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Three Shady Side Academy Senior School students as well as the winter musical, Zombie Prom, received nominations in the 2024 Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater.

The SSA nominations included:

• Best Supporting Actress: Senior Jay Z. 
• Best Scenic Design, Budget Level I
• Best Costume Design, Budget Level I
• Best Lighting Design, Budget Level I
• Best Vocal Ensemble, Budget Level I
• Best Dance Ensemble, Budget Level I
• Best Crew/Technical Execution, Budget Level I

Of those nominations, SSA took home awards for Best Lighting Design and Best Crew/Technical Execution. 

Two other SSA students were named to the semi-finalist round for acting awards: 

• Senior Aaron L. for Best Supporting Actor
• Junior Sophia G. for Best Actress

The nominees were announced on May 8 by the Pittsburgh CLO and the Michael J. Kara Family. Winners were announced at an awards ceremony on May 25, at the Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh. In addition to the more than 34 Kelly Awards presented at the event, several cash and university scholarships were awarded. 

The Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater were launched in 1991 to recognize and encourage student achievement and to focus the attention of the community and school districts on the importance of musical theater and arts education.