NEDERLAND - The music and theater awards evening at Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) is always a fun event where students are given the letters and pins they have earned for the hours of hard work they have put in during the year in the Music and Theater Departments.

At each level students are awarded Most Dedicated, Hardest Worker, Most Improved, and Most Inspirational.

Seniors are recognized and thanked for their years of participation in the programs. Their parents were also asked to stand and be seen. Without the parents helping out, these programs would not be as successful as they are.

There are always two very special awards given to seniors. This year the National School Orchestra Award went to Lukey Mahorski-Bodley. The National School Choral Award went to two seniors, Aya Pelkum Donahue and Keahi Pelkum Donahue.

During the event NMSHS principal Gavan Goodrich surprised the crowd by standing up from the audience and politely asking to interrupt for a moment. He was carrying a large plaque and said that it will hang outside the auditorium from now on. It reads: "Elizabeth J. Evans – Thank you for believing in students, inspiring with passion, guiding through example, leaving an indelible mark on the future, and making a difference in so many lives."

Goodrich continued to say that, although he tried, the Boulder Valley School District would not allow the theater to be officially named after Ms. Evans. He added, "However, this will always, here in Nederland, be known as the Evans Theater. We will call it that."

The audience cheered.

Next came a slide show with photos of the theater productions through the years. Then, the many awards and recognitions for the young thespians at NMSHS. The program is strong with students who are committed to being a part of the theater department.

Carry on musicians and thespians. We can't wait to see what you do next.

Correction

In the article "Students honored with music and theater awards" in the May 15, 2025, issue of The Mountain-Ear we would like to clarify that the Boulder Valley School District did review the initial request from Nederland Middle-Senior High School and acknowledged Liz Evans' outstanding contributions and input on the students and the community.

However, when naming theater, auditoriums, etc. the Board policy says that a process is required, and the administrative practice is to wait until it is done posthumously.