Kyrene Aprende Middle School’s after-school drama program, Jaguar Players was recently named a winner of ABC15 and Valley Toyota Dealer’s Helping Kids Go Places contest.

Jaguar Players is one of four award recipients and will receive $1,000 to purchase sound equipment to be used in the school’s productions this year, according to a news release from the Kyrene School District.

“We were so excited when we heard that we won because it meant our students were being recognized for all the hard work and dedication that they put into our program,” said Jaguar Players advisor and theatre teacher Marisa Brady. “We’ve been working for the past 10 years to fundraise enough to purchase our own sound system and the reward money we are receiving helps us purchase microphones that will complete the system.”

Jaguar Players is an almost entirely student-run club, and the students don’t only appear on stage. In addition to acting, students are behind the scenes doing everything from designing and creating costumes to doing hair and makeup. They make props, control audio and the lighting, make sets for the shows and even take on management roles within the group.  

“Our students are not only excited for the new equipment but also honored that they have been recognized with this award,” shared Brady.

The award comes just in time for Aprende’s Fall play, “Game of Tiara’s,” which debuts next month, and will run October 21-23. For more information about Jaguar Players, visit jaguarplayers.org.