MISSOURI THESPIAN AWARDS AND HONORS

Each year MO State Thespians honor individuals, schools, and theatre programs that exemplify quality theatre arts education. Nominations are open to active members. Below are listings of the awards and the recipients. Congratulations to all of the honorees!

- MISSOURI STATE THESPIAN DIRECTORS

- THE JUDY RETHWISCH OUTSTANDING THESPIAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR

- OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR AWARD

- MISSOURI STATE THESPIANS HALL OF FAME

- SERVICE AWARD 

To nominate a school or individual for a Missouri State Thespian award, go to State Conference and click on View Missouri State Thespian PDFs.

MISSOURI STATE THESPIAN DIRECTORS

1972-1973
Alan Englesman

1982-1983
Ed Grooms

1984-1993
Judy Rethwisch

1993-1996
Brian Welch

1996-1999
Lana Hagan

1999-2002
Freda Blevins

2002-current
Debbie Corbin

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THE JUDITH RETHWISCH OUTSTANDING THESPIAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR

This award is given to a theatre teacher whose unselfish efforts and countless hours really do mean something to those who care. Named after Judy Rethwisch, now retired theatre teacher of Affton High School, Judy served as the MO State Director from 1984-1993 and was instrumental in establishing MO Thespians. At the 1993 MO State Conference, Judy was named the Thespian Teacher of the Year. The award was presented to her by JOHN GOODMAN, Affton graduate and former drama student of Judy's. The award was renamed after Judy because she represents the very best of theatre educators. Those who continue to receive this honor are the unsung heroes to countless students and colleagues alike. Congratulations to the following recipients. You represent the very best in theatre educators in the state of Missouri and MO Thespians honor you!

1989-1990
Mike Beahm; Raymore-Peculiar High School

1990-1991
Joel Short; Belton High School

1991-1992
Brian Welch; Villa Duchesne High School

1992-1993
None Given

1993-1994
Judy Rethwisch; Affton High School (award officially changed to current title)

1994-1995
Ron Kenney; Webster Groves High School

1995-1996
Ted Huff; Fort Zumwalt South High School

1996-1997
Bill Townsend; Nixa High School

1997-1998
Kurt Knoedelseder; Ladue Horton Watkins High School

1998-1999
Joe Potter; William Woods University

1999-2000
Lana Hagan; Washington High School

2000-2001
Bob Fowler; Hazelwood West High School

2001-2002
Tim Buchheit; St. Francis Borgia High School

2002-2003
Nicole Voss; Parkway Central High School

2003-2004
Maggie Ryan; Nerinx Hall High School

2004-2005
Todd Schnake; Raymore - Peculiar High School

2005-2006
Anita Lippman; Brentwood High School

2006-2007
Ben Martin; Lee's Summit West High School

2007-2008
Shayne Daniel; Lee's Summit North High School

2008-2009
None Given

2009-2010
Jo Nell Seifert; Poplar Bluff

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OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR AWARD

This award is given to an administrator who shows continuous support for educational theatre in their school, district and community.

1995-1996
Renee Allen; Villa Duchesne

1996-1997
None Given

1997-1998
Dr. John Cleary; Brentwood High School

1998-1999
Marilyn Traffas; St. Francis Borgia High School

1999-2000
None Given

2000-2001
William Myer; Parkway Central High School

2001-2002
Marti Fowler; Hazelwood School District

2002-2003
Julie Bloodworth; Missouri Fine Arts Academy

2003-2004
Dr. Dan Wartick, John Spotts, Bob Hiatt, Nancy Knipfel,
North Kansas City High School Administrative Team

2004-2005
Mark Martin; Hazelwood East High School

2005-2006
Steve Levingston, Chip Arnette, Stewart Pratt,
Branson High School Administrative Team

2006-2007
Joe Sutton, Fort Zumwalt North High School

2007-2008
Dr. Graham Weir, Fort Zumwalt South High School

2008-2009
Chip Arnette, Branson High School

2009-2010
Krista Richardson, Villa Duchesne High School

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MISSOURI STATE THESPIANS HALL OF FAME

This award recognizes members who have dedicated themselves to promoting educational theatre and who have given twenty or more years of service to this cause.

Recipients are honored at the state conference, and receive complimentary registration for the next conference.

To view EdTA's Hall of Fame recipients and information, go to: http://edta.org/about_us/hall.aspx
 
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SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes an individual who, through their contributions to a local Thespian Troupe or Missouri State Thespians, has encouraged, supported and promoted high standards of quality in educational theatre.

2000-2001
Phil Murray; Ladue Horton Watkins High School

2001-2002
Mary Kay Daughtery - St. Francis Borgia High School

2002-2003
John Wylie; Webster University

2003-2004
Loren and Marge Herrick; nom by Shelly Blay/Oak Park

2004-2005
Bob Corbin; Branson High School

2005-2006
Mrs. Dale Naas, Parkway Central High School
2006-2007
Charles D. Parker, Joplin High School
2007-2008
Chad Little, Parkway South High School

2008-2009
Danny Goldsmith, Blue Springs South High School

2009-2010
Marie Steinbach, UMSL