West Orange Student Wows At NJ Theater Competition

West Orange, NJ – West Orange High School senior Henry Gardner was recognized with the Governor’s Senior Scholarship Award at last month’s Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey (STANJ) competition.

According to school officials, 25 theater students from WOHS - along with students across New Jersey - competed for awards in categories including dramatic and comedic monologues, pairs, best actor, best actress, improvisation, pairs and senior scholarship during a competition held at Rutgers University on Jan. 30.

Gardner was one of two students awarded the Governor’s Senior Scholarship, school officials stated.

WOHS theater teacher Wendy Mapes was excited about the competition, as well as Gardner’s performance.

“The senior scholarship judge noted that Henry’s contrasting monologue piece was the best he had seen in 15 years,” Mapes stated.

Gardner - along with 12 other WOHS students - was also recognized by West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi at the mayor’s State of the Township Address on Feb. 3.

“I feel like I brought the trophy home for WOHS,” said Gardner.

Photo courtesy of West Orange Public Schools

Sign up for Patch email newsletters here.