MADISON, Wis.—Student performers and theater programs from the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) were recognized with multiple honors at the 2026 Jerry Awards, Wisconsin’s premier high school musical theater awards program, held recently at the Overture Center for the Arts.

Vel Phillips Memorial High School’s production of “Urinetown” earned seven awards, marking the school’s most successful year at the Jerry Awards since the program was renamed in 2017. Graduating senior Avery Haworth received Outstanding Lead Performance and the school’s Spirit Award, while juniors Anna Wagner and Davey Brown were both recognized with Outstanding Supporting Performance honors. The production also earned awards for Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Overall Design.

Robert M. La Follette High School’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” was recognized with two awards. Aaliyah Xiong received an Outstanding Supporting Performance award and shared the school’s Spirit Award with Lucy Christoph.

Presented annually by the Overture Center for the Arts, the Jerry Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theater across Wisconsin. Now in its 16th year, the program engages more than 100 high schools statewide, providing professional feedback to student performers and production teams while recognizing outstanding achievement in musical theater.

“These awards reflect countless hours of dedication from students, directors, choreographers, pit musicians, stage crews and volunteers who come together to create something truly special in our schools,” said Dan Davidson, MMSD director of fine arts. “To see our students recognized at the state level is a testament not only to their brilliance as artists, but also to their commitment, collaboration and passion for the performing arts.”

In MMSD, music, theater and dance programs provide students with opportunities to develop creativity, confidence, communication skills and meaningful connections with their peers and communities. District leaders say those experiences often have a lasting impact well beyond graduation.

“The performing arts challenge students to take risks and solve problems in service of a shared vision,” Davidson said. “Whether students are in the spotlight or behind the scenes, they gain skills and experiences that help prepare them for success in whatever path they choose next.”

2026 Jerry Award Recipients

Vel Phillips Memorial High School – “Urinetown”

• Outstanding Lead Performance — Avery Haworth 
• Spirit Award — Avery Haworth 
• Outstanding Supporting Performance — Anna Wagner 
• Outstanding Supporting Performance — Davey Brown 
• Outstanding Ensemble
• Outstanding Choreography
• Outstanding Overall Design

Robert M. La Follette High School – “The Wizard of Oz”

• Outstanding Supporting Performance — Aaliyah Xiong 
• Spirit Award — Aaliyah Xiong and Lucy Christoph (co-recipients)

For more information about arts education in MMSD, please visit the district’s website.

###

About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 7,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.