Wantagh High School students Angelina DiTroia and Stella Storic have at least two common interests – a love of theater and an inquisitive nature. Those traits helped them become finalists in the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Student Reporter Search.

Angelina, a freshman, and Stella, a sophomore, are among several Metropolitan area students vying for one spot to co-host the Roger Rees Awards Pre-Show on May 19. The winner of that also moves on to represent the Greater New York Region in the Jimmy Awards National Student Reporter Search. 

The students first wrote essays to express their interest in becoming the Roger Rees student reporter. They were encouraged to apply by their theater teacher, Dr. Kimberly Davis. After being selected as finalists, Angelina and Stella took part in a videoconference with Broadway actors, as well as editors from BroadwayWorld. They gained insight into entertainment journalism, such as the types of questions reporters should ask.

“I’m so passionate about theater,” Angelina said. “It’s so cool to meet people who are working in the industry.”

Following the video chat, Angelina and Stella got to work on their story submissions. Each student has to complete a two- to three-minute video news story and well as a written piece. The topic is the impact of high school musical theater experiences on the lives of student participants. The Wantagh finalists plan to interview Dr. Davis, their theater classmates and alumni. These news stories will be used to determine a winner for the student reporter search.

Their shared love of theater covers both sides of the curtain. Angelina performed in all three musicals in middle school, including her biggest role as the Wicked Witch in “The Wizard of Oz” in eighth grade. She also performs with the Cultural Arts Playhouse. Stella can be found behind the scenes as a member of the stage crew. Last year, she helped with costumes and for the spring 2025 production she is part of the sets and props team. 

“The costumes, sets, lighting design, it’s all part of the art of a show,” Stella said. “Theater is such a beautiful art overall. Angelina and I have different interests within that category.”

Stella added that she is excited about the possibility of becoming the Roger Rees student reporter because she loves talking to people and is considering a broadcasting major in college. Angelina added that she loves writing and enjoys telling other people’s stories.