By Michelle McIlvan, Special to the Free Press

Through snow, ice and freezing temperatures, fans of the DeLeon One Act Play traveled to Santa Anna on April 7 to watch the Area contest. DeLeon won first place with their play The Beggar’s Opera. Tyler McKinney was named Best Actor, Kelsey Menzel, Mary Katherine Dickey and Whitney McDonald were named All Star Cast. Tanner Jordan was named Honorable Mention All Star Cast, and Brody Hammonds was named Outstanding Light Technician.

DeLeon went on to the Regional Competition after suffering a tragic blow. Kelsey Menzel played an integral part of the play. She had won every award possible at the time of her accident. She was irreplaceable as an actress and team member. At the request of her family, the team went forward. Kristen Powell stepped in to run this leg of the race for Kelsey. The cast, crew, directors and audience members wore yellow ribbons in Kelsey’s honor, and they dedicated the performance to Kelsey. Stepping into brand new roles, five days before the regional competition, were Kristen Powell, Jennifer Lewis and Trevor Nowlin. All of the students showed great character and determination to win the competition for Kelsey.

The electricity in the air propelled DeLeon, and they gave the performance of a lifetime -- winning first place and advancing to State. Winning awards were: Whitney McDonald, Best Actress; Tyler McKinney and Mary Katherine Dickey, All Star Cast, and Kevin Smith and Kristen Powell, Honorable Mention All Star Cast. The crew of The Beggar’s Opera -- Brody Hammonds, Catalina Gonzales, Delia Moreno and Kimberly Arnold -- were recognized as the Outstanding Technical Crew, chosen for their professionalism and courteous behavior.

DeLeon will travel to the University of Texas May 5, to compete against seven other schools in the state meet. Of the 1,176 schools that entered the One Act contest across the state, only 40 schools remain from 5A down to 1A. DeLeon is currently ranked in the top eight plays in the state.

The cast, crew and directors want to offer a very heart-felt thank you to all the parents and community members who have offered their support in making this year’s one act play a winner.