Among Joseph Thespian old-timers who attended the troupe's 20th anniversary celebration May 8 were, left to right: standing, Jamie Collier, Steve Dolbin, founding advisor Norma Wetzell,Joe Nelson, Ben Boswell, Will Roundy Claudia Boswell and current advisor Pam Latta; kneeling, Leah Svendsen Johnson and Bart Latta.

JOSEPH Over 65 people attended the Celebration of Theatre event hosted by the Joseph Thespian Troupe in honor of its 20th anniversary.

The May 8 observance included the troupes annual awards program, initiation of new members and entertainment provided by current members and new initiates.

Dr. Norma Wetzell, who served as music and drama teacher at Joseph High School for four years, was guest of honor at the event and was pleased to meet a number of her former students. She founded the troupe during the 1990-91 school year, her first year at JHS, after directing students in their first play, The Diary of Anne Frank.

Among other guests were Ben and Claudia Boswell, who performed with the student cast in Fiddler on the Roof during Wetzells tenure.

Troupe alumni Will Roundy, a 1995 JHS grad and now a Joseph businessman, was recognized as the Joseph thespian who  accumulated the record number of thespian points, 190, representing approximately 1,900 hours of work.  

Present and former Thespians and members of the public enjoyed a buffet of desserts and snacks.

Award winners were: Marc Duncan, Best Thespian and Thespian of the Year; DaLynn Roberts, Best Actress; Casey Hayes, Best Actor; and Ali Garrett, Best Tech.

Other awards went to: Natalie Zeigler and Lexi Nelson, Rising Stars; Max Greenway, Freshman Actor; Mia Whittle and Felicity Gross, Freshman Actresses; and Mia Whittle, Honor Thespian.

New initiates were Connor Sticka, Natalie Zeigler, Lexi Nelson, Mia Whittle, Michael Thomas, Felicity Gross and Max Greenway.