Mount Vernon, TJ High School Win Cappie Awards, Tony's Of Local High School Theater

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Mount Vernon High School and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology shone on the Kennedy Center stage Monday night at the Cappies gala while earning one award.

The National Capital Area Cappies Gala, an awards event that is considered the Tony Awards for high school theater in the DC region, was held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC Monday night. In the Cappies program, student critics review Cappies high school theater shows throughout the school year and publish reviews in local media. Annual award winners in 42 technical and performance categories were chosen by Cappies critics.

Mount Vernon High School won the Props award for the work of Eva Greek, Jaden Harris and crew on "She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition."

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology won a Lighting award for the work of Charles Bucher, Ella Clarke and Cullan Kelley in "Pippin." The school was also recognized for student critics, as it won the Critic Team award, and Hannah Frieden won Bill Strauss Graduating Critic.

SEE ALSO:

• Cappies Review: ’She Kills Monsters’ at Mount Vernon High School
• Cappies Review: 'Pippin' at Thomas Jefferson High School

The night's biggest winners were South Lakes High School, which won the Best Musical award and nine other awards for "Bright Star," and Lake Braddock Secondary School, which won Best Play for "Dracula" and three other awards.

Hundreds of Cappies nominees were celebrated during the sold-out event. Awards were presented by Cappies alumni and community dignitaries.

Along with awards presentations, 11 schools nominated for Best Play and Best Musical performed. Musical performances included "Anastasia" by Quince Orchard High School," "Kiss Me, Kate" by Herndon High School, "Something Rotten!" by West Springfield High School, "Bright Star" by South Lakes High School and "Claudio Quest" by McLean High School.

Play performances included "Wendy & Peter Pan" by Oakton High School, "The Man Who Came to Dinner" by Langley High School, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Chantilly High School, "Dracula" by West Springfield High School, and "Much Ado About Nothing by James Madison High School.

The Cappies Gala is expected to be broadcast starting Monday, June 19 on Red Apple Channel 21 (Verizon FIOS and Cox) or the Fairfax County Public Schools Channel 21 livestream.