Matthew Wolfe, Westerville South’s theater director, was awarded the 2023 Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Teacher of the Year Award on July 11.

The award, presented by The ASCAP Foundation and the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), celebrates Wolfe’s unwavering dedication, innovative teaching methods, and positive impact on students’ lives.

Wolfe has been an integral part of the South community for many years, inspiring students to reach their full potential and fostering a love for learning.

According to the ASCAP foundation, for candidates to be evaluated the person has to be nominated by themselves or a peer.  In addition, the recipient must have made an impact on their peers,  accomplishments within their profession, and an influence on their community outside of school.

Senior Kiki Eschbacher shared, “He has given me a place where I feel like I’m at home and I belong.” Escjbacjer made sure it was clear that Wolfe goes above and beyond to make students feel like they have a place, providing them  a trusted adult and an activity loved by many. 

Senior Fope Oyewusi added, “He is inclusive and always lets everyone know that theater is for everyone!”

Wolfe plans to celebrate his award by doing what he already does, teaching and always being around theater because it brings him the most joy. He also added, “If this award has the ability to bring focus or light to what we do here, and make us feel more important, grow, and do new things, then that’s what I hope the benefit ultimately is.”

The  Wildcat family is proud of Wolfe’s well-deserved accomplishment and looks forward to the continued impact he will have on future generations of students. Wolfe continues to work on amazing shows with one come up: Your A Good Man Charlie Brown, performing Oct. 27-29.