Lebanon High's Rachel Moscardelli wins loaded Tennessean Student of the Week drama field

Lebanon High School's Rachel Moscardelli is the top vote getter in a crowded field of nominations for this week's Tennessean Student of the Week poll, which focused on outstanding drama students.

The senior racked up just over 19% of a vote that was spread over 14 nominations. The Tennessean asked for the best students involved in theater from area schools.

Father Ryan's Will Kleiner was second, and Green Hill High's Abby Hendricks was third in the voting.

Rachel earned the role of Elle Woods in Lebanon High School's 2024 production of "Legally Blonde." She is also an All-State singer, an athlete and high achieving scholar who spent hours after each rehearsal to focus on vocal technique, Lebanon Principal Scott Walters said.

The Tennessean seeks student nominations from principals, teachers and guidance counselors at high schools from across the state. This week, we asked specifically for drama students who should be recognized, whether for acting, technical or other forms of participation in theater programs.

The number of last week's nominations were enough that this coming week, The Tennessean will mix in more drama students along with those who excel in forensics.

Here are all of last week's nominees and what the people who nominated them had to say:

Alexandria Norman, Gallatin

The senior has taken theater classes for three years, Gallatin High theater teacher Randy Burse said. “She is my technical expert and has run sound and lights for multiple shows. She has also performed roles on stage. She is so dependable and a joy to work with. She has also filled technical positions in the community at CenterStage and HPAC (Hendersonville Performing Arts Center). She is an outstanding student and plans to do professional theater after college. ”

Noah Woods, Jo Byrns

“Noah Woods is a senior-level drama student at Jo Byrns High School,” teacher Jacob Holt said. “He has completed all four years of theatre arts courses during his high school career, and he has greatly expanded his theatrical skills and experience, on and off stage, during this time. Noah is worthy of this recognition because he has demonstrated a level of excellence in the theatre arts, both as a dynamic stage actor and a knowledgeable technical designer/producer (lighting, sound, stage management). He has enriched every production of which he has been a part, and he always contributes his very best efforts to the theater. I simply cannot think of any student who is more deserving of this honor. ”

James Nelson, Wilson Central

A junior and “an incredible young man and leader, ” said Principal Jennifer Ankney. “He is active at Central as well as being a dance teacher for young students at Dynamic. He is also active with Audience of One, he will be doing the tap choreography for Newsies Jr. this summer." James is also a high performing student in the National Honor Society and “he encompasses what it means to be a Wilson Central Wildcat. ”

Ceanna Barnes, Beech

The school's International Thespian Society President who has earned both lead roles and supporting roles in the past three years. “She graciously accepts whatever role she earns and puts her whole heart and soul into the role, ” Counselor Christy Croft said. “She comes early and stays late to make sure the play (or whatever we’re doing) is 100 percent better. Ceanna is also a member of numerous other clubs where she holds leadership roles all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. She is a model student, caring, confident, considerate and welcoming to all.”

Joanna Martinez Perez, Cane Ridge

The senior "works diligently to design, build, and erect sets as our production manager," Academy Coach Denise King said. "Joanna is self-motivated and attained the position due to her ability to work without constant supervision. She has held this role for two and a half years. The sets that one sees during our productions are a direct result of her leadership and skill. She is also responsible for assigning people to market our annual Theatre Festival."

Valeria Sanchez Ramirez, Hunters Lane

The senior volunteered to work on the backstage crew for the spring musical and hand-crafted many of the props and painted many of the set pieces for the show. In class, Valeria has taken the lead on her IB Collaborative Project by keeping her group focused and on task. She contributed to the creation of a soundscape for their performance piece, directed one of the four scenes, and helped set up the set design. Valeria became involved in theatre as a sophomore and has grown in her talents on and off stage. "She's developed into an excellent theatre practitioner who is unafraid to think outside of the box with her design ideas," teacher Ashby Boze said.

Trynt Henderson, Riverdale

A four-year theater student who was "forced" to audition for "Romeo and Juliet" as part of the class requirements, .  "Trynt didn't think he was good at all and to his surprise, was asked by the theater teacher to be the lead," Riverdale Principal Tameria Blair said. "He has now been in multiple plays and enjoys it.  Trynt received Mid-State honors and All State alternate.  Trynt recently received a full scholarship to AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Academy) in Los Angeles, California. Trynt is like a sponge and soaks up everything, even when you don't think he's listening, and can create any type of character on stage.  He has a natural talent.  We might just see him on film in the future."

Will Kleiner, Father Ryan

The senior has been active in the performing arts programs at Father Ryan for four years.  He performs with Mosaic, the school’s show choir, has won many awards with the Speech, Acting, and Debate Club, and is a company leader of the school’s drama club, the Purple Masque Players. As part of the Purple Masque Players, Will has performed in several school plays and musicals.  He first caught our attention in the musical "You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown"  as the Linus understudy as a freshman.  He was awarded the Purple Masque Players Rising Star award and the Future Jacket at the end of his freshman year. Will has played a wide range of roles with Purple Masque Players including Lysander in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," Chad in "High School Musical," Peter in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," Fred in "A Christmas Carol," the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast," and Lucas in this year’s "The Addams Family." He will play Arpad Lazlo in Pull-Tight Player’s upcoming production of "She Loves Me." In 2022, he received an All-Star Cast Spotlight Award for his role of Chad in "High School Musical" and was nominated for a Best Actor Spotlight Award for the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast" in 2023. Will has been accepted into prestigious collegiate programs for musical theatre and will begin his studies in the fall, Father Ryan Director of Choirs, Theater Instructor and Music Ministry Coordinator Julie Cox said.

