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For their annual spring musical, the Wells High School Players are presenting Grease beginning March 18th and continuing through March 21st. This production features 27 student cast members singing and dancing on stage at the Olenn Performing Arts Center (OPAC) at WHS.
“Grease is a classic musical that will have you singing along, dancing in your seat, and cracking up,” commented Andrea Hernandez, the musical’s producer. “The cast and crew do an excellent job of transporting you to a simpler time (1959). Our Greasers and Pink Ladies put their own spin on beloved characters, and bring them to life right here in Wells, Maine.”
“The musical is a satire about rebellious teens. It celebrates the idealistic youth in the fifties,” described Director Andrew Lopez. According to him there are 14 students and 7 adults behind the stage and scenes bringing this production to life.
Some of the songs performed throughout the show are "Greased Lightnin'", "We Go Together”, and “You're the One That I Want”.
The March 18th show begins at 3:30pm. This matinee performance has special pricing, including free admission for students and senior citizens, and $6 for general admission. The following shows are priced at $6 for students and senior citizens, and $9 for general admission. These dates are March 19th and 20th at 6:30pm, with a final show on March 21st at 2:00pm. Reserve tickets will be sold in advance at Wells High School’s front office, at the door of the Olenn Performing Arts Center the day of the shows, and online at: https://wellshs.booktix.com/
The Grease book, music, and lyrics are by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. This musical is presented through a special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Wells High School Principal Eileen Sheehy has announced that senior Gabriel Hatfield has been selected to receive this year’s Maine Principal’s Award sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association. This annual award recognizes a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.
“Gabe is an exceptionally deserving student for this recognition,” wrote Principal Sheehy. “He is a quiet leader who leads by example, consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, and is actively involved in the school community. His positive attitude and strong character make him a role model among his peers.”
WHS math teacher Chad McCormack considers Hatfield to be an exceptionally good student in mathematics. “Gabe really is as top-notch as they come,” commented McCormack in an email. “If I were to pore over my 24 years of rosters and assemble an ‘all-star’ class of math students, Gabe would be in the running for captain. McCormack added, “Not only is he incredibly gifted in the realm of mathematics; he is a kind and caring human being who makes a positive impact in all that he does.
Outside the classroom, Hatfield has participated in the WHS Cross Country and Track Team, the Math Team, the (Maine Public) Quiz Team, and the early morning ‘Prayer at the Flagpole’ group. In addition, he is enrolled in the Engineering program at Sanford Regional Technical Center.
“I have a God-given gift” said Hatfield modestly about his approach to his studies, sports and work ethic in an interview. “I work harder, not to just excel, but (I believe) it is a good thing to work hard.” Along with good grades, he credits receiving the Principal’s Award to his positive attitude and helpful interactions with his classmates. He indicated he strives be a “light” in the school community.
Matthew Howard is with the WHS guidance department. “From the moment Gabe entered our school, he distinguished himself as a student with a deep-seated commitment to excellence,” commented Howard. “Gabe’s pursuit of a degree in Engineering is no surprise as he has consistently demonstrated an aptitude for problem-solving and a thirst for understanding complex systems.”
The Maine Principal’s Award was established in 1984 to recognize students for academic excellence and good citizenship. Each member school in the MPA is encouraged to select one senior each year to receive the Principal’s Award.
Around noon on December 8th, Wreaths Across America traveled Rt.1 through Wells on its 750-mile, seven-day trek to Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) in Arlington, Virginia. As the caravan passed along Wells Junior High School, hundreds of junior high students stood outside waving at the caravan of semi-tractor trailers, assorted escorting police cars, and other vehicles. Inside the numerous trailers were thousands of holiday wreaths ready to be placed at the gravesites of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery and at other locations along the way.
This year, two Wells High School freshmen and longtime friends, Gavin Dusza and Noah Busick, were selected to be part of the convoy representing the Maine Civil Air Patrol. Both are cadets in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) squadron in Sanford, Maine. The Civil Air Patrol is the official volunteer civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.
In that organization, Dusza has achieved the rank of Staff Sargent and Busick is now a Senior Airman. In the caravan, they rode in a CAP vehicle with other cadets to participate in the wreath laying at Arlington on December 13th. To be selected to represent the CAP at this solemn event, these cadets had to submit a resume, an essay about honor and be interviewed.
