The STA Troupe 5999 of the International Thespian Honor Society attended the Florida Thespians Senior State Festival, ranging from March 18 till March 22, in Tampa, Florida. Throughout the week, over 15,000 high school students from across the state of Florida gathered to attend workshops and plays and compete in individual Thespy events, all while honing their craft in theater. Among the 15,000, 20 students proudly represented St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Although every student who attends their district Thespy competition is eligible to travel to states and participate in the workshops and Mainstage productions, only those who score superior at the district level have the opportunity to compete. Additionally, each school is limited to submitting just six competitive pieces to the festival. After months of preparation, Avery Patterson, Julia Lopez, Kate Turner, Maya Quintana-Burgess, Olivia Gonzalez, Valentina Clemente, and Agustina Molnar earned a superior rating for their performance of “She’s in Love” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Several other students also received excellent ratings for their work, including:
Senior Cody Straka and Sophomore Julie Bohm for the duet acting scene from William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Senior, Dylan Saito, for his contrasting monologues
Freshman Julia Lopez for her rendition of “When He Sees Me” from the musical Waitress
Junior Avery Patterson for her makeup design for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Avery Patterson, Maya Quintana-Burgess, Paris Walkins, and Olivia Gonzalez for their ensemble acting scene from The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson.
Olivia Gonzalez reflected on her experience, saying, “The 2026 Thespy Competition strengthened my interest in theater by providing me with the opportunity to meet people with my similar interests involved in the arts and learn more about theater.” Beyond the awards, the week left a lasting impact on each participant. Gonzalez shared that her favorite part of the trip was bonding with fellow troupe members, growing closer as a group, and celebrating their accomplishments together. She described the camaraderie as “amazing.”
Representing both themselves and the STA Raiders at the state level was a meaningful and exciting experience for all involved. The students expressed pride in showcasing their talents, pursuing their passion, and being part of such a supportive community. Troupe 5999 represented STA with hard work, creativity, and spirit. Their success at the Florida State Thespian Competition not only highlights individual talent but also reflects the dedication and teamwork that defined their journey.
