Byram Hills High School inducted five students into the International Thespian Society, highlighting their individual theatrical accomplishments with The Varley Players, on and off stage.
Dr. Douglas Coates, theater teacher and adviser to the Byram Hills International Thespian Society troupe, celebrated the inductees, juniors Benjamin Andrews-Silby, Avery Lombardi, Amelina Milio, Darby Schlosser and Maeve Sullivan.
“You have earned this honor through your sweat, your talent and your unwavering dedication,” he said at the June 4 induction ceremony. “We could not be more proud of you, and we cannot wait to see how you continue to shape the legacy of The Varley Players.”
To become a member, students must earn points by participating in Byram Hills theater productions, in onstage and backstage roles.
The Byram Hills troupe was created a year ago. Seniors Sarah Bogart, Emi Nagura and Nicole Nassar, who were inducted in 2025, helped lead this year’s ceremony.
“These three are absolute pillars of The Varley Players and our troupe of thespians,” Dr. Coates said. “They made history last year as some of our very first inductees, and thanks to their hard work, talent and high standards, they've paved the way for tonight.”
He concluded the ceremony by saying: “Always remember our motto, which comes from Alexander Pope's ‘An Essay on Man:’ ‘Act well your part,’ there all the honor lies.’”
The society, which dates to 1929, recognizes student achievement in theater and celebrates performance and production. More than 2.4 million students have been inducted.