The Saint Joseph Regional High School performing arts year is now over and the program is up for multiple awards. For the Paper Mill Rising Stars awards the Saint Joe's production of West Side Story got three Final Nomination. Luke B got a nomination for Outstanding Performance in a Featured role and Saint Joe's got an award for Educational Impact Award and Outstanding Musical Direction.

Saint Joe's also received eight Metro Awards nominations for Actress in a Leading Role (Emma P), Featured Ensemble Member (Bill F), Featured Ensemble, Male Acting Performance (Vincent S), Dance Performance (John S), Outstanding Duet  (Alexander B and Emma P), Lobby Display, and Musical Direction.

"This is my third nomination for the Metro Awards. But my first for St. Joe's. Many of the high schools compete in these awards. I received the first two nominations and two honorable mentions from Paper Mill Playhouse for doing musicals at The Academy of the Holy Angels. These award shows are fun because they make you feel like you're at the oscars or the tonys." Bill F ‘18 said when asked about his experience with the award ceremonies. As you can see many school participate in the awards making it a very competitive and serious matter for students but also giving a sense of gratitude at the same time.

"It is a real honor for me to get this. I believe that I served the school well and made a lot of people happy with my performances in West Side Story. I am looking forward to performing in many other shows here and out of this school and spreading my happiness to all through my dancing. I am very proud of this nomination It is simply an honor" said freshman John Santino about his nomination for outstanding dance performance. For John and many others it is a motivation to keep doing amazing things for yourself and your school.

The Performing Arts Program may have a lot of potential winners but one member of last years drama already won a major award. Chris M won Montclair High School Theater Awards for Best actor in a Drama playing Conrad in Ordinary People.“Conrad in Ordinary People was Chris’s breakout performance. His courage to be vulnerable on stage and be so truthful in his acting is why he was awarded Best Actor.  It was truly an incredible performance.” said John Asselta about Chris’s substantial win. Chris reflects the stand out actors the SJR theater program produces. He had competition throughout the state and prevailed the winner of a very honorable award. His dedication to his school, his program and his craft has definitely made him deserve this prestigious award.

"Receiving the Montclair award for best leading actor in a drama was truly an honor. I went into the award ceremony with no expectation of winning, so it was definitely a surprise for me. Nonetheless, I'm extremely grateful to have won, and I'm even more grateful to have been given the opportunity to perform as a leading actor here at Saint Joe's." For Chris Marzulla ‘18 he believes it's the experience that matters the awards are just a plus for the hard work you did in the process of doing what you love.