Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Lipke Foundation presented a $10,000 check to Lancaster High School on June 13 as a part of their 2022 Kenny Award for Outstanding Musical Production for Catch Me If You Can. The school was nominated for a total of nine Kenny Awards and additionally won the award for Outstanding Orchestral Performance.
The check, presented by Lipke Foundation representative Carlisle Lipke, will support the school’s musical theatre program.
“The Lipke Foundation is honored to be in partnership with Shea’s to continue celebrating the incredible hard work you guys do every single day,” Lipke shared at a 200-person morning assembly at the school. “It is my honor to make an investment in the future of musical theatre in this school, in this community, and for each and every one of you as you go out and go forward.”
“I would to thank the Lipke Foundation for giving us the opportunity to accept this generous gift,” shared Principal Michael Candella. “It will be utilized to continue to fulfill our mission to provide students with well-rounded educational experiences, including the arts, including music, and including everything we do here that makes Lancaster so special.”
The assembly was led by Music Department Chair Dan DeAngelis and featured a pre-recorded excerpt of the musical.
“You got this award because of the teamwork. Coming together as a team is the most important thing,” he shared.
In addition to Lipke, DeAngelis and Candella, speakers at the assembly included Thembi Duncan, Shea’s Director of Arts Engagement and Education; Aimee Walker, Director of Catch Me If You Can; and Lynne Ruda, Village Mayor and Lancaster High School Orchestra Director, who presented a proclamation to the school that declared June 13, 2022 “Catch Me If You Can Day” in the Village of Lancaster.
“I’m so grateful for the time and the work you put in to provide arts to our community members, many members who have not seen live theatre in a very long time due to the pandemic. It is my privilege to issue a proclamation,” Ruda shared.
DeAngelis recognized several elementary and middle school music teachers for their contributions to long-term arts education of the student performers, and the ceremony concluded with cast members, creatives, and the production team receiving medals featuring the Kenny Awards logo.