The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) awarded CHS Principal Brett O’Connor with the 2017 Administrator’s Award, which is given to outstanding school administrators who have demonstrated exemplary support for educational theatre. Krista Elhai, CHS Troupe 2129 director, nominated Dr. O’Connor after his aid in fundraising and praising the troupe during his 11 years working at CHS.

The nomination in March was a surprise and gift for Dr. O’Connor. He has been supportive of the theatre program ever since he began working at CHS, and his dedication has not gone unnoticed.

In September 2017, Mrs. Elhai and Dr. O’Connor went to Nashville, Tennessee, to be awarded a plaque at the EdTA conference; the CHS principal was one of only three theatre supporter administrators to win the award in 2017 from the entire United States.

“He has been very supportive of our building renovations, our productions, and activities that we do here,” Elhai said.

After his nomination, the EdTA listed all the reasons why this award would be a good fit for Dr. O’Connor, like his accompaniment of the CHS theatre troupe to Nebraska for their production of Starmites in 2011. Dr. O’Connor, along with fellow staff members, also participated along with students in the production of Our Town to raise funds for charity.

“Students in theatre learn so many important real-world skills: communication, teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, and self-expression,” Dr. O’Connor said.

After years of service, Dr. O’Connor is held in the highest regard amongst the CHS theatre troupe. His dedication has been deeply appreciated. This award will look good for CHS school staff and students as it shows the school supports student theatre and the development of its students’ interests.