Westerville South High School’s Theatre Troupe #513, directed by Matt Wolfe, had another banner year at the State Thespian Conference, held at Dublin Scioto High School from March 24-26. Forty delegates from the school attended and, for the third year, they received the highest Gold Honor Troupe rating. Seventeen competed in individual events. Among the highlights:
- Nine pupils earned Excellent ratings – Katie McCullough, Julia Grant (duet singing), Alyssa Fesenmyer, Hannah Wheeler, Bethani Blake (group acting), Oliver Runyon, Caleb Jingo (duet pantomime), Hunter McCune (light design), and Kyle Smith (prop design).
- Eight students earned Superior ratings and advanced to the International Thespian Conference – Desmond Fernandez (monologue), Cherish Myers (solo musical), Sam Johnston, Evan Kret, Jackson Shewmake (group musical), Abby Messina, Caroline Warrick (duet acting), and Emily Hayman (sound design).
- Nine students were selected for the All-Ohio show and performed three sold out performances – Kerry Stevens, Cherish Myers, Desmond Fernandez, Caleb Jingo, Oliver Runyon, Evan Kret, Kyle Smith, Hunter McCune, and Emily Hayman.
- Two students were given scholarships toward their pursuits in college (only four are given each year) – Desmond Fernandez and Kerry Stevens.
- Six students making up South’s Tech Challenge team placed 2nd in the state and won a lighting fixture for the school’s auditorium – Kyle Smith, Hunter McCune, Emily Hayman, Lilah Benjamin, Lucy Morrison, and Baylee Roberson.
- Three students directed and performed at the State Thespian Conference during Saturday afternoon Jackson Shewmake, Audrey Blessing, and Abbie Collinsworth.