Fifth Annual EITEA Winner, Madeline Michel, Feels Reach of Tony Award Recognition

Madeline Michel never imagined herself giving an acceptance speech in front of a crowd of theater professionals at Radio City Music Hall. As an English teacher, she considers herself "still learning" about the dramatic/performing arts. But in June 2019, she took the stage as the fifth winner of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented by Carnegie Mellon University and the Tony Awards. Michel, who oversees the drama program at Monticello High School in Charlottesville, Va., said the experience has changed her life. "I think this affects more than me and my school," she said. "It brings attention to our school and, as a result, people in the community learn more about what you do and learn about our students. That's what's important." Michel never thought she would win the honor, even though she played a role in the submission process.