Shoot for the stars

Madison Aboud, Associate Editor • May 28, 2025 • 15 Views

Smile. Members of the cast and crew of “The Little Mermaid” pose for a photo after winning runner up for Best Production. (Courtesy of Ben Cossitor)

On May 24, the Mishler Theater hosted the twentieth annual Isaacs Awards.

“The Little Mermaid,” Altoona’s spring musical, was nominated for 11 awards. Of those 11, Altoona brought home eight awards and over $22,000 in scholarships. The program was also awarded $500 courtesy of Bill and Ann Benzel.

Awards:

MVP Award – Laila Wilkinson

Runner Up for Best Supporting Actor in a Female Role – Sky Rutherford as Ursula

Runner Up Best Stage Crew

Best Ensemble – The Mersisters

Achievement in Design – Owen Carmel for Costume Design

Runner Up Best Leading Actor in a Male Role – Owen Carmel as Prince Eric

Best Musical Number – “Under the Sea”

Runner Up Best Production

The human world, it’s a mess. During the Isaacs, cast members of “The Little Mermaid” performed “Under the Sea.” The song would later win the award for Best Musical Number. (Courtesy of Ben Cossitor)

Scholarships:

Mt. Aloysius $4000 Scholarship – Gavin Harkins

$1000 Steven C. Helsel Legacy Scholarship – Jillian Pierannunzio

Juniata $4000 Scholarship – Sky Rutherford

Penn State Altoona $2500 Scholarship – Madison Aboud, Ava Cabell, Mack Callan, Stayley Drenning, Emma Lunglhofer

About the Contributor

Madison Aboud, Associate Editor

My name is Madison Aboud and I am a sophomore at AAHS. This is my second year on Mountain Echo staff and my first year as an Associate Editor. In Jr. high, I was a reporter on the AAJHS Livewire. In my free time, you can find me reading or singing along to my favorite show-tunes. I’ve always had a passion for writing. My ultimate goal after high school is to become a professional journalist. Outside of Mountain Echo, I am in band, chorus, vocal ensemble, student council and Friends of Rachel. I strive to make sure students of AAHS are finding out everything they need to know within a timely manner. I can’t wait for another great year!