The Washington Township High School chapter of the New Jersey Drama and Forensics League (NJDFL) captured the 2023 State Championship on February 25, 2023, marking the team’s first state crown since the team was formed in 2017.  The WTHS team, under the direction of advisors Abby Molotsky, Jessica Kelleher and Lauren McClellan, broke the 11-year winning streak of Mainland High School, placing first in a field of 10 teams. 

 

The NJDFL is comprised of schools from all over the State of New Jersey that host competitions in which students compete in acting and public speaking categories. The League seeks to foster a competitive and creative outlet for high school students in the areas of theatre and speech for the purpose of networking with likeminded students, while providing a forum for constructive feedback as well as encouraging their growth and development as performers.

 

Washington Township State winners included:

 

Dramatic Oral Interpretation: Junior Eddie Mulvihill

 

Humorous Oral Interpretation: Junior Dan Hillig

 

Improvisational: Senior Pairs Xander Jackson and Junior John Ecker

 

Contemporary Monologue: Sophomore Violet Merrigan

 

Top Five State Finalists also included:

 

Dramatic Pairs 3^rd place: Junior John Ecker and Senior Kathryn Kim

 

Humorous Oral Interpretation: 2^nd place Junior Gianna Melhorn, 4^th place Junior Eddie Mulvihill

 

Comedic Pairs: 2^nd place Seniors Holly Duym and Greg Price, 5^th place Juniors Dan Hillig and Lainey Palmer

 

Musical Scene 2^nd Place: Junior Dan Hillig, Junior Talia Morrison, Junior Eddie Mulvihill, Senior Cade Padilla, Senior Holly Duym, and Junior Maize Ruggles

 

Persuasive Speaking: Junior Eddie Mulvihill 2^nd place, Junior John Ecker 3^rd place

 

Musical Solo: Senior Abby Brown 2^nd place

 

Readers Theater: 2^nd place Senior Holly Duym, Senior Kathryn Kim, and Junior John Ecker

 

Contemporary Monologue: 2^nd place Junior John Ecker, 5^th place Senior Kathryn Kim

 

Impromptu Speaking: 3^rd place Junior John Ecker, 4^th place Junior Gianna Melhorn, 5^th place Senior Cade Padilla

 

“We congratulate our entire team for an excellent season,” Molotsky said. “In the spring, we will have an introductory meeting for new members and two practice competitions. NJDFL is open to all students, no auditions or try outs necessary. Everyone can compete and participate.”