(Sept. 19, 2022) With first-, second- and third-place commendations, Cheltenham Elementary School continues its tradition of creating winning plays as part of the annual Philadelphia Young Playwrights (PYP) festival. Students work all year learning about playwriting and submit their work in June for consideration. Winning plays are announced in September. CES teacher Gerald Aungst and PYP teaching artists BJ Tindal and Erik Reyes worked with this past year’s students. The following plays from CES won awards in this year’s festival:

First Place: “The Magical Mystery” by current fourth graders Jocelyn Agbadan, Ariana Bond, Kennedy Diggs, Summer Diggs, Claire Fadako, Macy Griffin, Alexa Haynie, Kennedi Johnson, London Lewis Johnson, Akil Jones, Robyn Lewis, Lilly Ostrowski, Madison Parker, Nolan Quinn, Kimora Robinson, Maya Robinson, Trinity Sylla, and Ashley Venit

“The Magical Mystery” is an epic one-act play about Cindy’s evil plan to steal all the magic jewels in the world from all the cats in order to gather power. Doll is working to thwart that plan with the help of her mentor Goldy who helps her understand the power of friendship.

Second Place: “The CAT-Tastrophe” by current fifth graders Savannah Notte, Kennedy Pusey, and Eloisa Woodyard

In “The CAT-Tastrophe,” Oley’s cat Fluffy bites Oley’s sister, Sassy Karen, who believes the cat is evil and vows revenge. The play recounts Sassy Karen’s attempts to get back at Fluffy, even recruiting some local dogs to help her out.

Third Place:
“Just Like You” by current Elkins Park students Laila Richard, Ophelia Bush and Eliana Irizarry
"The Four of Them" by current Elkins Park fifth graders Samyah Taylor, Arion Mack, Joy Taylor and Jezia Morrison- Davis