May has been an absolutely perfect example of what a central Pennsylvania spring month can be! The flowers, the balmy temperatures, the birdsong and blue sky all make the winter just a distant memory. We all needed this kind of weather to make us remember just how great our hometown area is. This past weekend was perfect for any kind of activity, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and pit orchestra musicians from Hughesville High School’s production of “Damn Yankees”! The show won the “Best Small Scale Musical” award, presented at the annual Ray of Light Award gala on Saturday. This event recognizes achievement in theatrical performances by students from many central PA school districts. This year thirteen school districts submitted invitations to be adjudicated for consideration for the awards. Most of those districts had both a stage play and a musical production. Hughesville High School received five nominations in total.

Benjamin Nesselrodt, a senior at HHS, won the award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Play. Ben played the part of Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice” last fall. He was also a lead cast member for “Damn Yankees” so he was doubly recognized for his efforts! Both Olivia Treese and Joy Doty were honored for their performances in the play and musical, respectively.

When you see any of these students, please give them your best wishes for a job very well done: Alexandria Robbins, Allison Mattucci, Amber Hicks, Benjamin Nesselrodt, Bailey Culver, Caitlin Marcyan, Cassie Walters, Devon Palmeter, Danny Houck, Ellie Doty, Eliza Treese, Emily Jones, Emily Minier, Ethan Kuntz, Ethan Zerbe, Faith Haddon, Gabe Newvine, Jacob Reynolds, Jarett Dorman, Jason Kepner, Jessica McCarty, Jillian McLuhan, Joel Noble, Jordana Wagner, Jordyn Scott, Josh McGee, Joy Doty, Julia James, Katelyn Derby, Katie Fisher, Katie James, Keira Bittenbender, Korbin Kepner, Kristi Houck, Lacey Bassler, Luke Kepner, Michael Karschner, Molly Nesselrodt, Nadia Strong, Nathaniel Lewis, Olivia Treese, Paige Wilson, Patrick Hiller, Rilynn Temple, Sydney Marino,Wilson Michael, and Zach Butler.

Whether they were onstage playing a role, running the lights or sound system, playing instruments in the pit, or assisting with the many tasks backstage, every one of them contributed to the success of the musical. As their music director, I cannot express how very proud I am to have had the opportunity to work with all of these dedicated students!

Also to be congratulated are Ms. Lorrie Staivisky, director of the musical and sole director of the Jr/Sr Class Play, and Duane Gordner, master choreographer. Former HHS music teachers Mrs. Joy Barto and Mr. Mark Boyer lent invaluable assistance as pit orchestra musicians, and Mrs. Lynne Treese performed her usual magic with costuming. This is the first time that the HHS drama program has won this award, so it is truly special to all involved!

Have a great week! There’s still time to see HHS student athletes in a variety of contests, plus the AYSO and Little League fields are beehives of activity nearly every night of the week. Enjoy the events!

Hughesville events

Sat. May 23 Annual Alumni Banquet for all graduates of Hughesville High School. This year’s honorees will be members of class years ending with “0” and “5”. The banquet will be held at the Hughesville Fire Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. with meal served at 6 p.m. If you’ve not been contacted by your class spokesperson, information contacts are Thomas Smith at 570-584-3531 or Bill McCoy at 570-584-2277.

Mon. May 25 Memorial Day. Hughesville Parade at 9 a.m. with services to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.