This year’s renowned Academy Awards show will be held in the NDA auditorium on Saturday, December 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale the Monday before, December 2, during lunch periods. The show is very much looked forward to and has a great turnout every year.
The event, formerly known as “Mr. NDA,” has been running since 1990. Its transition to what it is today took place in 2018.
This year’s 15 contestants chosen through a school-wide voting process include Mitchell Belongia, Conner Carmichael, Thomas Chosa, Amelia Chrusdimsky, Reagan DeGroot, James Flanigan, Charlie Gerstner, Luke Gilson, Nick Gruesen, Joe Hunt, Max Pierce, Sebastian Simpson, Drew Siudzinski, Stella Starry and Henry Tressler.
“ I am most looking forward to… seeing all the work I have put into my video and act finally come together. I am also looking forward to seeing the other contestants’ acts,” said junior contestant Starry.
Each contestant has an underclassman rampateer chosen at random who will aid in their performance and introduction.
“Planning can often be last minute. The week of the event is important because everyone gets stage time, and the emcees write their script,” said Academy Awards adviser Mrs. Holly Hinch.
This year’s emcees are seniors Alvin Alvarado and Frannie Wied. They were chosen out of 10 seniors who auditioned for the job. Emcees are responsible for being the “hosts.” They observe practices, ask questions of the contestants and write the show script.
“Emcees keep the show rolling,” said English teacher Carolyn Brown, who also helps advise the show.
Behind the scenes, tech matters are handled by Frau and Jake Gerlikovski, as well as the student tech crew.
“Everything from stage design, tech load in/out, equipment setup/take down, etc…” said Gerlikovski, who coordinates all the tech needs and always designs a special opening sound-and-light show.
The winner is determined by a panel of judges composed of faculty/staff members and one student from each grade level. Math teachers tally the individually scored areas of competition.
“Sometimes I think the winner is determined by the luck of the draw in the Q & A,” said Brown. “It’s always a memorable night, an incredible show.”