Joseph Ghoslon, Cheatham County Central

A senior who joined the drama club as a sophomore, and he has dedicated himself to giving his very best effort regardless of the kind of job he is doing, teacher Lauren Street said. "Whether he is onstage as a swashbuckling pirate, singing cowboy, medieval knight, or suave gambler, Joseph commits to his performances. He brings nuance to each of his characters, making it clear he goes above and beyond for every role. He is also a skilled technician, who has contributed to the construction of multiple sets over the years, and he single-handedly built a new storage loft to improve conditions for future generations of theater students. Joseph is a great friend and role model to his peers, and he embraces leadership opportunities whenever they arise. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to see what his future holds."

Hannah "Blue" Rigsby, Springfield

The senior has been a member of Drama Club at Springfield since her freshman and sophomore years. Hannah is described as a tireless worker on creating and designing sets, designing programs and taking on lights and sound as much needed technical support for the show. She was the stage manager for "Alice in Wonderland," and she is also the stage manager for the upcoming musical, "The Wizard of Oz." In the past Hannah has also been part of the crew for "High School Musical" and "Come On Over for Dinner", and served as assistant stage manager for "Come On Over for Dinner." Hannah is always at rehearsals, even if she is not needed that day and is described showing an "immense amount of commitment, effort, and presence throughout this musical season."

Rachel Moscardelli, Lebanon

Earned the role of Elle Woods in Lebanon High School's 2024 production of "Legally Blonde, described by Principal Scott Walters as an "extremely difficult to step into your first lead role as a senior, but Rachel put in the work.  She went above and beyond to exceed the expectations and succeed in this role." Rachel is also an All-State singer, accomplished athlete, and high achieving scholar.  Rachel spent hours after each rehearsal to focus on vocal technique. Elle Wood's famously said "what, like it's hard?" but Rachel made it look easy in the performances.

Gavin Weddington, Rossview

The senior has been involved with drama at Rossview for four years. Gavin was named Best Actor at the Tennessee Theatre Association Secondary School One-Act Play Festival for his portrayal of the character B-Flat in the play "Second Samuel." He helped lead the cast and crew to be one of two high school in the state of Tennessee to qualify for the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Mobile, Alabama. Gavin and the cast of "Second Samuel" represented the state at the Southeastern Theatre Conference Secondary School Festival where he was named to the All-Star Cast. Gavin was also recognized as the Best Actor at the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League District II One Act Play Festival. "Gavin is a true leader on and off stage," Principal Meghen Sanders said. "Gavin leads by example and understands that encouraging and supporting his peers is just as important as winning awards. He always lets his cast know that he has their back. Gavin is also a member of the Speech and Debate team where he was recognized as the Outstanding Speaker of the House and will be competing at the state level in duet acting. He is an honors student who will be graduating with honors in May. Outside of school, he is a lifeguard. Once he graduates, Gavin plans to go to college to become a doctor."

Abby Hendricks, Green Hill

The senior is described by Theater Director Bonny Davis as a student with an "extraordinary work ethic, knowledge of all subjects, and commitment to excellence firsthand." Has worked as the costume director and wardrobe manager for the Hawk Theater Department and "has been an absolute blessing and necessity for getting our costume program off the ground here on The Hill," Davis said." Her dedication to designing costumes and production excellence is inspiring. Abby’s academic accomplishments are rivaled only by her personal strengths, she is graduating Summa Cum Laude taking all honors and AP courses. Her work ethic, humility, and kindness are beyond her years and she is well-loved by her peers, as well as all those who have had the pleasure of teaching her. When faced with adversity, Abby handles every situation graciously and calmly to overcome challenges. She uses direct and professional communication when learning and building within her craft. Abby Hendricks has big dreams and huge opportunities in her future. She is not afraid to put in the hard work that it takes to excel in her academic and artistic career."

Jordan Roy, Mt. Juliet

The senior has been involved in the Golden Bear Theater Department and choir for four years. She has been involved in eight shows at Mt. Juliet High School, the past three years under the direction of theater teacher Mr. Mitchell Vantrease. This year she was elected to be the department’s club president and is currently directing a student-led production of “The Rainbow Fish” that will be brought to elementary schools around Wilson County. Last year Jordan was chosen for Mid-State Theater and this year for All-State Musical Theater, both of which honors were selected through solo auditions. Jordan has been part of school's vocal ensemble for the past two years and currently holds the title of Media Manager. She has attended the TN State Choral Festival where she and the MJHS  choir received the highest score of “Superior.” Her high school career also includes participation in other county performances. Jordan has also been active in her church’s student band and adult volleyball team that plays locally at The Goat. Outside of school Jordan has made short films with friends and has appeared in several commercials. Jordan is planning to attend the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theater and Dance at Southeast Missouri State University.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Student of the Week: Who won Middle Tennessee's best in drama