Three Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students attending the New River Valley Governor's School earned recognition at Barter Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival.

Grace Salesses from Blacksburg High School and Bettie Thomas from Christiansburg High School were named finalists, placing their plays among the top 12 submissions. Zoe Howard from BHS earned semifinalist honors, placing among the top 26 submissions.

This year's festival received 274 plays from 387 student playwrights representing 15 high schools across Virginia and Tennessee. Of the 26 plays recognized as finalists, semifinalists, or award recipients, five were written by students attending the New River Valley Governor's School for Arts and Humanities, including the three MCPS students.

Students spent several weeks this fall writing and revising original 10-minute plays. For many, it was their first experience with creative writing or playwriting.

“We are very proud of Grace, Bettie, and Zoe for what they have accomplished,” said MCPS Superintendent Dr. Kelly Guempel. “They put a lot of time and effort into their plays, and it is great to see their work recognized.”

The recognition comes during the inaugural year of the New River Valley Governor's School for Arts and Humanities. 

The Young Playwrights Festival gives high school students an opportunity to write original plays and have their work considered alongside submissions from students across Virginia and Tennessee.