Reflections from North Thurston High School’s ‘Mean Girls’

Originally published on The JOLT News on May 21, 2026

Stepping into the James Koval Center for the Performing Arts last week, I noticed a large painting in the lobby that has been hanging there since before my high school years at North Thurston High School (NTHS).  

I began to daydream about all the performances and audiences it has witnessed. How lucky it was to be like a fly on the wall, watching dreams come true, including my own both as a choir kid in 2016 and an arts writer today.  

If I could offer current performing arts students one piece of advice, it would be this:  

The most significant moments in high school are the everyday moments of laughter and friendship in my ensemble. Don’t rush through school so quickly that you forget to enjoy these precious times. Regularly tell your friends and teachers that they are loved, and keep holding on to the belief that you can do anything you set your mind to and can make your dreams come true.  

Although, if all of you are as joyful, enthusiastic and loving as the cast and crew of “Mean Girls,” then you clearly do not need my advice because you are already living it. 

It made me so proud to watch all of you seize the day, embrace your roles, and have a blast on stage!  

“Mean Girls” was an outstanding show in more ways than one, and each student and community member involved in this production has a lot to celebrate.  

 Review 

“Mean Girls” wrapped comedy, age long truths and deep messages into a vibrant pink package. I’ve heard the phrase, “There is no small part, only small actors,” and I have never seen an entire cast dedicated and actively engaged in each moment quite like this one.  

Having the “Mean Girls” soundtrack on my personal playlist, I knew that the performance of the song “Meet the Plastics” would truly set the trajectory of the show. I applaud powerhouse Alyssa Ruiz on meeting the demands on the song. Equally powerful was Kaydence Coleman’s vocal chops as Cady Heron and Joanne Nieves-Torres’ rendition of “I’d Rather Be Me.” Bravo to Vocal Director Caitlin Van Zee on everything she helped the cast accomplish!  

Aran Caswell and Maura Alibrando were absolutely fabulous as the iconic Gretchen and Karen and made me laugh a lot. Despite being Regina George’s sidekicks, each brought main character energy to the show.  

The brain cannot help but pick “favorites” in a show. Mine were Michael Brown’s energetic and hilarious Damian, and Zophia Zieseniss’ “Mrs. George” and dance scenes.  

Once again, I cannot emphasize enough — everyone deserves a round of applause! Did you attend this show? I’d love to hear what moments and actors stood out to you. Comment below. 

After the show, I had the opportunity to speak with Theatre Director (and my previous English teacher) Kathrine Deneen. She glowed with “ram pride” as she shared how each of the students were celebrating each other behind the scenes.  

The evidence of this came during the round of applause as members of the cast gave each other hugs as they exited the stage. I am so glad to see and hear that some things at NTHS never change.  

 Personal request 

When I got home from the show, I began looking through my old high school photographs. In the midst of my nostalgic spell, something became very clear: my good friend Richard Nava was in a majority of my pictures and was clearly more significant in my high school life than he got credit for. 

Richard is the first person I met who had such nuanced musical talent and passion in multiple genres. During high school, Richard was very intentional and often came up with kind and fun gestures that brightened my day.  

I think of Richard every time I hear Stravinsky's “Firebird.” Richard played “Firebird” for me during our drive home from our choir’s military ball performance in Tacoma. When the piece got to the big “jump” as I call it, Richard blasted it and scared the crap out of me! It was hilarious!  

As is true with most high school friendships, some drama happened and we sort of broke up. I never knew why, or what I did wrong. We reconciled before graduation, but things were never the same and it made me really sad. 

Richard (who may use a different name or pronouns now) — if you are reading this, or if anyone knows Richard is reading this, please reach out to me at rachel@thejoltnews.com. I would love to chat, apologize for anything I did wrong, share a laugh, and celebrate who each of us are today.  

https://thejoltnews.com/stories/hold-reflections-from-north-thurston-high-schools-mean-girls,29213