Theatre students from Ellison, Harker Heights, and Chaparral high schools achieved a historic milestone for Killeen ISD’s theatre programs at the Texas Thespian State Festival in November in Grapevine. The festival provided students opportunities to experience live theatre from across the state, participate in workshops, audition for colleges and employers, and compete in individual events.
“We commend our theatre directors for their dedication and support in making these opportunities possible for our students,” Morganne Davies, assistant director for Fine Arts, said. “We look forward to continued growth and increased participation in the years ahead."
Fourteen Killeen ISD students earned superior scores from all three judges in their respective events, advancing to the National Thespys competition. Also, during the festival, Killeen ISD juniors and seniors received over 160 college callbacks and secured more than $333,000 in scholarship offers, the highest amount in KISD history.
National Thespys Qualifiers
- Junior Michael Manley – Harker Heights High School – Monologue
- Junior Ava Morgan – Chaparral High School – Monologue
- Junior Kaitlyn Dooley – Chaparral High School – Monologue
- Junior Xiana Melendez – Chaparral High School – Monologue
- Senior Asher Harris and Junior Marlee Luther – Chaparral High School – Duet Acting
- Junior Armie Melton – Chaparral High School – Solo Musical
- Junior Jessiel Rosario and Henry Kreinbrink – Chaparral High School – Duet Musical
- Juniors Hadassah Moon and Zachary Repine – Chaparral High School – Duet Musical
- Senior Olivia Hopson – Ellison High School – Makeup Design
- Senior Emely Fernandez – Chaparral High School – Lighting Design
These national qualifiers are invited to compete at the International Thespian Festival in June 2025 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Additional Achievements
*Indicates a first in Killeen ISD history
- Junior Kaitlyn Dooley – Chaparral High School – Improv Challenge All-Star Performer*
- Junior Armie Melton – Chaparral High School – State Student Thespian Officer Candidate
- Junior Ava Morgan – Chaparral High School – Mainstage Callback Performer, Perfect Score*
- Junior Armie Melton – Chaparral High School – Mainstage Callback Performer, Perfect Score*
- Senior Emely Fernandez – Chaparral High School – $1,000 Texas Thespian Scholarship Recipient*
