HAYA nominees reflect on success, process of awards

Jasper Johst | Asst. Editor

The recent production of Urinetown by the Hawk Drama team has sparked remarkable attention from the Heller Awards for Young Artists (HAYA.) HAYA works to reward and congratulate young artists for exceptional performances in school productions.

The nominations were held on March 5, and several performers from the Urinetown cast and crew were selected.

“I was not expecting to get nominated at all,” junior Ian Vizcarra said. “I got nominated for Best Featured Ensemble. I was extremely surprised to see my name pop up on the screen.”

The cast of Urinetown watched the HAYA nomination awards together, showing their support for each other.

“My first reaction to being nominated for Best Supporting Actress was [pure] shock,” junior Presley Copeland said. “I was in the middle of hugging Kyra [Carr], who had just gotten her name called for a nomination, [when] I looked at the screen and saw my name was on there. I was really excited and hugged all of my friends.”

The practice and adoration that goes into a performer’s role is critical, according to junior Addi Villegas.

“I think as long as you love what you’re doing and put in hard work and dedication, you will have a great performance,” Villegas said. “I was just fortunate enough to have that [passion] be recognized by the HAYAs.”

The motivation for winning differs among performers.

“I motivate myself to [win] with the thought of becoming someone that the drama kids could look up to,” senior Kyra Carr said. “There’s a few alumni in our department that make me think ‘Wow. They’re so cool and talented.’ I want underclassmen to hear my name and think [the same].”

The nominees don’t find out if they have won until April 19, when the awards ceremony is scheduled to occur.

“I’m just happy that I’ll be at the awards because it’s super fun,” senior Tori Ybarra said. “Plus, it’s an honor to be recognized along with all the other talented artists in my category. We [all] strive to put on a good show.”

Until the date of the awards ceremony arrives, the nominees will wait in anticipation.

“It was a blessing to have such amazing cast mates, tech crew members, and directors,” Carr said. “[They] helped make my last high school musical my best one yet.”