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Amador named outstanding performer at Jester Awards

Marco Amador receives the award for Best Lead Performer in a high school musical in the state of Kansas at the Music Theatre Jester Red Carpet 2026. He is pictured with Joshua Larson and the award presenter for the evening who is also a former Jester winner. Photo courtesy of Christopher Clark Photography, Inc.

USD 210’s Marco Amador, Hugoton High School Senior, had the crowd on its feet at the 24th Annual Jester Awards in Wichita Sunday evening bringing home the award for Outstanding Lead Performer in a High School Musical in the State of Kansas. Marco played Gomez Addams in the musical “The Addams Family: School Edition”.
The Jester Award for Outstanding Lead Performer included a $1,000 scholarship and an opportunity to work with Musical Theater Wichita in its performance of “Elf the Musical” this summer along with a trophy, medal and bragging rights. Amador has been in Hugoton schools since kindergarten. He has been performing in the HHS musicals since his freshman year along with being a member of the Hugoton Show Choir and Eagle Singers as well as performing solo and duet for the annual Sorghum Queen competition.
He is planning to go to KState to study Agricultural Economics this fall.
Marco’s mother Carla Amador said, “As parents, it’s hard to put into words how proud we are of our son, Marco, for earning this Jester Award. Coming from a small town, we know opportunities like this don’t always come easy, but he has worked so hard, stayed dedicated, and never given up on what he loves. As a Hispanic family, this moment means even more to us. We understand the challenges that can come with being seen, being heard, and being given a chance. Watching him grow, push forward, and achieve something like this fills us with so much pride. We are especially grateful to Sarah Kitzke, Holly Grubbs, and Renee Beesley for always supporting Marco throughout these years and helping shape the person he is becoming today. Their guidance and belief in him have meant so much to our family. We also want to thank “The Addams Family” cast for standing by him and supporting him along the way. Having that kind of team and community behind him has made all the difference. More than the award, we’re proud of his character, his passion, and his determination. We’re excited to see what the future holds for him, and we will always be there cheering him on every step of the way.” Lacey Vertrees said, “In the musical, Marco became Gomez Addams! He was a delight to watch! It makes complete sense that he won the Outstanding Performer Award for the state of Kansas! We should all be proud. He has represented Hugoton well. Hugoton High School is amazing! We were competing against schools that our athletes don’t compete against. And we had Marco bring home the win!”
“It’s incredible because HHS used its resources and were all hands on deck building the set, making and designing the costumes and the homemade torture device was outrageously amazing! From vocals, choreography to sound, lighting and backstage, etc…. these kids are talented and I’m so proud to be able to witness them in their element. The community should be proud! There is so much I could say about help from parents, faculty, staff, community members and of course the kids! This group was amazing to watch, hear and be apart of building the show!”
Others nominated were Hugoton High School – Outstanding Lobby Display; Levi Foreman and Gage Harris – Outstanding Sound Design; Luke Harding – Outstanding Vocal Music Direction; Holly Grubbs – Outstanding Choreography/Staging; Sarah Kitzke, Shelby Martin, and Teresa Lewis – Outstanding Design Guest (Scenic Design) and (Costume Design) and Sarah Kitzke – Outstanding Direction.