LHS students recognized for excellence in fine and performing arts at awards night

Lovell High School music and art students were recognized for their achievements at the Fine and Performing Arts Awards Night on May 12.

Students involved in Music Performance received a handful of awards that showcased their commitment to the elective. Linnea Olsen, Eliza Wagner, Weston Hendershot and Connor Grant accepted the Top Dawg Awards for showcasing their drive, dedication and innovation. 

Tony’s Awards, which are considered the highest honor for Broadway productions given for the highest artistic achievement, were awarded to Jay Mayes, Isaac Sanders, Ella Spanier, Haley Sanders, Lynn Marchant and Jaelen Mayes.

The Critic’s Choice Awards were given to Claire Shumway, Kaycie Marberry, John MacPeek, TJ Davis, Wilson Hendershot, Grady Henley, Kade Durtsche, Randi Ayotte and Alynna Monterde for their outstanding artistic merit, innovation and overall quality. 

Kara Heindl was recognized for her four years of dedication to Music Performance, and Rebecca Allred was recognized for her three years of dedication. 

For Concert Choir, Top Dawg Awards went to Brandon Jasso, Mylee Morgan, Eliza Wagner and Kara Heindl. The Rookie of the Year was given to Sofia Khan.

In Jazz Choir, Lynn Marchant, Jaelen Mayes, Addie Weber and Cutler Wilkerson were given the Top Dawg Awards while Rookie of the Year went to Kendra Allen. 

From Show Choir the Top Dawg Awards were given to Kyson Crosby, Jacob Thomas, Kenley Wilson and Ella Spanier. Owen Edwards was recognized as Rookie of the Year in the choir.

For band, Randi Ayotte, Claire Shumway, Sara Wood and Mylee Morgan were recognized with the Top Dawg Awards in their class. Rookie of the Year was given to Isaac Sanders. The LHS Band was also recognized for placing second at Music in the Parks at Elitch Gardens as they only trailed behind first place by two points and were five points ahead of third place. 

Among the percussionists, Haley Sanders, Damian Wagner and Jay Mayes received Top Dawg Awards. The Rookie of the Year was awarded to Laura Leece.

Students who participated in music for four years included Sadie Ennis, Damian Wagner, Jay Mayes, Ella Spanier, Haley Sanders, Lynn Marchant, Kara Heindl, Rebecca Allred, Atlee Sanders, Jaylee Scheeler and Jacob Thomas. These seniors were given pink cords to wear at graduation to represent their dedication and commitment. 

An array of students also reeled in national awards for their devotion to music. 

Sadie Ennis was awarded the Band Leadership Award, which recognizes students who take both a generous and selfless approach to serving their bands. Sadie was also awarded the John Phillip Sousa award. Introduced in 1955, this award honors the top student in the high school band and recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication.

Lynn Marchant and Wilson Hendershot were presented with the Fred Waring Award, a prestigious honor presented to outstanding choir members for their talent, dedication and enthusiasm. 

Haley Sanders was the recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award. This award honors students whose musical contributions, dedication and creativity set them apart as deserving the highest recognition for their achievements. 

Ella Spanier received the Director’s Award for Chorus, an award that honors outstanding high school choir members that always enjoy the process of learning, polishing and performing while sharing that enjoyment with others. 

Damian Wagner and Jay Mayes were recipients of the National Choral Award, which is the highest honor for high school choral performers that recognizes the dedication and musical achievement of the top choir member.

Art awards

Numerous art students were also recognized for their achievements at the awards night after amassing a collection of ribbons at the State Art Symposium in late April/early May. Among 18 students, Lovell brought home 30 ribbons.

Students that brought home one blue ribbon were Macie Anderson, Addie Weber, Kannon Owens, Addison James, Celeste Lindsay, Daisy Carpenter, Leah Sockey, Eliza Wagner, Brooklin Clark, Hudson Miller and Toree Herman.

Students that were awarded two blue ribbons were Paitynn Underhill, Rebecca Allred and Caylee Herman. 

Kate Cooper brought home three blue ribbons for the artwork that she submitted at the symposium. 

Janemarie McKay ended up coming home with four blue ribbons for her artwork. 

Elana Schilthuis was the top earner at the symposium for the Bulldogs after being awarded five blue ribbons for the pieces she submitted. Schilthuis also won second place for a piece she entered in the 250th Anniversary Competition put on through the Wyoming High School Art Association. Schilthuis’ artwork will travel the state of Wyoming and be put on display.

Outside of the symposium, Schilthuis also won the 2026 Celebrate the West art competition for the state of Wyoming. This is a regional art competition managed by the Western Governors Foundation and challenges high school students to create works inspired by their state. Schilthuis’ piece, “The First Love,” is now being voted on for the People’s Choice Award and can be found online at foundation.westgov.org. 

Anthony Garcia’s artwork was selected for the First Lady’s Award. With this honor, Garcia’s piece will reside on display at the governor’s mansion for the full year. 

Two senior artist awards were also given out this year to McKay and Schilthuis. Combined, the two brought home a total of nine blue ribbons from the symposium. 

By the end of the awards night, the students at Lovell High School were highlighted for their dedication, creativity and countless hours invested in the fine arts throughout the year.