11 MIHS Drama Students Recognized with State Thespy Awards

Back row left to right: Tiger Yang, Joy Rurangwa, Grace Lucas, Nico Chimenti, Macie MacKay, Pilar Buosoño, Anouk Despres. Knelling left to right: Megan Mears, Sophia Mecklai, Kate Kosmiskas, Wilder Giannini-Upton.

Mercer Island, WA, February 3, 2026 – The Mercer Island High School Drama program is proud to announce 11 students have been recognized with Washington Thespian Thespy Awards.

For the Thespy Awards, MIHS drama students and students from surrounding high schools show their skills in a variety of categories, ranging from playwriting, to monologues, to theatre marketing, to short film, to many more.

MIHS Drama received results last week and two students earned Superior rankings for their work, automatically earning them the chance to compete at nationals in June. Nine students earned Excellent rankings for their work. 

“Our students competed in a number of categories, some students competed in three,” said MIHS Drama teacher Daniela Melgar. “I am very proud of all of them, and for the courage and curiosity it took for them to sign-up for this event!”

• Superior in musical theatre dance solo: Sophia Mecklai
• Superior in musical theatre dance duet: Wilder Giannini-Upton and Sophia Mecklai
• Excellent in playwriting: Anouk Despres, Wilder Giannini-Upton, Tiger Yang
• Excellent in monologues: Grace Lucas, Megan Mears
• Excellent in duet scene: Nico Chimenti and Macie MacKay
• Excellent in musical theatre solo: Pilar Buosoño, Tiger Yang
• Excellent in musical theatre duet: Pilar Buosoño and Joy Rurangwa
• Excellent in lighting design: Kate Kosmiskas

All students will be acknowledged at the Washington State Thespian Festival in March.

For more information on the Washington Thespian Thespy Awards check out their website.