[Press Release] Nash County Public Schools Spotlights Nash Central High School Musical Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Nashville, NC – On Sunday, May 17, students from Nash Central traveled to the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) to participate in the 2026 DPAC Rising Star Awards Ceremony, one of Central North Carolina’s premier celebrations of high school musical theatre excellence. The annual event recognizes outstanding student performers, technicians, and productions from across the region and serves as the local affiliate program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards®.

 

This year marked an exciting milestone for Nash Central High School, as the school participated in the adjudication process for the very first time following its production of Shrek! The Musical. Even more exciting, student performer Khatari Lane was selected as a finalist in the awards ceremony, placing Nash Central among some of the top musical theatre programs in Central North Carolina.

 

Students Jillian Hale and Matt McKellar also represented Nash Central on the DPAC stage as members of the Rising Star ensemble performance. The ensemble brings together students from participating schools across the state to rehearse and perform in a large-scale production number during the ceremony, giving young performers the opportunity to collaborate with peers and work alongside theatre professionals.

 

Leading the production effort at Nash Central was Joanna Hale, director of this year’s musical Shrek! and chorus/drama teacher at Nash Central High School. With students performing on the DPAC stage, Hale became the first director from Nash County Public Schools to have students represented in the prestigious Rising Star Awards ceremony, a historic achievement for both Nash Central and the district’s performing arts programs.

 

Since its creation in 2010, the DPAC Rising Star Awards have celebrated excellence in high school musical theatre throughout Central North Carolina, highlighting the dedication of students, teachers, musicians, designers, and stage crews who bring productions to life each year. Hosted at the nationally recognized Durham Performing Arts Center, the event is often described as the “Super Bowl of High School Musical Theatre” and provides students with opportunities for scholarships, professional coaching, and statewide recognition.

 

For Nash Central High School, this first appearance signals more than participation. It reflects the growing strength of arts education in Nash County and the incredible dedication of students willing to step into the spotlight, take creative risks, and represent their school community with pride.

 

Congratulations to Khatari Lane, Jillian Hale, Matt McKellar, Joanna Hale, and the entire cast and crew of Shrek! The Musical on an unforgettable season and a historic night at DPAC. 

 

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Media Contact:

Caroline Johnson

Communications Department

csjohnson@ncpschools.net