PHILADELPHIA, PA — On May 20th, GVHS Drama Club took the stage at the 2025 Philadelphia Independence Awards. Though a 14-hour day of rehearsals and performances may not be everyone's cup of tea, the students remained energized and committed to giving their all.
At 9:30am our GV students were already hard at work preparing for their 3 performances, all alongside groups from other regions. Sophie Davar stood out as an awards presenter as Kaidyn Potochar, Levi Scnatz, Aubrey Schneider, and Katie Izykowski represented Garnet Valley in the Opening Number.
In the evening, Garnet Valley presented “McConaghey Square” from its spring musical Brigadoon during the Best Musical nominee showcase. The students who participated in that performance were:
Nick Altamuro, Kaidyn Potochar, Hannah Wozniak, Caitlin Hogan, Julianna Bufano, Presley Burkley, Mackenzie Anderson, Cole Miller, Michael Stuardi, Maddie Moore, Nova Figurelle, Devan Traux, Carli Fruchtl, Lauren Cusick, Addi Cooper, Lexus Lonergan, Levi Scnatz, Aubrey Schneider, Virginia Hayes, Katie Izykowski, Jeanne Eppler, Seb Nguyen, Aidan Simpkiss, Heidi Heim, Emma Moran, Emily Dahdaly, and Ethan Spector.
Junior Jeanne Eppler, who was nominated for a Jimmy Award for her role as Meg in Brigadoon, performed in a medley with other leading female nominees from the region.
Garnet Valley was honored with 2 prestigious awards:
- Marketing & Publicity: Presley Burkley and Lauren Cusick for their creative work promoting Brigadoon
- Costumes: Hannah Torregiani, Camryn Schwartz, and Ella Ticknor for their outstanding costume design
Additionally, Garnet Valley was recognized with 15 nominations including:
- Best Musical
- Best Creative Leadership
- Best Solo Dancer
- Best Dance Ensemble
- Best Ensemble
- Best Lighting Design
- Best Sound Design
- Best Marketing
- Best Costumes
- Best Set Design
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Stage Management
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Makeup
Out of the 37 schools that participated, only nine, including Garnet Valley, received awards. The other recognized schools were Germantown Academy, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Central Bucks, Conestoga, Holy Ghost, Neshaminy, and CPFA.
Praised by Ensemble Arts Philadelphia staff for their professionalism, talent, and kindness, our Garnet Valley Drama Club never fails to impress! Not only does the Drama Club demonstrate creative excellence, but they stay strongly committed to representing GV community spirit in the Philadelphia region. Congratulations to all for such honorable nominations and awards!
