of the Webster Athletic Hall of Fame.
The entire community is invited to join the festivities. They begin with a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. The celebration then moves that evening to Schroeder gymnasium, where the varsity girls basketball team will play at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the action will pause for the public introduction and honoring of the inaugural Webster Athletic Hall of Fame class. The celebration concludes with the varsity boys basketball game immediately afterward.
These coaches and athletes, representing decades of Webster athletics, will be honored:
Kevin Akins, athlete – track, class of 1978;
Chris Barnes, coach – girls lacrosse, class of 1984;
Brian Bliss, athlete – soccer, class of 1983;
Dave “Boots” Boutillier, athlete – cross country, track and field, class of 1988;
Marc Carlton, athlete – swimming and diving, class of 2000;
Jim Cripps, athlete – basketball, football, track, class of 1961;
Carl Garritano, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2003;
Gregor Gillespie, athlete – wrestling, class of 2005;
William J. “Bill” Guerrera, coach – boys lacrosse, football
Colleen C. Kelly, athlete – basketball, soccer, softball, class of 2002;
Patrick J. Kelly II, athlete – basketball, football, lacrosse, class of 1983;
Brian Kozlowski, athlete – football, class of 1988;
Jim Kruze, coach – cross country, girls soccer, track and field, class of 1967;
Rachel Kruze, athlete – soccer, class of 1999;
Brenna Mason, athlete – soccer, class of 2012;
Linda McCoy, coach – basketball, field hockey, softball;
Bill O’Rourke Jr., coach and athlete – basketball, class of 1968;
Bill O’Rourke Sr., coach – basketball;
Thomas O’Rourke, athlete – basketball, class of 1970;
Emily Resnick, athlete – lacrosse, class of 2015;
Carrie Santore, athlete – gymnastics, class of 2000;
Nina Scalzo, athlete – soccer, class of 2000; and
Joseph Zaccardo, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2005.
The Webster Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the rich athletic heritage of Webster’s public high schools. It recognizes the exceptional achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have shaped their winning traditions, be they Ridgemen, Lakers, Warriors, Titans, or Lions.
Plans have not yet been finalized for a permanent display of all of the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, so stay tuned for details about that.
Nominations are ongoing. The selection criteria include:
The candidate must have excelled in one or more sports while a student at any Webster public high school.
Former students must have graduated from Webster at least 10 years ago.
Coaches must be retired from the position at which they served, or been actively coaching at a Webster public high school for a minimum of 10 years before being considered for induction.
Athlete/coach must have been in good standing while participating on, or coaching an athletic team. and have conducted his or herself in such a way as to reflect honor on the school.
For more information and the nomination form, click here.
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ROC the Day 2025 is right around the corner. This annual community-wide event, sponsored by the United Way, is a 24-hour opportunity for people in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lake region to support local nonprofits which are doing amazing work, through online donations. This year’s campaign will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
On their website, the United Way maintains a catalog of more than 500 local nonprofits which provide a wide range of services, to which you can make a donation on ROC the Day. I suspect there are already some Webster organizations on that list. But for the first time this year, an organization near and dear to my heart, and for which I volunteer regularly, is jumping into the ring and is asking for your support: the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN).
WHEN is a youth drug prevention coalition. For 30 years now, its mission has been to promote healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in the Webster community. Chances are very good you’ve seen WHEN volunteers in blue shirts around town, at drug take-back events at the Town Hall, Above the Influence programs at Webster middle schools, and at Family Game Nights at our elementary schools.
A true community coalition, WHEN is comprised of more than 150 members representing multiple sectors of our community including business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic/volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, substance use prevention professionals, and more. Their work is truly making a difference here in Webster. According to Youth Risk Behavior surveys conducted between 2017 and 2023, youth use of alcohol and marijuana has decreased by more than 50% over that period.
This year, through United Way’s ROC the Day, WHEN is asking for community support to help raise funds to support the group’s mission and continue their efforts to help our kids grow up strong and substance-free. On Tuesday Dec. 2, go to this website (or click on the QR code below) and please consider making a donation.
WHEN takes a positive approach to sharing prevention facts and strengthening protective factors which empower Webster kids to grow up strong and substance-free. From hosting parent forums to posting signs promoting healthy behaviors, and offering a website full of local resources, WHEN champions the health and well-being of all Webster youth. I hope you’ll join the fight with your donation.
