A little good-natured ribbing and friendly competition can inspire students to give their best, and that seemed to be on display Friday at the Little Oscars.
Iola High School senior Austin Morris joked that every time he competes against the talented Hannah Andersen, she always wins.
But when the votes were counted, Morris walked away with three of Little Oscar statues to Andersen’s two. His wins included two of the biggest awards, the Don Bain Showman of the Year and the Susan S. Miller – Most Inspirational Forensics Team Member.
Both Morris and Andersen were repeat winners in the Best Actress and Best Actor categories.
Andersen also won Outstanding Players Member.
Drama students were recognized for their performances in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” a musical in the fall, and “26 Pebbles,” a serious play about the Sandy Hook massacre that killed first-grade students and staff in 2012.
The evening capped a year of big performances with mostly younger drama students. In addition to Morris and Andersen, the only other seniors recognized were Gabe Kilby and Em Ator.
A special award was given to Jeff Jordan, a technical director at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center who has helped with 34 IHS plays and 17 Little Oscar ceremonies.
In addition to the award presentations, students also performed song and dance numbers.
Students were inducted into the International Thespians Society, and members were recognized for their achievements. Inductees included Gabe Kilby, Luke Wicoff, Keira Fawson, Brigham Folk, Kendall Glaze, Kennedy Maier, Jenna Morrison, Max Andersen and Hailey Stogsdill.
Awards went to:
Female Rookie of the Year – Elza Clift
Male Rookie of the Year – Wyatt Westervelt
Underclass Woman of the Year – Keira Fawson
Underclass Man of the Year – Kendall Glaze
Fall Technical Award – Luke Wicoff, stage manager
