As the end of the year comes to a close, the Starlight Theatre Company (STC) has an array of events. Senior directed plays, class musical, musical theatre revues, officer applications, and preparing for the end of year banquet STARS. STARS is a huge celebration of everything done throughout the year, but the main event is the announcement of the next year’s group of officers. Although many company members debate on whether or not this is the best time for this announcement.
I support the announcement of next year’s leadership at STARS because it recognizes the hard work put into the application, connects the new officers to the rest of the company, and is an official turn over for the company at the end of the year.
The application process for officers includes logging at least 100 after school hours throughout the year, answering a series of questions and then explaining why you are applying for the positions you are. Each candidate is ranked by their teachers and considered carefully by the directors.
The process is selective and lengthy to make sure those chosen are prepared for the work load and that they have dedicated lots of work and passion the previous years. Because of how much dedication officer candidates must show, announcing who received the positions at STARS is a wonderful way to recognize all the work they have put in.
STARS is also a very highly anticipated event, and one of the only times towards the end of the year where almost everyone in the company is gathered together. This makes STARS the perfect time to announce officers so that everyone knows who got elected, and can congratulate each other. This really helps connect everyone and start to establish strong ties quickly.
Having the announcement at the banquet also has created a long standing tradition of getting the officers involved immediately. The new group of officers get to help clean up the banquet after everything is done. This is a great opportunity for the new presidents to take charge and get everyone to work together collaboratively and efficiently before the new school year.
The banquet is the STC’s way of saying goodbye to our seniors and really closing out the year with a bang. So, the announcement helps wrap up the year and gets everyone looking towards the next year and what is to come. It’s a great way to close everything out and really turn over leadership, with properly celebrating everyone’s accomplishments.
While it’s important to acknowledge that those who apply, but do not receive a position might have negative feelings about the choice to announce at STARS. I understand that this announcement might dampen an otherwise great night for many people but, I still support the timing and place of the announcement because I believe the pros for the entire company outweigh the cons for this small group of people.
Announcing the next year’s leadership at STARS is a great way to bring the year to a close, recognize the hard work of those elected, and start connecting the company for the next year ahead.
