Annual Superintendent Gala Held May 23

Iris Valentin, Features Managing Editor

Students from the 2018 spring musical “Spamalot” performed at the Superintendent’s Performing Arts Awards Gala May 23 at Wheaton HS, an event where MCPS recognizes seniors from around the county for their artistic achievements in high school dance and theatre.

These students are nominated by their teachers based upon their accomplishments throughout the school year. The awards were presented by Superintendent Jack Smith.

The county chose several schools to perform highlights from their dance and theatre programs, including RHS’ drama department. Three nominated seniors, Maria Toapanta, Rina Betatar and Luke Guthrie received awards for their hard work and talent in the drama department.

Cast members from the spring musical who attended this year’s gala and drama coordinator Krista McKim revisited their “Spamalot” performance, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” to prepare for the event.

“We had practices during lunch and after school in order to prepare for the event,” McKim said. “The students had worked really hard since they had to remember again certain parts from the musical.”