Chelan High School junior David Kelly wins Apple Award

CHELAN – Chelan High School Junior David Kelly won the Numerica Performing Arts Center Apple Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Play for his role as Scarecrow in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

The Apple Awards recognize outstanding achievements in high school theater in the region.

"We are especially proud of David Kelly for winning Best Performer in a Supporting Role in a Play for his role as the scarecrow in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by Tim Kelly," said Cindy Bertomeu, Blackhorn Drama Guild Director.

"David was not available to accept his award at the event because he was achieving a PR (personal record) for the 400 at the district track meet, so Kyla Otom accepted the award on his behalf," she said. "We had the honor of presenting his trophy to him at school today."

Chelan High School's Blackhorn Drama Guild was nominated in two categories, the other being a nomination for Best Overall Play for their production of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz".

The awards ceremony ran like a Hollywood awards show. Awards were announced in each category and interspersed among those award presentations were performances from nominees and cast members from each of the high schools.

"The Numerica PAC put together an incredible event, featuring scenes from all five schools and celebrating students throughout the evening," Bertomeu said. "Students had a whirlwind day of rehearsals with the event director, Brian Higgins, followed by a Q&A panel with community members about confidence, leadership, and storytelling."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to participate and to the Numerica PAC for supporting and encouraging theatrical arts among our students and the surrounding communities," she said. "This was a great opportunity for directors and advisors to build relationships as well as for students to make new friends and connect with other schools through their passion for theater."

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.