JHS production of “Mean Girls” receives eight state theater awards

JOHNSTON, Ia. (May 7, 2025) — The Johnston High School Drama Department has received eight awards for its spring 2025 production of “Mean Girls,” including the Outstanding Overall Performance Award — one of the program’s highest honors — the 2024-2025 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards announced today.

“I am incredibly proud of the awards that Johnston’s production of Mean Girls has received,” said Jeremy Fitzpatrick, the JHS teacher who directed the production. “It is always great to see the hard work the students have put in to be recognized and celebrated.”

Johnston will once again participate in the 2025 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, 7 p.m. May 29 at the Des Moines Civic Center. Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts and presented by EMC Insurance Companies, the event is the culmination of a year-long education initiative and will recognize 103 adjudicated schools from across the state.

Johnston’s 2025 awards include:

Production Awards

Outstanding Overall Performance
Special Recognition for Ensemble
Special Recognition for Student Orchestra

Student Awards

Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role – Marla Wirt as “Janis”
Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role – Luke Fongkhamdeng as “Damian”
Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role – Malia Thompson as “Cady”
Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role – Edie Musgrave as “Gretchen”
Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role – Maraya Wiltfang as “Karen”

Highlighting Johnston at state showcase

Johnston will be honored in a special video shown at the state showcase, in celebration of its receipt of an Outstanding Overall Performance Award — one of the program’s highest honors.

Select students will also represent Johnston by performing in a collaborative inter-school medley led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer.

Maraya Wiltfang will perform an excerpt from her award-winning role in Mean Girls as Karen.
Luke Fongkhamdeng and Marla Wirt will participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students. In addition to a special performance at the showcase, students will audition for theater camp scholarships and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the Jimmy Awards, or National High School Musical Theatre Awards, in New York City this summer.
Finn Gould has been selected to serve as a student Assistant Stage Manager for the showcase through a competitive process. They will work alongside the professional team to run rehearsals, call cues, and more to execute the statewide event.

Tickets to the 2025 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase start at $15 and go on sale at 10 a.m. May 16 at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300. The Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event later this summer on dates to be announced.