(Clarion,IA) – Nicholas (Nick) Sisson, a recent graduate of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School, recently earned recognition for his impressive talent in musical theater. He received the “Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role” award from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Association for his role as Sam in the school’s production of “Mamma Mia!”
Nick’s standout rendition of the ABBA song “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” caught the eye of the Iowa High School Musical Theater Association’s Adjudicator Stewards Committee. This led to an invitation to perform a 45-second excerpt at the 2024 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase.
This event was televised on Iowa Public Television (IPTV) at 7 p.m. on May 30th. Ninety Iowa schools were invited to attend.
Nick’s achievement is especially significant, as he is the only student from CGD to be selected for this honor. CGD music teacher Joseph Granzow received the exciting news via email. “Almost 600 students were adjudicated [judged] this year. Out of those 600 students, 164 students received an Outstanding Achievement in a Principal Role recognition,” shared Maddie Grissom from the Des Moines Performing Arts.
According to Nick’s award letter, “A variety of factors went into performance invitations – adjudicator nominations, geographic and school-size representation, material's appropriateness for a solo feature, etc. Due to time constraints, not all Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role recipients are invited to perform.”
At only 18, Nick has demonstrated a remarkable range of talents and interests that most children don’t have the courage to explore. Besides his success in musical theater, he has been active in various school activities. Nick played football, track and field, and baseball, even missing last Thursday’s baseball game to attend his performance. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Choir, and Jazz Choir. Additionally, Nick served as CGD’s 2024 Valedictorian.
Nick plans to continue his journey at the University of Iowa, majoring in Business Management and Marketing. Despite his focus on business, he intends to explore the arts at university.
Reflecting on his performance in Mamma Mia!, Nick shared, “It was pretty cool. It was the first time I ever did a musical production, and it was outside of my comfort zone. The choir director and my family pushed me, and it turned out to be a good experience. To be invited to [Iowa High School Musical Theater Association performance] afterward was pretty cool, too. It’s fun to explore this further.”
His advice to his peers is simple yet profound: “Try things you’re uncomfortable with because the reward is always better than the regret.”
