The Upsala High School Drama Awards were handed out at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 8 in the Upsala Auditorium. 47 students in grades 7-12 participated in drama at Upsala in 2011-12, and of those 28 earned drama letters.
Letterwinners for 2011-12 were Thomas Ripplinger, Callan Drill, Maria Vos, Andy Nelson, Dylan Zimmerman, Kendra Lange, Sami Van Wienen, Matt Abeler, Kimmy Mrozek, Kristen Smieja, Anne Vos, Marie Blonigen, Lacey Brezinka, McKenzie Barth, Israil Pundsack, Sara Roerick, Bekha Scepaniak, Emma Guthrie, Ruthie Flaa, Mat Hansen, Shanna Brenhaug, Danica Cheney, Brooke Westrich, Hayley Peterson, Josiah Lojovich, Katie Prokott, Aaron Cheney and Nate Schumer.
Best lead performance was awarded to Josiah Lojovich for his portrayal of Willy Wonka in the spring musical. Best supporting roles were given to Bekha Scepaniak for the fall play and to Nate Schumer for the spring musical.
Senior awards were given to Israil Pundsack, Katie Prokott and Nate Schumer. Most Improved went to Matt Abeler. The Director’s Award was given to Bekha Scepaniak. Most Valuable Thespian was awarded to Josiah Lojovich.