This year marks the launch of the Prestwick House Shakespeare Honors program, created to celebrate the creativity, dedication, and talent of Delaware's high school students bringing Shakespeare’s works to life. 

We are excited to recognize this year’s outstanding participants and showcase the schools and students whose work stood out. From powerful monologues to dynamic ensemble performances, this year’s submissions highlight the lasting impact of Shakespeare in today’s classrooms and the incredible work being done by both students and educators.

Join us in congratulating the first-ever winners of the Prestwick House Shakespeare Honors program!

Best Ensemble Scene Winner: Newark Charter High School

In recognition of their tremendous performance of Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2, we’re excited to present the student cast, stage manager, and director with the Prestwick House Shakespeare Honors 2025 Award for Best Ensemble Scene. Their modern interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most iconic scenes demonstrated true skill, teamwork, and artistry.

Students recognized as part of the ensemble are Alayna Coates (Gertrude), Jamie Depto (Player Queen), Josh Eisele (Polonius), C.J. Fagreaus (Player), Anna George (student director), Audrey Houghton (Rosencrantz), Madison Kaasehagen (student stage manager), Riley Miller (Guildenstern), Elias Schatz (Player King), Oliver Symons (Hamlet), and Joey Tosh-Morelli (Claudius).

Best Monologue Winner: Mairin Curran, Cape Henlopen High School

We’re proud to present Cape Henlopen High School student Mairin Curran with the Prestwick House Shakespeare Honors 2025 Award for Best Monologue. With clear diction, purposeful pacing, and strong stage presence, Mairin made the character of Lady Macbeth come alive. Congratulations on a spectacular win, Mairin!

Best Monologue Finalist: Eugene Watts, Dover High School

It is with great honor that we present Dover High School student Eugene Watts with the title of Best Monologue Finalist for his powerful performance from The Tempest. His emotional delivery and confident command of Shakespeare’s language truly impressed our panel of judges. Well deserved, Eugene!

What is the Prestwick House Shakespeare Honors program?

The Prestwick House Shakespeare Honors program is a student recognition initiative designed to celebrate excellence in high school Shakespeare performance and production. It allows schools to submit student work—such as monologues, ensemble scenes, or full productions—for evaluation by a panel of theatre professionals and educators. 

Rather than functioning as a traditional competition, the program focuses on recognizing students’ effort, growth, and collaboration. Selected participants receive formal recognition, including school banners and public acknowledgment, helping spotlight the work of theatre programs within their schools and communities. 

Overall, the program aims to support and elevate Shakespeare study by celebrating the skills students develop through performance, such as close reading, confidence, and teamwork.

For more information about the program, including how to get your school involved in future rounds, please visit the Prestwick House Shakespeare Honors home page.