Vanessa Lock Gelinas, former theater director at Oakton High School, was one of two teachers nationwide to be presented with the Inspiring Teacher Award at this year's National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, in New York City last week. 

Gelinas was nominated for the award by one of her students from last year. Last year, Oakton brought home a Jimmy for Best Musical for their production of “The Addams Family.” Gelinas recently stepped away from the theater program, but remains at Oakton as school staff. 

Although not every one of her students will end up on a professional stage someday, Vanessa said in her acceptance speech: “Theater is far beyond the stage. Theater skills are life skills.” 

The full livestream of the awards is below. Click here to jump to the presentation of Vanessa’s award. 

Congratulations Vanessa!