UPIKE honors students attend dinner and play
0By Hannah Adkins
On Feb. 1, UPIKE honors students were invited to dinner at El Azul Grande and a show at Jenny Wiley Theatre.
Co-directors Chandra Massner and Darla French along with honors committee chair Stephen Budney extended their offer to the first group of honors students at UPIKE. Fourteen students met at El Azul Grande. They enjoyed laughs and talk about what it’s like to juggle school, work, and extracurricular activities. It was clear that this group is in place to help encourage others toward success.
After dinner, the group traveled on to the Jenny Wiley Theatre where assistant professor of theatre, Kimberly Willard, led her 6th through 12th grade students in an excellent interpretation of The Tempest. The honors students were given special recognition at the event.
“I always plan at least one play by William Shakespeare, and the kids have done a magnificent job preparing for it. They’re very excited to have the honors students view their performance because they look up to them,” said Willard.
The show brought the story to life and many enjoyed the performance. There were many bursts of laughter and fearful looks from the crowd as the audience took on the sympathy of the performers.
“The play was an enjoyable experience, and it kept you on the edge of your seat wanting more,” said Lisa Lowe.