Several Kenmore West High School theatre students had a tremendous showing at the recent NYS Theatre Education Association (NYSTEA) Conference held January 10-12 in Callicoon, N.Y.

The group, led by theater teacher Diana Gruninger, were among nearly 900 participating students from approximately 70 different schools all across the state. We were proud to see Ken-Ton well-represented and our students distinguishing themselves in several different ways:

• Senior Emma Wistner wrote a short play which was selected to be performed for the entire conference during the “showcase” event
• Senior Abby Holmes was selected to perform “The Wizard and I” from “Wicked” and brought the audience to their feet with her amazing performance
• Senior Evangelina Greenwood was selected to design and run lights for the showcase event.
• Senior Ben Pratt was selected to run sound for the showcase event
• Senior Amara Gomez was awarded this year’s NYSTEA scholarship

A total of 39 Kenmore West students were in attendance. Students were able to attend their choice of more than 100 different workshops on a multitude of topics, from lighting and costume design to swing dance and staging a brawl. Additionally, students had the chance to attend performances, special events, and a college fair while also performing songs and monologues in front of judges.

A wonderful job to all of our Kenmore West theatre students!