By Kim McDarison
Several Fort Atkinson High School students were honored as recipients of the statewide “Jerry Awards” Sunday at the Overture Center of the Arts in Madison. The program “encourages, recognizes and honors excellence in high school musical theater,” according to information provided about the awards on the center’s website.
This year, among students receiving recognition from the program was Fort Atkinson High School 2022 graduating senior Abbey Hoffman, who was among recipients from across the state earning Outstanding Lead Performer recognition. Hoffman was recognized for her performance as “Ariel” in the Fort Atkinson High School musical “The Little Mermaid.” The performance was held in the high school auditorium last November.
Hoffman was also recognized by the Jerry Awards program with a Spirit Award.
Additionally, members of the stage crew for the production of The Little Mermaid received Jerry Award recognition with an Outstanding Stage Crew Award.
Crew members receiving recognition include: Sahanna Ahmad, Sara Betchey, Amelia Belzer, Peyton Bishop, Izzy Birk, Jenka Carter, Mackenzie Cramlet, Cloe Francis, Kylie Frey, Willow Gutheridge, Jack Jonas, Wylee Lopez, Hannah Meyo, Ariel Miller, Jessica Nguyen, Vincent Sitkiewitz, Conner Smit, Evanna Thao, Adyn Theriault and Avie Vasquez.
According to the Overture Center of the Arts website, “ The Jerry Awards, one of Wisconsin’s High School Musical Awards Programs … began in the 2009-10 school year as the Tommy Awards, and was renamed in 2017-18 season to The Jerry Awards after philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi. Educators and industry professionals review productions at more than 85 high schools in 30 counties around the state providing valuable feedback. The program elevates the importance of musical theater within high schools.
“The Jerry Awards program culminates in a show with performances by the outstanding award recipients. It is a truly magical night filled with outstanding high school musical theater performances.”
During the awards-based performance, held June 12, Hoffman performed “Beyond My Wildest Dreams.”
A full list of award Jerry Award recipients is here: https://files-overturecenter.s3.amazonaws.com/906523f147770c0295df4b7962bb405e/fullawardslistforwebsite.pdf.
A story about the Fort Atkinson High School production of The Little Mermaid is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/fort-atkinson-high-school-performances-of-the-little-mermaid-to-begin-thursday/.
The Fort Atkinson High School production of “The Little Mermaid,” performed last November in the high school auditorium, is among statewide musical performances receiving recognition at the 2022 Jerry Awards. A recognition ceremony and performance was held Sunday at the Overture Center of the Arts in Madison. Tom Ganser photo.
Fort Atkinson High School 2022 graduating senior Abbey Hoffman performs a song titled: “Beyond My Wildest Dreams” Sunday at the Overture Center of the Arts in Madison. The performance was given as part of the Jerry Awards program which recognizes excellence statewide in high school musical performances. Hoffman earned a Jerry Award as Outstanding Lead Performer for her performance of “Ariel” in Fort Atkinson High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” She also was the recipient of a Spirit Award. Tom Ganser photo.
“Ariel,” the little mermaid, played by Abbey Hoffman, greets the audience during the Fort Atkinson High School musical production held in November. File photo/Kim McDarison.
Members of the backstage crew make scenery ready in advance of a dress rehearsal held in November. The crew was awarded the Outstanding State Crew award by the Jerry Awards statewide program. File photo/Kim McDarison.
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