The theatre program at Glen Cove High School has earned national recognition after being named a Premier Community for Theatre Education by the Educational Theatre Association.
The distinction, announced on May 19, recognizes schools and communities that demonstrate a strong commitment to providing high-quality theatre education and broad access to arts opportunities for students.
The Educational Theatre Association said the recognition is awarded to schools that prioritize theatre education by investing in the staffing, resources and institutional support needed to sustain successful arts programs and create meaningful opportunities for students.
“This recognition affirms what we have known in Glen Cove for a long time,” Alexa Doeschner, superintendent of the Glen Cove City School District, said in a statement. “The arts are not extra, they are essential. Our theatre program is a place where students take creative risks, find their voice, and grow alongside one another, and this honor really belongs to the students, educators, and families who have built it into what it is today.”
To qualify for the distinction, Glen Cove High School completed a comprehensive application documenting the district’s support for theatre education in several areas, including curriculum, instructional time, funding, student participation, facilities, teacher development and institutional commitment to the program. The Educational Theatre Association reviewed the submission and verified all supporting documentation before granting the designation.
The application process was designed to evaluate whether schools provide consistent access to theatre education and whether arts programming is treated as a meaningful part of the overall student experience. Schools were required to provide official records and evidence supporting each section of the application.
Jared Ross, the school’s theatre teacher and director, credited students and the broader school community for helping the program succeed.
“Our theatre students are the most dedicated young artists you can find,” Ross said. “Our work in the theatre department is successful largely due to their leadership and commitment. This recognition is a testament to their hard work and the value that our District and community place in arts education. We have the best team of educators and students here in Glen Cove!”
The Educational Theatre Association said research continues to show that theatre education can help students develop confidence, creativity, collaboration, resilience and responsibility, while also strengthening communication skills and academic engagement.
The organization cited studies indicating that drama-based instruction can help students connect more deeply with classroom material and noted that 95 percent of school administrators believe theatre experiences improve students’ academic skills overall. The association also said participation in theatre programs can help students develop a stronger sense of belonging within their school communities.
“Theatre education gives students the opportunity to discover their voice, build confidence, and develop skills that serve them for life,” Jay Gerlach said in a statement. “This recognition celebrates communities that understand theatre is not extracurricular in the traditional sense, but an essential part of a well-rounded education.”
