St Michael’s School shines brightly at the MTGV Awards, reminding us that talented young performers continue to make remarkable strides in the arts—but here’s where it gets truly inspiring. When students like Sarah and Ben achieve recognition, it underscores not just individual talent, but the vitality and growth of our entire performing arts community.
First, congratulations are in order for Sarah, a dedicated student who received the Best Supporting Actor award within a Female Presenting Role at the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Awards earlier this year. She was recognized for her exceptional portrayal of Rizzo in the production of GREASE. Her director of Performing Arts, Mr. Tyler Hess, praised her work, highlighting her approach to the role as involving "remarkable maturity and a serious dedication to honing her craft." He explained that she drew inspiration from past interpretations of Rizzo but also infused her own depth and nuance, elevating her performance.
Sarah’s involvement in the arts at St Michael’s is multifaceted. She studies Voice and Piano, actively participates in both the Harrison Choir and Chamber Choir, and plans to undertake VCE Music studies next year. But her talents are not limited to the stage; she excels in sports during both winter and summer seasons, maintains a strong academic record, and contributes meaningfully to school life in many ways. Her achievement is a testament to her dedication and the supportive environment that fosters such well-rounded development.
In addition to celebrating Sarah, we are proud to extend our congratulations to Ben Moody, the Deputy Head of the School for Teaching and Instructional Leadership from Kindergarten through Year 12. Ben was honored as the Best Musical Director for a Junior Production for his work on GREASE. His direction was recognized for its vibrancy, creativity, and musical sophistication, both vocally and orchestrally—elements that brought fresh energy and depth to the performance.
Adding an extra sparkle to the evening, members of the GREASE cast performed at the awards ceremony, delivering a lively, re-staged version of "Greased Lightnin’." The performance was characterized by energetic choreography, eye-catching costumes, and a bold, inventive take on the classic. It was a crowd-pleaser that showcased our students’ talent, confidence, and professionalism.
What made the night even more special was the opportunity for our students to perform in front of a wider Victorian audience and to represent our thriving performing arts program alongside industry peers. As Mr. Tyler Hess reflected, "The chance for our students to showcase their talents and be part of a broader community event was truly the highlight of the evening."
This year has also been exceptional for our school’s performing arts achievements, with a record number of nominations and commendations. The award wins mark a significant milestone, signaling continued growth and excellence in our program.
Overall, it was a proud and memorable night for our Performing Arts community and St Michael’s School as a whole—a night that exemplifies the passion, dedication, and creative spirit of our students and staff. As our program continues to flourish, one has to ask: are we truly celebrating just individual successes, or are we witnessing the dawn of a new era of artistic excellence within our school? Would you agree that cultivating such talent requires collective effort and ongoing support? We welcome your thoughts and invite you to share your opinions in the comments.
