10 More!10 More!

It was another outstanding night this year for Newark High School as it walked away with 10, count ‘em, 10, Elenbe awards May 30th at the 21st annual Wayne County Performing Arts Celebration. Six of the awards relate to the fall dramatic production of “Anatomy of Gray” and four relate to the spring musical production of “e Addams Family.”

Both productions were directed by Emily Howard.• “e Addams Family” won best musical production.• Senior Joe Goodman was runner-up for best actor for his role as “Gomez” in “e Addams Family.”• Mara Cornwell, an NHS senior, won featured performer for her role as “Grandma” in “e Addams Family.”• Cody Acquista, Newark Middle School seventh grader won featured performer for his role as “Pugsley” in “e Addams Family.”• “Anatomy of Gray” was the runner-up for the best drama production.• NHS senior Ian MacTaggart won best lead actor in a drama for his portrayal as “Dr. Galen Gray” in “Anatomy of Gray.”• Joe Goodman won best actor in a supporting role in a drama for his portrayal as Pastor Phineas Win"eld in “Anatomy of Gray.”• Jacob Lindberg, a senior, won runner-up for best actor in supporting role in a drama for his portrayal as Crutch Collins in “Anatomy of Gray.”• Senior Shelby Cramer won runner-up for best actress in a leading role in a drama for her portrayal of “June Muldoon” in “Anatomy of Gray.”• Cramer was the winner of the best dramatic production poster for “Anatomy of Gray.”

“Newark is proud to participate in a program that recognizes high school theatre in Wayne County. It takes a special kind of commitment and dedication to be a part of a theatrical production. I am overwhelmingly proud of both Newark's productions this year: “Anatomy of Gray” and “e Addams Family.” Howard said after the event and then shared thoughts about the winners. 

• “Joe Goodman was a leader for us in both productions. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Joe played two larger- than- life characters this year that left a lasting impression.”

• “Ian Mac Taggart, if given the choice, would rather play comedic roles, but found real humanity in the character of Dr. Gray. He connected with his scene partners to lead the cast in Anatomy of Gray.”

• “Shelby Cramer took on a challenging role in the drama and found some great connections with her fellow actors. She also lent her artistic talents to her winning poster design.”

•“Jacob Lindberg took a supporting role and played it with thoughtfulness and maturity. I loved the relationship he formed with the community within Gray, Indiana”

• “Mara Cornwell has a special quality that happens when the stage lights hits her. She was able to really dig in and #nd a quirky character that audiences loved.”

“Joe, Jacob, Ian, Shelby, and Mara are all seniors this year which made their recognition extra special.” • Cody Acquista stepped up as a 7th grader in our high school musical. His singing voice

really impressed us and I can't wait to see what the future holds for him as a performer.” “It was an exciting night for both cast and crew of “Anatomy of Gray” and “e Addams

Family,” Howard continued. “I feel so fortunate to work with the students at Newark High School. I am very grateful that our musical production team includes Mrs. Kate Flock, Mr. Bob Humphrey, and Mrs. Mary Lou Bonnell. Our students are extremely lucky to have a wonderful foundation of music education from their ensemble and individual work with these teachers.

“ We have a growing group of volunteers that work with our students to build and paint sets and costumes,” she continued. “It truly is a team effort! I am thankful for the network of support we receive from the Newark School Administration and our community audience members. eatre creates special bonds within the cast and crew. at is the secret ingredient to any successful show. Receiving recognition is like the cherry on top to an already frosted cake. e real treat is creating art together.” 

Elenbes are given out each spring at NHS to students and directors involved in musical and dramatic productions in 10 Wayne County schools. Judges in the contest, sponsored by the Lyons National Bank, are members of the Wayne County Council For the Arts who attend every performance. Bonnie Evangelist, vice president and treasurer of the Wayne County Council for the Arts, presented an award to Sue Bacon at this year’s event, for her longstanding service as a coordinator of the judges for the Elenbe awards. Prior to the awards presentation May 30th, !ve-to-six minute vignettes from the various schools’ musical and dramatic productions, were performed in the auditorium. As he has done for the last 20 out of 21 years, Don Alhart, 13-WHAM TV anchor, with his inimitable wit and charm, once again was the Wayne County Performing Arts Celebration Master of Ceremonies. Robert Schick, Chairman and CEO of Lyons Bancorp Inc., and Lyons National Bank, which has sponsored e Elenbes program from day one, and Kate Flock assisted with the awards presentation onstage. e Wayne County Performing Arts Awards Celebration program (e Elenbes), was founded by former NCSD Superintendent Robert Christmann, who was also was Superintendent of the Grand Island school district before retiring in 2012. He was given a Lifetime Achievement award in 2007. Lyons National Bank has funded this program in its entirety since the !rst year. e name of the award, e Elenbe, !nds its source in the LNB letters representing the Lyons National Bank.