SCOTCHPLAINS/FANWOOD— Several students from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School and from The Union County Academy for Performing Arts (APA) at Union County Vocational- Technical Schools took home Rising Star Awards at the 2024 Rising Star Awards at the Paper Mill Playhouse, a prestigious statewide high school recognition program.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School student David Gomez won the Outstanding Performance in a Male-Identified Leading Role award for his performance as “Gomez Addams” in The Addams Family. Paper Mill Playhouse promises partial and full scholarships to the nominees in the Supporting and Lead performance categories.

Another Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School student, Ashley Hoberman, received the Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role award for her performance as “Alice Beineke” in The Addams Family.

APA took home the Rising Star Award Outstanding Chorus Academy award for 42nd Street.

APA student Julie Cariello received a student achievement award for her work as a Dramaturg for 42nd Street.

Jensyn Modero, drama teacher at APA, was awarded for Outstanding Choreography/Musical Staging.

The Rising Star Awards at the Paper Mill Playhouse occurs annually and aims to reward extraordinary achievement by students and staff.