Port Chester High School theatre students were recently honored at the Eastern Student Artist Guild (ESAG) Awards, held at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall. The event brought together schools from across the tri-state area to celebrate excellence in non-musical theatre.

The ESAG Awards recognize student achievement in plays and provide feedback from theatre professionals across multiple performance and production categories. This year, PCHS earned high marks, including two Gold with Recognition distinctions and multiple Gold awards for their fall production of Check Please.

A highlight of the evening included a live performance by Alejandro Mojica Meza and Angel Garza, whose scene drew big laughs from an audience of more than 600 attendees.

“Acting on stage in front of hundreds of people was definitely an experience I’ll never forget,” said senior Alejandro Mojica Meza.

Students also valued the opportunity to connect with peers and theatre professionals from other schools.

“Receiving my award and meeting other students, especially fellow stage managers, reminded me that hard work truly pays off,” said junior Amelia Jimenez.

“ESAG was tubular! It was great seeing all of the different students and their talents,” added sophomore Anthony Stark Jimenez.

According to Theatre Director Christina Baurle, the recognition reflects the continued growth and strength of the PCHS theatre program. With its largest cast and crew to date, this year’s production challenged participants to step outside their comfort zones and take creative risks.

PCHS Student Honors:
Amber Funes – Gold, Performance by a Student in a Comedy
Alejandro Mojica Meza – Gold with Recognition, Performance by a Student in a Comedy
Jordan Rivera – Gold, Supporting Performance in a Comedy
Angel Garza – Gold with Recognition, Supporting Performance in a Comedy
Annalise Gouedy – Gold, Supporting Performance in a Comedy
Matias Vega – Gold, Supporting Performance in a Comedy
Cast of Check Please – Gold, Ensemble in a Comedy
Amelia Jimenez & Diego Vega – Gold, Student Directors
Crew of Check Please – Silver, Student Crew
Cast and Crew of The Check Please Trilogy – Silver, Comedy Production

Beyond the awards, the experience offered meaningful opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and growth, reinforcing the program’s commitment to developing confident and creative theatre artists.

Photo by Journalist Peter Kramer