The first-ever Blue Star Awards Student Council held its first of five meetings during the 2018-19 school year at Starlight Theatre on Oct. 28. Throughout the year, student council members will represent their peers and schools, with the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas as the program progresses. The goal is for the students to learn more about the Blue Star Awards, giving them the ability to share insight with their classmates. They will also brainstorm training opportunities that Starlight may be able to offer to complement their high school theatre studies.
“The council members are perfectly positioned to discuss the concerns, hopes and needs of their fellow students, while also learning much more about the Blue Star Awards program,” Andy Pierce, Starlight education and outreach manager, said. “Over time, we think we’ll see these students help to grow and expand the reach of Starlight’s Blue Star Awards, creating new initiatives that will benefit high school students throughout metro KC.”
Starlight’s education and outreach department chose seven students to be a part of the inaugural student council. To apply, students submitted an essay and provided a letter of recommendation from a teacher. The 2018-19 student council represents five Blue Star Awards participating high schools:
- Heide Barger, a senior at Lansing High School
- Brian Bartenslager, a senior at Leavenworth High School
- Janie Carr, a junior at Shawnee Mission East High School
- Luke Knopke, a senior at Shawnee Mission East High School
- Maggie Mulligan, a senior at Shawnee Mission East High School
- Hannah Samson, a junior at Liberty North High School
- Shanna Sinow, a junior at Lee’s Summit West High School
The first meeting was largely an opportunity for students and Starlight staff to get to know one another, learn more about the perceptions and realities of the Blue Star Awards, and discuss the roles of the student council. In May 2019, the student council members will conclude their year of participation with special assignments at the Blue Star Awards Ceremony.
The 17th year of Starlight’s Blue Star Awards officially began in October with Kearney High School’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and really picks up this month with 33 of the 48 participating schools performing in November. For a full list of participating schools and musicals, click here.