“Last year, I helped out with Wreaths Across America at Wells Junior High School,” commented Dusza in his essay. Now, a year later, he finds himself and Busick a part of this honor convoy to the Washington D.C. area. “When we remember and honor our veterans, it stays in our hearts forever. It is an honor to represent the State of Maine and the Town of Wells,” commented Dusza.
In his essay Busick comments on being a part of the convoy’s mission. “By participating, we learn that honor is earned through service, respect, and keeping their (veterans) memory alive.”
Wreaths Across America was created by Morrill Worcester, president of the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine. Morrill has been bringing wreaths to Arlington since 1992, a year when he drove his own wreath-laden vehicle to honor veterans for their service and sacrifice.
At Arlington National Cemetery, there are more than 400,000 service members and eligible dependents buried. This number includes veterans from various conflicts, including the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Drama Department at Wells High School has announced that “A Christmas Carol” has been selected to be this year’s fall play production. The play is an original stage adaptation written by WHS theater director Andrew Lopez. The play is based on the Charles Dickens' novella of the same title and will be presented over a four-day period in the Olenn Performing Arts Center (OPAC) at Wells High School.
This ghost story is about a miserly and miserable man ably named Ebenezer Scrooge, who hates Christmas and the great joy it brings to others. On the eve of Christmas he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley who frightens Ebenezer enough into changing his mean ways.
“The love affair I have with this iconic story began in 1971 when I watched Albert Phinney play the title role in the movie musical Scrooge,” commented Lopez. “As I grow older, my reverence for Charles Dickens and the message this novel brings has intensified; I watch at least one version every Season. It is my goal to scare you a little, make you chuckle, and hopefully pull a tear from your eye.”
Alex Bedirian is the play’s assistant director in charge of props and stage operations and Judi Dion is the costumer. Currently, there are 22 students appearing on stage in various roles supported by a student tech crew of 12.
Andrea Hernandez is the show’s producer. Tickets go on sale November 3rd. “It is reserved seating, so purchasing ahead of time is recommended,” advised Hernandez. Tickets are available at the door and online at https://wellshs.booktix.com/
The first performance is a matinee on November 19th at 3:30 with special pricing: free for students and senior citizens and $6 general admission. The rest of the shows are priced at $6 for students and senior citizens and $9 for general admission. Those shows will be presented on Thursday, November 20th at 6:30 pm, Friday, November 21st at 6:30 pm and Saturday, November 22nd at 2:00 pm.
The Wells Players troupe at Wells High School has announced that they will present the enchanting stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz on stage in the Olenn Performing Arts Center at Wells High School beginning March 19, 2025.
This musical is based on the original children’s fantasy novel published in 1900, titled The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. In 1939, the book was made into the MGM motion picture The Wizard of Oz. Years later, it was adapted for the stage by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Popular tunes in the play include "Over the Rainbow" and "Follow the Yellow Brick Road."
The story brings to life the mesmerizing and appealing character of Dorothy, a little girl swept away in a tornado who is now trying to find her way back home in Kansas. She travels the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard of Oz, who can help her return home. Along her journey, she meets a scarecrow, a woodman made of tin, a cowardly lion, and numerous munchkins.
This local high school interpretation is directed by Andrew Lopez, who has been directing stage productions at WHS for over twenty years. Others who helped make this play come to life include Producer Andrea Hernandez, Alex Bedirian (assistant director), Bailey Smith (musical director), Dianah Shelley (choreographer), and Judi Dion (costume designer). Mr. Lopez and Mr. Bedirian also designed the stage lighting for this show and created the colorful stage sets.
"We are excited to bring a classic show to life on the stage and create performances that will have children and adults alike dancing and laughing in their seats,” commented
Hernandez in an email. She noted that the production involved 55 students, including 10 students from Wells Elementary School.
Curtain times and ticket prices for the Wizard of Oz are as follows: March 19 at 3:30 pm, (free for students and senior citizens, $6 for general admission), March 20 and 21 at 6:30 pm ($6 for students and senior citizens, $9 for general admission) and March 22 at 2 pm ($6 for students and senior citizens, $9 for general admission).
Wells High School Principal Eileen Sheehy recently announced that Senior Cooper Bourque has been selected to receive this year’s Maine Principal’s Award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) in Augusta. Each year, high schools that are members of the MPA select one outstanding senior to receive this honor.
