Sachem Takes Home Five STARS Awards

Sachem garnered 15 STARS nominations this year, and ended up taking home five awards at the Fourth Annual STARS Awards held at Suffolk County Community College Sunday.  It was a black tie gala, complete with a red carpet.

The STARS (Student Theatre Arts Recognition Scholarship) Awards Program is modeled on the Tony Awards, except it's for high school students.  The program is executed exclusively by volunteers, and all funds raised go toward the scholarships, awards, ceremony and running of the program at no cost to the participating high schools. 

Their objective is to encourage students to pursue their dreams, recognize their achievements and foster community pride in school productions, while recognizing the importance of arts in education.

"There's a great value in sports and arts in our schools," said Lori Anne De lulio Casdia, executive director of the STARS Awards.  "It applies all the basic educational needs.  It keeps our children engaged, and provides them with many tools used later in life.  We want to elevate arts to the same level as sports in the budget."

rendition of the won the Judges' Choice honors which was accepted by cast member Grant Lindeman.

Victoria Isernia won in the category of Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role of Rona Lisa in the spelling bee production.  During her acceptance speech she acknowledged director Jonathan Chiaramonte, choreographer Michael Burke and the cast for giving her an "awesome opportunity."

"All our hard work paid off, and we got recognized this year as we did last year," she said.

The ensemble dance number "Pandemonium" from spelling bee was one of four outstanding performances chosen to be featured during the ceremony and included:  Victoria Isernia, Paul Gagliardi, Alyssa Tripi, Taylor Newsom, Grant Lindeman, James Stumper, Matt Pedersen, Sarah Liberti and Laura Laureano.

From  Kyle Berube won Outstanding Performance for the role of "Man in Chair" in .  He thanked the STARS program for keeping music alive in tough times, and the directors and cast of the production for, "bringing the parts to life."

The Supporting Actor in a Drama award went to Dylan Gafarian for the part of Will in Sachem East's .  He thanked his parents, friends and family for coming to almost every performance.

Bus Stop cast member Samantha Meadows won for Supporting Actress in a Drama.  She expressed her gratitude to the directors for, "lifting us up when we were down."

"The kids shined.  I like when the kids get recognition, especially for the arts," said Chiaramonte.  "It means a lot to the kids that the district recognizes their effort ... Everyone see's the show itself without realizing how much time is put in."

Download the movie