Mariana Diaz Garners Ken Gilbert Stage Crew Award

Kenny Gilbert is a well-known local musician. He worked at Huntington High School for many years and was the stage manager for countless shows and events. He retired but has not been forgotten by the drama club program.

The first Kenny Gilbert Stage Crew Senior Award was presented to Class of 2024 member Mariana Diaz Gonzalez. The honor carries a $1,000 stipend.

Mr. Gilbert himself was on announce the inaugural award with drama club faculty advisor Michael Schwendemann standing nearby. The presentation was made at the high school’s annual departmental awards and scholarships ceremony in the auditorium before a crowd of 300.

Stage management is one part art and two parts science. It involves set design, sound, lighting, set changes, backgrounds and a million small details. Ms. Diaz became a master of it all over the years and really shined as a senior.

Ms. Diaz is a delightful young woman who has been blessed with an array of gifts and talents. She is a very hard worker and maintains high standards for herself. A kind and loyal friend, she has developed many satisfying and altogether enjoyable friendships over the years, many with members of the stage crew and the actors and actresses who comprise the drama club.

The teenager beamed as she received the first ever Kenny Gilbert Stage Crew Award, which moving forward will be presented annually.