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Sometimes when I start working on a blog post, by the time I’ve dotted the last I and crossed the last T, the whole focus has shifted from where it began. This is one of those blogs.
It began when I heard that National Honor Society (NHS) students from Webster Thomas High School have been helping out at the community meals hosted by four local churches through the Churches Offering Meals for Everyone (COME) initiative. This effort — a collaboration among The Gathering Place at UCC, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Rita’s and Webster Methodist Church — provided free meals, served restaurant-style, to anyone who wants to attend. Each church serves a meal once a month, and no one is turned away. Especially now, when so many people are struggling more than ever, it’s a vital service for our community.
For two years now, Webster Thomas NHS students have been helping out at these dinners, sometimes with set-up and clean-up, other times serving, pretty much doing whatever needs to be done. I thought, this is a great little feature to remind everyone how our young people are helping to make this world a better place.
And that was going to pretty much be the end of the blog. But then I headed over to Thomas and met two of these young people, club president Ayleen Dehghani and vice president Kate Mitchell. It was then I realized there was much more to this story.
I learned that the students’ work with the church dinners is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how involved they are with their school and our community as a whole. Thomas NHS students are required to fulfill at least 15 hours of service every school year (20 hours if you’re a senior). The hours need to be distributed throughout the year, and split among at least three different organizations.
There are many chances within the school itself to fulfill at least some of those hours. Most recently, for example, the NHS students helped at a Red Cross blood drive held at Thomas, setting up, cleaning up, and donating blood themselves. Outside of school, the list of organizations the club has worked with is long. In Webster alone, it includes the Webster Comfort Care Home, Challenger Miracle Field, Baywinde, Maplewood Nursing Home, the Gathering Place, Bella’s Bumbas and the Webster Public Library. But it stretches well beyond Webster as well: TogetherNow, Cross Creek Church, the Margaret Home, Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester Refugee Resettlement, the Ronald McDonald House and many, many more.
Kate Mitchell, staff advisor Erika Stuff and Ayleen Dehghani
National Honor Society is just one of several service-oriented clubs at Webster Thomas, and it’s common for students to be involved in more than one. They include the CARE Club, Key Club, Rotary Interact and Titan Service Scholars — every one of them community-focused and committed to making our world a better place.
What particularly impressed me about the young ladies I met is how they sincerely believed that serving our community is an opportunity, not just something you do to complete service hours or because it will look good on your resume.
“It’s not a burden,” Kate said. “Connecting with people in our community is so important, especially being able to connect with people of different ages.” At the churches in particular, she added, the community members who attend are mostly older, “so the churches appreciate when we send the high schoolers. The older people get to connect with the younger generation.”
Ayleen noted that the service opportunities benefit students in several ways.
“It helps you in your future,” she said. “(People) get to know you and who you are as a person, which could help you later on. Also you feel way better about yourself knowing that you spent your time doing good deeds for other people.”
Webster Thomas English teacher Erika Stuff, who advises the club, agreed.
If you put students in meaningful authentic needs-based service, it’s rare if ever that a student will leave saying that was a waste of my time. They always walk away knowing more about their community or the world around them and more about themselves. That’s why we always push to have diversity in service and have them think about what are the critical issues and needs that we’re meeting. And trying to get away from just fulfilling hours that aren’t as meaningful.
A lot of them just put in the minimum time, but a lot of students go above and beyond.
And that’s just part of the story. Webster Schroeder High School and our middle schools are also home to thriving service clubs. These clubs bring together a core group of passionate Webster young people dedicated to improving our world. Our sincere thanks go out to them.
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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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If you attend Geva Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol this holiday season, you might just recognize one of the young cast members.
Once again this year, two young Webster actors — Reid Antal, an 8th grade student at Willink Middle School, and Adriana Ruya Venable, a 6th grader at Spry Middle School — have been cast as young Tim Cratchit in Geva’s A Christmas Carol (since there are so many shows, all the children’s roles are double cast).
Based on the classic by Charles Dickens, this adaptation begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, but will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.
Geva’s A Christmas Carol runs from Nov. 22 through Dec. 28 on the Wilson Stage, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester. Tickets can be purchased online here, by calling 585-232-GEVA (4382), or by stopping by the box office in person.
Geva will also present a free performance of A Christmas Carol called “Home for the Holidays” on December 26 at 7 p.m. for Blue Star Families, who are active-duty service men and women, veterans, and their families.
ReidAdriana
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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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