Seven NDA students will be recognized at the 39th Annual George Kress Youth Awards Banquet for their accomplishments in the fine arts.

The event, sponsored by the Green Bay Area Kiwanis Clubs, recognizes outstanding students in the spheres of art, music, drama, journalism and forensics.

Recipients are nominated by Mrs. Christine Salerno, choir; Mrs. Carolyn Brown and Mrs. Jean Thillman, journalism; Mrs. Andrea Gilson, drama; Mr. Steve Johnson, band; and Mrs. Barb Brandtner, art.  

Senior Meghan Yakel will receive NDA’s Journalism award. Seniors Eric Weycker and Clare Ravizza will be recognized for their achievements in Drama. Junior Hannah VandenHeuvel and senior Katie Coyle will be honored for their musical talents and commitment. Senior Ellie Coles and junior Courtney Ledvina will receive art awards.

Mrs. Brown, English/journalism teacher who has attended the ceremony in years past, explained  that the Kiwanis Awards provide a unique environment in which fine arts students are under the spotlight.

“Sports, in particular, get a lot of attention in our society,” said Brown. “The Kiwanis Awards deviate from the norm and acknowledge the talents of artists, dramatists, journalists, and forensic students.”

The ceremony recognizes the nominees from each school in the Brown County area. An administrative representative from NDA will announce the names of each nominated student and present them with a medal. The banquet also includes a dinner for the recipients and their parents and a speaker or performance in the arts.

Brown described the environment as “like a celebration of the cerebral. . . . parents, teachers, administrators, and students from each high school sit together, eat dinner together, and applaud each other’s accomplishments. It’s a rewarding, low-pressure evening.”

The banquet will be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 8, at the Riverside Ballroom.