Two Cherry Creek Schools educators received Outstanding Educator Awards for their support of theatre arts from the Colorado State Thespians during a ceremony held on Sept. 22. Smoky Hill High School theatre teacher Tim Brown was named High School Educator of the Year and Cherry Creek High School Assistant Principal Dr. Krista Keough was named High School Administrator of the Year.
“With outstanding resumes reflecting service to their students, classrooms, and communities, these individuals exemplify what it means to be outstanding educators who strive for not only the success of their students, but the emotional wellbeing of each life they touch through the art of theatre,” the Colorado State Thespians said in a news release announcing the awards. “For many, theatre education is more than entertainment: it’s a way to build empathy, our ability to collaborate and share our democratic values and a deeper knowledge of human history and how it can best be told through story.”
Brown joined the Smoky Hill community in 2005. Since then, he has cultivated a love of theatre through his classes and stage productions. His passion has inspired countless former students, including Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang, and current CCSD theatre directors Eric Eidson (EHS), and Andy Ray (OHS).
“It’s always exciting to have someone recognize the work we do for kids,” he said. “It means we are continuing to recognize the value of theatre performance in our society and spreading awareness that there are so many outstanding theatre educators in Colorado doing wonderful work.”
Keogh is a graduate of Cherry Creek High School and participated in the CCHS music and theater programs as a student.
“I know firsthand how important the arts were for my experience as a student,” Keogh told the CCHS Union Street Journal. “It’s a welcoming environment to lots of different kids.”
Keogh served as the administration’s liaison to the Fine Arts Department for ten years.
“Krista has always been an incredible advocate for students and has allowed our theater program to grow in its endeavors through her support and leadership,” said Kelly Devitt, CCHS Activities Director. “We are so proud of her.”
The Colorado State Thespians is the state’s largest educational theatre organization and is dedicated to supporting the development and enrichment of theatre students and educators across the state.
Congratulations to SHHS theater teacher Tim Brown and CCHS Assistant Principal Dr. Krista Keogh!
Posted 9/25/2023.
