This week, King School students joined other Fairfield County theater makers at the High School Halo Awards, having earned 15 nominations for their talents both on and off stage. Presented by Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury, Connecticut, the annual awards ceremony celebrates excellence in high school theatre across Connecticut and has grown into a four-night celebration of nearly 90 schools representing all eight of the state’s counties.

Among the standout honorees was Zach Louizos ’25, who took home the coveted Halo Award for Best Performance in a Leading Male Role in a Classical Musical for his powerful portrayal of Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables.” His performance, both commanding and deeply moving, was recognized by the Halo Awards committee for its emotional depth and technical strength.

Also recognized was Anaiya Shah ’27, who received a Halo Award for Best Chorus Member, an honor bestowed through King School’s own faculty nomination. Anaiya’s dedication, presence, and vocal contributions to the ensemble were pivotal to the school’s production of “Les Misérables.”

The ceremony featured a stirring musical performance from seniors Isabella Kolenberg, Zach Louizos, and Maria Sharavarnyk, who performed a medley of songs from “Les Misérables.” Their harmonious rendition was met with an enthusiastic reception from the audience, celebrating the strength of King’s musical theatre program.

“Ms. Bach and I were so proud of the growth our students have had this year as actors, singers, and technicians,” said Performing Arts teacher Amy Darnton. “It was lovely to watch their enthusiasm as they supported their fellow castmates and all the theater makers they knew from other Fairfield County schools. They had so much fun!”

Launched in 1993 by Artistic Director Semina DeLaurentis, the High School Halo Awards began as a local initiative in the Greater Waterbury Region. What started with just eight schools and a one-night ceremony at Seven Angels Theatre has grown into a statewide celebration hosted at the Palace Theater in Waterbury. Today, it honors student achievement in acting, singing, technical production, directing, and more.

King’s success at this year’s Halo Awards underscores the school’s commitment to cultivating artistic excellence and offering students opportunities to grow both creatively and collaboratively.

Congratulations to all the honorees and performers for representing King with distinction and heart.

King School 2025 Halo Award Nominations

• Best Contemporary Play, Best Incidental or Original Music - “The Great Gatsby” 
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play - Adam Flynn ’25
• Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Play - Bruno Reinhofer-Ribeiro ’26
• Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Play - Maria Sharavarnyk ’25
• Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play - Zach Louizos ’25 (Winner)
• Best Classical Musical, Best Running Crew - “Les Misérables”
• Best Chorus Member - Anaiya Shah ’27 (Winner)
• Best Stage Management - Teagan Robinson ’27
• Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical - Steven Blanco ’26
• Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical - Hathaway Liparidis ’26
• Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Musical - Maria Sharavarnyk ’25
• Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical - Zach Louizos ’25
• Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical - Bella Kolenberg ’25