Smith-Cotton Theatre Program Wins Several Honors In Kansas City

The Smith-Cotton Theatre Program had a blockbuster day Saturday at the Missouri State Thespian Conference in Kansas City.

The program came away with three top honors, led by S-C Speech and Theatre teacher Teri Turner being named the Outstanding Theatre Educator of the Year. She was nominated by senior Kylie Bales.

"I am so humbled and honored to receive the Educator of the Year award from the Missouri State Thespians," Turner said. "One never feels like they deserve a Teacher of the Year award because we feel like we are just doing our jobs.  I feel like I have done what any Speech and Theatre teacher would do and we have an amazing group of students here at Smith-Cotton who make it easy to go above and beyond for."

Also honored:

Principal Wade Norton was selected as the Outstanding Administrator of the Year. He was nominated by Turner.

Senior Alec Wilken received a $1,000 Community Outreach Grant for his "Theater for a Cause" proposal. He will lead the March production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged;" proceeds from the performance will go to the literacy foundation.

Turner said the honors are validation for the Smith-Cotton Theatre Program.

“These credits tell us that our program is headed in the right direction and we need to continue to build the momentum so the Smith-Cotton Theatre Program can be one of the top in the state. We have a beautiful facility, enthusiastic students, and supportive parents and community, all the ingredients for a fantastic theatre program,” she said.

(Courtesy of Sedalia School District)