Four talented students from Santa Margarita Catholic High School have earned recognition as semifinalists in the prestigious 2026 Artist of the Year program, standing out among hundreds of nominees across multiple artistic disciplines. Congratulations to our outstanding students!
Dance
Only 16 students were selected as semifinalists for the 2026 Judy Morr Award, chosen from a competitive pool of 107 nominees. Among them is Ava Woinarowicz ’26 (photo courtesy of Jordan Blais).
Ava Woinarowicz ’26
Instrumental Music
In instrumental music, 16 student musicians were named semifinalists for the 2026 Pacific Symphony Award, selected from 130 nominees. Representing Santa Margarita is violinist Andrea Freeman ’27 (photo courtesy of Ani Freeman).
Andrea Freeman ’27
Theater
Theater also saw strong competition, with 16 students chosen as semifinalists for the 2026 Segerstrom Center for the Arts Award from a field of 220 nominees. Madeleine Orozco ’26 was recognized from Santa Margarita (photo courtesy of Steve Wylie).
Madeleine Orozco ’26
Vocal Music
In vocal music, 16 semifinalists were selected for the 2026 Pacific Chorale Award from 121 nominees. Santa Margarita’s Libby Rue ’27 earned a spot among the top performers (photo courtesy of Stephanie Rue).
Libby Rue ’27
Read the full OC Register article here. The finalists and Artists of the Year will be announced during an awards celebration on May 13. These semifinalists represent some of the most accomplished young artists in Orange County, highlighting Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s continued excellence in the arts.
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