The Unified School District of De Pere has announced that the full cast of “Annie,” along with actors Mary Baumgardt and Caiya Klish, have been recognized by the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. This announcement was made in a news release on April 3, 2025.
According to the press release, De Pere High School’s cast of “Annie” received the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Spirit Recognition award. Baumgardt earned recognition for Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role as Miss Hannigan, while Klish was honored for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role as Grace Farrell.
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, over 2,100 students from 34 local high schools in Northeast Wisconsin participated in the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program. Launched in 2016, this program celebrates and supports high school musical theater while providing educational opportunities for students and educators. Recognition recipients will be celebrated at the Center Stage Showcase on May 17, 2025, where two individuals will be selected to attend The Jimmy Awards in New York City.
“This 9th year of the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program has been another wonderful year for high school students to build relationships and celebrate high school musical theater with their peers,” said PAC Chief Programming Officer Amy Gosz. She added that it was inspiring to witness students supporting each other by attending and cheering each other on at their productions. Gosz also noted that it has been moving to read articles written by Center Stage ambassadors about their peers and events, as well as watching students’ diligent efforts to expand the encouraging music and theater community into their schools.
The Unified School District of De Pere serves approximately 4,300 students from diverse backgrounds across De Pere and surrounding areas, including parts of six towns and neighboring districts. The district emphasizes preparing students for success by offering a comprehensive curriculum and a range of exploratory options. With a focus on individualized instruction, it aims to meet students’ unique educational needs and equip them to be active, contributing members of a global society.
