Not long after Palmer Ridge High School’s theatre program Bear Necessity Theatre Company earned a prestigious award, the company’s director earned recognition for his contribution to theatre education in the State of Colorado.
Colorado State Thespians announced in July that Josh Belk, director of theatre, would be recognized as the organization’s High School Educator of the Year.
“Mr. Belk was selected as the High School Educator of the Year recipient for the high level of respect he fosters in his community,” a release said. “One reference stated he allows students to succeed and fail, and teaches life lessons along the way.”
In September, Belk will travel to the Thespians Teacher Conference to be presented with the award in person.
“Over the past two years, one of the things I have striven for is to create positive connections between people,” Belk said of his philosophy on theatre education. “Yes, between students and teachers, but also among theatre teachers in our state. It frequently seems that we are isolated; I’ve worked to be a point of connection between us.”
Belk said he’s honored to represent Palmer Ridge High School, LPSD38 and theatre educators as the Educator of the Year designee. He will be honored in August at the Board of Education meeting for his contributions to education in Lewis-Palmer School District 38.