CLHS Arts Center takes honors in musical awards

SAXON The second annual Lee County High School Musical Awards were held May 18 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The program is the brainchild of Scott Saxon, general manager of the hall.

"Our purpose with this program," says Saxon, "is to celebrate and showcase the hard work and achievement of these talented students and their respective schools."

The High School Musical Awards were sponsored by Edison State College, Jason's Deli and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. A total of $13,000 in scholarships and cash prizes were awarded.

Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts performed a selection from its production of "The Producers" and captured the Best Overall Production Award for the second year.

It also received the following awards: Outstanding Technical Merit and Outstanding Orchestra/Music. Individual honors went to Jeremy Miller, runner-up for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role and Parker Slaybaugh, Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role.

North Fort Myers High School Center for Arts and Media performed a selection from its production of "HONK!" and received the following awards: Outstanding School Spirit, Outstanding Ensemble Cast and the runner-up for Best in Overall Production. Individual honors went to Kent Miller, Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role; Elizabeth McCawley, runnerup for Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role; and Devin Dietsch, runner-up for Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role.

Fort Myers High School performed a selection from its production "Grease," with Jennifer Aubuchon winning the award for Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role.

Lehigh Senior High Center for the Arts made its first appearance in the competition and performed a selection from its production "Fame, The Musical," with Shonda Richardson receiving the runner-up award for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role.

Another first-time participant, Ida S. Baker High School, performed a selection from its production of "Into The Woods" and Krista Naughton went home with the award for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role.

Cape Coral High School performed a selection from its production "Bye Bye Birdie" and Island Coast High School performed a selection from its production "Hooray for Hollywood." Both schools were also first-time participants.

NBC2's chief meteorologist, Robert Van Winkle, once again emceed the awards.