Grants in Action: NKHS Drama Brings Mean Girls to the Stage

Student Talent Shines in NKHS Drama’s Production of Mean Girls

At the North Kitsap Schools Foundation (NKSF), we believe the arts have a special way of bringing students and community together—and last spring, NKHS Drama proved it in a very fetch way with their production of Mean Girls: High School Version.

With support from an NKSF Grant, the North Kitsap High School Drama Club was able to cover performance rights and secure full use of the NKHS Auditorium for rehearsals and performances. That support gave students what every great production needs: time, space, and the freedom to fully commit, resulting in a polished, high-energy show that welcomed the community in and filled the auditorium with excitement.

Mean Girls is no small feat. Students took on complex vocal music and harmonies, memorized detailed blocking and choreography, and even learned tap dancing—all while working together as a true ensemble. The payoff was a confident, dynamic performance that had audiences laughing, applauding, and walking away impressed by the depth of talent within NKHS Drama.

But the impact went far beyond the stage. The production built connections, students formed friendships across grade levels and social groups, strengthening confidence, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Parents and community members saw firsthand the creativity, discipline, and dedication of NKHS students, helping establish Drama as an exciting and respected program within the school.

One unforgettable moment came when the cast received a surprise video message from Taylor Louderman, the original Broadway Regina George. Her encouragement and reflections on the power of theater left students stunned and inspired, reminding them that their work matters and that theater can open doors far beyond the auditorium.

Like any growing program, there were lessons learned along the way, including the need to refine systems for tracking ticket sales and attendance. Those takeaways will help strengthen future productions as the program continues to grow.

With the success of Mean Girls, NKHS Drama has laid the groundwork for what we hope will become an annual tradition—a production students are proud to be part of and one the community looks forward to supporting year after year.

That’s Grants in Action: investing in student talent, strengthening school programs, and creating shared experiences that build confidence, connection, and community—long after the final curtain call.