Iola’s best and brightest stage performers were honored at Saturday’s 51st Annual Little Oscars celebration.
There, students involved with either of the two IHS dramatic productions — “Cinderella” and “Seussical The Musical Jr.,” — as well as their work with forensics competitions and Iola Community Theatre work reflected on another stellar season.
Among the highlights:
Senior Olivia Bannister was a two-time winner, bringing home the Outstanding Players Award for her work to support the club, as well as the Susan S. Miller Award, as voted on by forensics team members to the most inspirational member.
Sophomores Karly McGuffin and Zachary Cokely followed each other up on stage, twice, to receive their Little Oscars. McGuffin won Little Oscars for Best Actress and Outstanding Underclass Female, while Cokely earned Best Actor and Outstanding Underclass Male.
Senior Judd Wiltse took home the Don Bain Showman of the Year Award, as voted on by his fellow IHS Players members.
Seniors Brynna Hollins and Connor Farrell brought home Supporting Actress and Actor Little Oscars, respectively.
Freshmen Sophie Whitney and Parker Smith were tapped as The Female and Male Rookies of the Year, respectively.
Chloe Reeves earned the Fall Technical Little Oscar for her role as stage manager for “Cinderella;” Braden Plumlee for his behind-the-scenes work with “Seussical.”
Emma Weseloh and Katie Bauer earned the Stanislavski and Boleslavski Little Oscars, respectively, in recognition for their brief, but noteworthy time on stage in comparatively minor roles.
Sam Terhune brought home the Iola Community Theatre Award for his contributions to ICT this season.
AS ALWAYS, the ceremony was replete with song.
The Terhune brothers, Aaron and Sam, kicked off the evening with “The Confrontation” a piece taken from the musical “Les Miserables.”
The Terhunes were joined later by McGuffin, Bauer, Abby Valentine and Whitney who provided a soulful rendition of David Bowie’s “Changes.”
Aaron Terhune later delighted the crowd with an energetic performance of Jim Croce’s classic “Bad Bad Leroy Brown.”
