HONORS, AWARDS and ACHIEVEMENTS

To read Maggie's letter, please select the link for the IVMS web site >>IVMS Web site

Congratulations students and Mr. Belfiore.

The  International Thespian Society was established 78 years ago in Fairmont, West Virginia, by a group of college and high school teachers who were dedicated to excellence in theatre arts in secondary schools. This philosophy continues today as the society strives to make education and arts programs places for good theatre and to honor those students who do theatre well. As sponsors and members of ITS, we uphold the principles of its founders: a belief that participation in the arts is an essential means of widening students' cultural horizons and enriching their lives.

Dr. Linda Mohler established the Indian Valley High School Drama Club's Charter #5415 in 1995. Since that time, IVHS has inducted 136 students, approximately 11 students per year, into the International Thespian Society for their after school hour involvement in theatre. To gain the ten points necessary for induction, students must work in two different areas of production on two full-length plays (i.e. stage managing, lighting, sound, costumes, scene design, props, hair and makeup, business management), attend professional and/or university theatre out of school, participate in theatre competition, or hold the position of an officer to the Drama Club. The students are recognized annually both here at Indian Valley during the April Induction Ceremony and at the international level for their involvement in our after school Drama program.

When we talk points, it is important to think in terms of hours. A solid play takes between 80-100 hours per rehearsal season. IVHS Drama Club works 100 after school hours to present the work that Mifflin County sees each year at the end of February. Those 100 hours are just for the cast. They do not include the rest of the production team—hair and make up, costumes, lights and sound, props, as well as business, photography, and web site. So, for our students to become an inductee, the honor is very well deserved, for they have given much of their young lives to a program that hopefully has shown them how many hands can make something good into something outstanding.

Most of our students graduate with between 30-40 points due to their commitment to the program throughout high school. During the annual induction ceremony, the former inducted students are further recognized for their continued involvement by the awarding of stars; thus, receiving 3-4 stars by the time they leave us. In the ten years that I have been the sponsor of the IVHS charter, three students have been awarded Honor Thespian for the time and involvement here at the high school as well as the amount of professional and/or university theatre attended, their participation in church youth drama programs, radio interviews conducted for PR purposes, and officer positions they have held. Honor Thespian equals 60 points. Each of our Honor Thespians had over 85 points; hence, were presented with the society's blue and gold Honor Chords, which they wore during their IVHS graduation ceremony. Moreover, all senior drama students are given the blue and gold graduation tassel, to wear beside the IVHS tassel, as a gift by members of the club with deep satisfaction for work well done and in recognition for the mark they made on our drama program.

I want to thank you, Mr. Varner, for asking me about the recognition IVHS Drama students have received over the years. Not many people know how much time and effort it takes to produce a play. Life long friendships are made here as well as a commitment to community involvement.

M. Margaret Seay