Superintendent Joshua Starr honored seniors Grace Laboy, Sasha Berger and Joe Lilek for achievement in theatre, music and dance at the twelfth annual Superintendent’s All-County Performing Arts Awards Gala at Rockville High School May 7.

The event honored selected students from all county high schools. Director Christopher Gerken selected the recipients from Whitman.

In addition to being honored at the gala, Laboy performed “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from the fall musical “Gypsy,” in which she had a lead role.

Lilek has performed in every show since his sophomore year, including a lead role in “Frankenstein” in February. He was proud to receive the honor because of his passion for theater, he said.

“It’s really been my calling and Whitman has been perfect in allowing me to pursue theater goals,” he said.

Berger has participated in ten school productions, including musicals, plays and talent shows. She has made close friends through drama and has gained confidence through her on-stage experiences, she said.

“I never felt more alive and inspired than when I was on the Whitman stage,” she said. “Theater taught me a certain focus and energy that I was able to bring to my academic life as well as to other extracurricular activities. I will never forget my extraordinary high school theater experiences.”