Archive: Around Town

Ian Statema was named as the recipient of the 2015 Lee Strebel Memorial Award for Enthusiasm in the Performing Arts.   Statema accepted the award at the Ithaca High School's Underclassmen Awards Night, June 2, 2015 in Ithaca High School's Performing Arts Center Kulp Auditorium.  The Lee Strebel Memorial Award is presented each year to an Ithaca High School student who has not only participated in the performing arts at the high school level, but has shown extraordinary spirit in that pursuit.

The award is given in memory of Lee Strebel, an Ithaca High School student who died suddenly during his freshman year in February 2006. In his short time at the high school, Strebel became a standout in the drama department after playing the leading role of George Gibbs in Our Town. Strebel was a promising young actor to be sure, but what made him so well-loved was his constant smile, great work ethic, support for his peers and an unshakeable positive mental attitude.

"It is hoped that the recipient of this award will continue to demonstrate many of the same attributes, and recognize that although skills may be handed out in various amounts, our attitude and effort are completely under our control.", notes the Strebel Family.



"Ian Statema's contribution to our theatre program is enormous," said Ithaca High School Drama teacher Lorraine Tino.  "As a technical theatre student, Ian always steps up and does whatever needs to be done from mopping the stage, to operating the sound board, to building the sets.  He is an absolute trooper!"


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