Sterling High School Thespians cap inaugural year

The new Sterling High School Thespian Troupe ended their year with an induction of new members and the year-end awards last week. Pictured are: (Front row left to right): Annabelle DeWitt, Natalie Williams, Kate McGlynn, Danika Zimmerman, Macie Gillespie, Back row: Lathem Kizzar, Chloe Garrett, Emma Lockhart, Easton, Zimmerman, Cooper Pieplow Chris Childs, Daniel Bates, William Wilson, Shepherd Levy, Easton Slocum, Issac Dyson, and James McGlynn. (Photo courtesy Sterling High School)

DENNIS DUTTON
Special to Hutch Post

STERLING, Kan. — Sterling High School Theatre’s Thespian Troupe #12627 marked the close of its inaugural 2025–26 season with a Year-End Awards and Induction Ceremony last week, celebrating student achievement while highlighting a year that established the program’s presence across Kansas.

Chartered this fall, the troupe quickly moved from formation to full production, representing Sterling at the Kansas State Thespian Festival at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center and earning recognition at the 2026 Jester Awards, where students received 15 regional nominations, 12 finals placements, and two wins. The group also performed “Revolting Children” during the ceremony.

On stage, the season was anchored by Matilda the Musical and a visually distinctive production of Arsenic and Old Lace, staged “in living black and white” on a two-story set inspired by the historic Warkentin House. Students also expanded their reach through a children’s theatre production of Charlotte’s Web for area grade schools.

Reflecting on the year, Troupe Director and Sterling High School theatre teacher Greg McGlynn praised the students’ commitment. “It’s been a great group of students to take on new theatre challenges, traditions and community service projects,” McGlynn said. “I was very proud of their creativity, work ethic, perseverance, and willingness to step out of the box and try new things. To quote the Thespian motto, they’ve played ‘their parts well and there in all the honor lies.’”

The ceremony also recognized student excellence across performance and technical theatre.

Best Newcomer Actor honors went to Daniel Bates and Easton Zimmerman, while Kate McGlynn was named Best Newcomer Actress and Easton Slocum earned Best Newcomer Stage Technician. In one-act competition, Lathem Kizzer and Natalie Williams were recognized as Best Actor and Actress.

Technical theatre awards included Emma Lockhart for Sound, Danika Zimmerman for Lighting, and Annabelle DeWit for Stage Technician. Outstanding Stage Carpenter honors were awarded to Isaac Dyson, Noah Gray, Shepherd Levy, and James McGlynn.

Performance awards reflected the strength of the troupe’s productions. Cooper Pieplow was named Best Lead/Supporting Actor in a Musical, while Jaiden Jaeger and Chloe Garrett shared Best Lead/Supporting Actress in a Musical honors. In play categories, Chris Childs earned Best Supporting Actor and Natalie Williams was recognized as Best Supporting Actress. Kate McGlynn received Best Lead Actress, and James McGlynn was named Best Lead Actor.

Additional awards included William Wilson for Best Cameo and Macie Gillepsie as Best Chorus Member. The troupe’s highest individual recognition, Outstanding Thespian, was awarded to Chris Childs, who also received Honor Senior Thespian cords with 81.5 points.

The ceremony also included the induction of new members and recognition of Sterling High School’s first-ever Honor Thespian, underscoring both the program’s rapid growth and its commitment to tradition.

To close the awards and induction ceremony Director McGlynn stated that in their first year as an official troupe the Sterling High Thespians all “played their parts well.”