A talented group of theater students will end their high school careers together on stage at a special awards performance next month.

The Pella Christian troupe received seven honors from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards for the group’s fall production of “West Side Story”, including: Outstanding Musical Production and recognition for actors Joel Larson, Kara Zondervan, Jimmy Beyer, and Michael Vande Wal, who were all recognized for their performances. Larson was also nominated to audition for a spot representing the state at the National High School Musical Theatre awards in January.

Larson, who graduates today, tells KNIA/KRLS News he will treasure one last chance to take the stage with some of his best friends.

“Graduations are great, grad parties are awesome, but being able to go and perform on the Civic Center stage with all of the people in this school that I honestly love the most is a much, much more meaningful way to end my high school career,” he says.

Pella Christian’s group and Knoxville students Janna DeMoss and Shannon Yocum were selected to sing at the awards showcase on June 6 at the Civic Center in Des Moines. Jinni Dingle also received a special mention.