The annual Cappies Awards Gala celebrated its 15th year. The Cappies is an award show for the plays and musicals that were preformed this year in the Washington D.C. area.

Students from the theatre department at South Lakes went to the Cappies this year for their play, “Legally Blonde”.

This year was Lawson’s third year appearing at the Cappies, but his first year as a critic.

“The Cappies are an Oscar-esque event where designated critics, such as myself, would critique at least five shows throughout the year,” Lawson said. “The best shows for each category would be announced at the gala and held at the Kennedy center at the end of the year.”

The experience is very professional, and some scenes from the nominated best songs and best plays are performed in between awards.

“It’s a very enthusiastic and theatrical night cherishing the importance of theatre in the creativity and hence the development of children at all levels,” Lawson said.

Freshman Grace Cahoon attended the Cappies for the first time this year.

“It was really fun, and it was a really formal event like black tie and long dresses,” Cahoon said. “There were a lot of performances from other schools and the presenters for the awards were important people in the county and past winners.”

Freshman Jared Sabet was also present at the Cappies.

“It was great to get back together with the “Legally Blonde” cast and we all had a great time seeing each other again,” Sabet said. “Since I didn’t see a lot of the other shows, the performances from other schools during the award ceremony were really amazing to see, it really shows how much talent there is out in this world.”

Along with the nominated schools, families and others came to support one another at the event.

“There were also principals and other major educational figures there to present some of the awards,” Sabet said. “Ryan McElveen was there, but I didn’t get to take a picture with him, so I guess that’s my goal for next year.”

Sophomore, Robel Makavelie was nominated for best male dancer award.

“I felt like the hard work I was putting in my craft was paying off,” Makaveli said. “The Cappies was such a great experience to see and meet the most talented people in the performing art world.”

The Cappies changed and inspired Makaveli.

“I gave me some motivation that I can overcome obstacles because this was my first musical I did,” Makaveli said. “I felt so honored to even be mentioned.”