The 32nd annual Academy Choice Awards gave recognition for the many skills possessed by the talented young men and women of the RHS Drama Department. [Click to enlarge]

The talented young men and women of the Rector High School drama department received recognition for their many hours of work and overall dedication to bringing the arts to their community during the 32nd annual Academy Choice Awards held Saturday night in the school cafeteria.

Rector's own Tim Ingram, the general manager of the KAIT television station in Jonesboro, served as a keynote speaker for the event. Ingram, a 1986 Clay County Central graduate, was no stranger to the Academy Choice Awards, having participated in the program and received several awards during his time as a member of the drama club.

Ingram recollected his time in drama and the productions of which he was a part.

He encouraged the students present to continue their involvement in the program and to always enjoy the arts. Ingram noted the valuable lessons he learned through his time in drama.

"If you can dream it," Ingram said, "you can achieve it. If you believe it, you can become it. I learned that on this stage right here."

District Judge Rick Rodery also spoke to the assembled crowd. Rodery praised the students and drama teacher Gail Burns for their efforts. Rodery noted his own participation in theatre, citing his role as a board member for the Clay County Arts Council.

"My involvement with the arts has opened up a whole new world," Rodery said.

Rodery encouraged those present to maintain active roles in their community arts programs.

Several members of the Rector community have been involved in the drama department. Mark Thomas, Theresa Roofe, Heidi Henderson, Amber Powell, Karen Cagle, Gail Ford, Rhonda Haney and Peggy Grimes were all recognized for their efforts and participation in various programs over the course of the year.

Student award winners included: Alex Roofe, Senior Award (tie), Best Stage Manager, Best Crew Member, Best Sound Design and Plus Award; Whitney Conley, Senior Award (tie), Best Student Director, Best Female in a One Act and Best Major Actress (tie); Jake Hollis, Best Logo Design, Best Supporting Actor (tie) and Best Major Actor (tie); Colby Wynn, Best Minor Actor and Best Supporting Actor (tie). Amanda Layer, Best Major Actress (tie); Cole Thomas, Best Major Actor (tie); Ashley Williams, Best Supporting Actress; Abie Petty, Best Minor Actress; Sydney Simmons, Best New Actress; Josh White, Best New Actor; Breanna Emerson, Best Ensemble; Miranda Weaver, Best Ensemble; Zac Whiteside, Best Scenic Design and Gabriele Haney, Best Lighting Technician.

"Seussical" was named Play of the Year. "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think" from "Seussical" was named Song of the Year.

The evening was also enhanced by performances by the members of Stage XXVI. Hollis, Conley, Layer, Williams, Simmons, Skyler Bradshaw and Toshya Leonard sang and danced to music from the hit Disney productions "High School Musical" and "High School Musical II". The group's efforts were well-received, as the performances received rousing ovations from the crowd.

The night concluded with special recognition given to the drama department's four senior members. Rachel Mathewson, Roofe, Hollis and Conley joined Burns onstage for heartfelt remembrances of each senior's tenure with the organization. A slideshow composed by Wynn highlighted the sharing of memories between the students and guests.