Sterling College Honors 20+ Arts Students This Year

Sterling College closed its academic year by recognizing more than 20 students for outstanding work in art, music, theatre, and communication. The celebration came after a bustling season that included six theatre productions, four major concerts, and events that drew more than 5,400 total attendees to the small Kansas campus.

The arts program engaged over 90 students this year in what Executive Director for the Arts Dennis Dutton called "an incredibly busy but successful year." What makes it special is how many students discovered new talents they never knew they had.

Morgan Pellegrino from Las Vegas, Nevada, received a brand new honor called the "Greatest/Least Award" for making the biggest contribution in the shortest time. She performed seven leading roles after first stepping on stage just two years ago.

The theatre department also recognized Kurt Keegan of Burlington as Actor of the Year and Mariana Inchauriga of Hutchinson as Actress of the Year. Mary Little and Noah Svaty earned Achievement Awards for their four years of dedication to theatre productions.

Music students took home multiple honors too. Trinity Porter of Gardner earned the Louis Armstrong Jazz Band Award, while Brooklyn Richardson of Stafford received the Symphonic Band Servant Leadership Award. Taggart Reiss of Hutchinson and Copper Collins of Pretty Prairie also earned recognition for their musical excellence.

In visual arts, Bree Pickerell of McPherson received the Art Leadership Award. Communication students Sheridan Nguyen, Abi Sawin, and Cristian Vargiu from London, England, were honored for their academic and creative work.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends beyond campus walls. More than 1,200 high school students visited Sterling this year for arts events, getting a taste of what creative community looks like. These visits plant seeds for future artists and thinkers.

The program proves that balancing multiple passions is possible. Michael Tweed performed as lead saxophonist while competing as a student athlete and pursuing pre-med studies. "Sterling has always encouraged students to get involved and try new things," Dutton said.

Several scholarship recipients will continue developing their craft next year, ensuring the momentum continues. Small colleges can create big opportunities when they invest in creativity and give students room to explore who they might become.