“Cooper is very deserving of this recognition,” remarked Principal Sheehy. “Cooper's dedication to learning and growing while always embracing collaboration, citizenship, and reflection is admirable. He is a natural leader by example and is a very positive influence within our school community.”
“It was unexpected, especially since I didn’t know this was an award,” said Bourque. “I really appreciate it.” During his high school career, he has successfully taken numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including courses in psychology, calculus, literature, and physics. He is a member of the National Honor Society, served on the 2024 prom committee, and, as a freshman, served as Class Secretary.
Bourque is a member of the WHS Football Team and the WHS Indoor and Outdoor Track teams. Recognizing a need, he donated significant assistance in helping to improve the track program at WHS.
As a good citizen, Bourque has tutored a middle school student struggling with math and worked each summer with his fellow football teammates, cleaning up local beaches. “Through the football team, we do a lot of volunteering,” added Bourque, who plans to study Biomedical Engineering in college.
The MPA Award was established in 1984. Award recipients and their principals are invited to attend the organization’s Honors Luncheon in the spring. At that time, recipients will receive a lapel pin and plaque. Also, five of these students will be selected in a lottery to receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Drama Department at Wells High School has announced that it has been granted one of the first licenses in Maine to present the spellbinding *“*Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (High School Edition).
This two-act play is based on the original Harry Potter story by J. K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne. The production will bring to life the eighth installment of the Harry Potter series in the Olenn Performing Arts Center at WHS beginning November 20th.
This enchanting production with mesmerizing characters is produced by Andrea Hernandez and directed by Andrew Lopez. Alex Bedirian is the assistant director, and Judi Dion is the costume designer.
“We have an amazing opportunity to put on a show that pushes our students and faculty to perform at the next level," commented Hernandez in an email. "We are going to be making people's childhood fantasies a reality. Harry Potter is a larger-than-life name, and we feel honored to be the first school in Maine to put on this show."
Andy Lopez has been directing stage productions at WHS for over twenty years. “We are beyond excited to put on such a prestigious and well-known show,” wrote Lopez in an email. “The magic of this franchise will be a fun challenge to bring to life.”
The high school edition of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” returns audiences to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where friendships and adventures await Harry Potter’s son, Albus, who confronts his family's past legacy.
The dates and times of the play are as follows: a matinee on November 20th at 3:30 pm, followed by evening shows on November 21, 22, and 23, at 6:30 pm. Seating can be reserved and paid for in advance by calling Wells High School or visiting www.wellshs.booktix.com. Tickets can also be bought at the door before each show. Tickets are $6 for students and senior citizens and $9 for general admission. Seniors, students, and WHS faculty are admitted free for the afternoon matinee on November 20th, but they are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance.
During a recent local television sports news story, Wells High School senior Kendall Maxon said in the middle of a statement, “I like staying active..” which is an understatement for one who not only maintains a 4.0 accumulative grade point average but is the captain of three WHS teams, Lacrosse, basketball, and soccer.
In late August, Maxon was honored with the distinction of WMTW Channel 8’s “Scholar-Athlete of the Week.” She was nominated for this by her Lacrosse coach, Morgan Pike.
“Kendall is an amazing athlete, student, and young lady,” wrote Pike in an email. She was a phenomenal leader as a junior captain last season and helped lead the team to the state championship. Kendall is an athlete who embodies unselfishness and coaching ability. She leads by example, always putting the team's success above her own, and her work ethic is unparalleled. Whether in practice or during the game, Kendall demonstrates commitment and dedication that inspires everyone around her.”
While visiting WHS, Channel 8 personnel filmed Maxon at Lacrosse practice. In an interview, she told Ch. 8 sports reporter Travis Lee that Lacrosse is her favorite of the three sports she competes in. In Lacrosse, she plays “midfield” and “attack” positions.
Maxon indicated that her favorite subjects are math and science. “I’ve always been motivated to do my best in the classroom,” she told Lee. In high school thus far, she has completed six AP college classes and four online York County Community College (YCCC) classes. Once in college, she plans to continue playing Lacrosse and pursue a degree in Business, focusing on Marketing and Management.
Kendall is also interested in real estate and wants to obtain a real estate license this winter and work with her mother, a real estate agent. Kendall has an identical twin sister, Maren who also plays basketball.
