Little Oscars offers big fun

A memorable school year for the Iola High School drama students came to an emotional, and frequently uproarious, conclusion Saturday with the 48th annual Little Oscars ceremony.
The ceremony and banquet were to recognize the best and brightest thespians for the year.
Honored were students involved in two IHS plays, “The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza” and “Grease,” as well as those involved in forensics competitions and through the Iola Community Theatre’s youth production “Willy Wonka Jr.” last fall.
Special mention also went out to seniors Jordan Strickler, who won a Class 4A state title in oral interpretation of prose for his oration of “Of Mice And Men” and Cody Cokely and Colton Schubert, who won their second straight state title in improvised duet acting at the state forensics competition.

STRICKLER brought home three trophies Saturday, the Iola Community Theatre Award for his role as the title character in “Willy Wonka;” the Outstanding Players Member award; and the Susan S. Miller Award recipient as the most inspirational forensics team member.
Sophomore Trilby Bannister earned the Outstanding Underclassmen (Female) Little Oscar, as well as a special plaque from “Grease” Director Richard Spencer for her work as the choreographer for the spring musical.
Senior Abbey St. Clair received the spring technical award for her work as stage manager for “Grease”; and a special Little Oscar given for her “outstanding contribution” to the drama department and forensics team during her high school years.
Freshman Zach St. Clair also was a two-time winner, earning both the Male Rookie of the Year and Male Underclassman of the Year.

OTHER HONOREES:
Drew Smith earned the Don Bain Showman of the Year Little Oscar, while Eli Grover and Katie Thompson earned Best Actor and Best Actress awards for their work with “The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza.”
Schubert earned the Best Supporting Actor nod for his work in both school productions. Audrea Stahl was named Best Supporting Actress for her role as Frenchy in “Grease.”
Freshman Olivia Bannister earned the Female Rookie of the Year, while sophomore Katie Terhune earned the Fall Technical Little Oscar for her work as stage manager of “Greek Mythology Olympiaganza.”
Catherine Venter earned the Stanislavski Award and Jordan Garcia the Boleslavski Award, recognizing actors who excel in minor roles in the stage productions. 

FILLING OUT the evening were a number of musical performances by the actors. Emma Piazza’s cover of Adele’s “Take It All” and Olivia Bannister and Justice Boll’s duet of a Taylor Swift song, “Everything Has Changed” were particularly entertaining.
But the highlight was the senior class’ rendition of a pair of pop music classics, a mashup of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” and N’Sync’s “Bye Bye Bye.”