MOHS Shines at Rising Star Awards!
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Mount Olive High School Drama Club Triumphs at the 2024 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards
June 2024
In a stunning display of talent and dedication, Mount Olive High School Drama Club garnered significant acclaim at the 2024 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards, held on June 11th at the historic playhouse in Millburn, NJ. The school achieved a momentous victory in the “Theatre for Everyone” Inclusion & Access Award category and celebrated the outstanding contributions of Jodi Bosch, who received the "Outstanding Educator" Award. After the event, the students were welcomed back to Mount Olive High School with a fire squad escort, where their families eagerly awaited their return. The school’s production of "Rock of Ages," performed in March 2024, was central to their success, earning them a total of 11 nominations, including the prestigious Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical.
Celebrating Excellence and Inclusion
Mount Olive High School's victory in the “Theatre for Everyone” Inclusion & Access Award category highlights their commitment to promoting and practicing creative inclusion within their theater program. This award recognizes schools that excel in integrating students and adults with disabilities as performers, designers, musicians, and production staff. Additionally, it honors schools that ensure their performances are accessible to audiences with disabilities, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusion in the arts.
A Stellar Production Team
The school's triumphs did not end there. Jodi Bosch, a pivotal figure in Mount Olive’s theater program, was honored with the Outstanding Educator Award. This accolade is given to educators who significantly impact their students’ lives and curriculum through theater, underlining Bosch's dedication and influence.
Mount Olive High School's production of "Rock of Ages" stood out in a highly competitive field, receiving nominations in several other key categories:
- Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
- Outstanding Male-identified Leading Role - Jack Scarsi as Lonny Barnett
- Outstanding Male-identified Supporting Role - Lincoln Vera as Stacee Jaxx
- Outstanding Performance by a Featured Ensemble Member - Juno Copen
- Outstanding Performance by an Orchestra
- Honorable Mention - Outstanding Musical Direction - Matt Vanzini
- Outstanding Lighting Achievement - Andrew Laudor
- Honorable Mention - Costuming - Mary Anne Hannon
- Student Achievement - Dylan Kovach as Ensemble Captain
The Rising Star Awards: A Legacy of Recognition
Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards were established in 1996 to celebrate and encourage exceptional achievements in New Jersey high school musicals. This statewide recognition program has inspired similar initiatives across the country, thanks to the assistance of the Paper Mill Playhouse. The program not only honors performance excellence but also provides partial and full scholarships to nominees in supporting and lead performance categories.
In addition to performance awards, the Rising Star Awards include special recognitions such as the Student Achievement Award, Educational Impact Award, Inclusion & Access in the Arts Award, and Outstanding Educator Award. These awards emphasize the broader educational and inclusive impacts of high school theater programs.
A Bright Future for Mount Olive High School
Mount Olive High School's success at the 2024 Rising Star Awards is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and inclusive spirit of its students and educators. Their achievements in "Rock of Ages" have set a high standard for future productions and reinforced the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the arts. As they bask in their well-deserved accolades, the Mount Olive community can look forward to a bright and inclusive future in high school theater.
