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Big Night for Scranton Playwright

SCRANTON — Broadway fans in the Scranton area have something to celebrate. The Tony Awards turned into a huge night for a Lackawanna County native. While ...
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SCRANTON -- Broadway fans in the Scranton area have something to celebrate. The Tony Awards turned into a huge night for a Lackawanna County native.

While Stephen Karam accepted his Tony Awards for his play "The Humans," students from his alma mater Scranton High School struggled to contain their excitement.

The two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist took home four awards for his play that takes place over the course of a family dinner on Thanksgiving.

"It's kind of insane because I've watched the Tonys for so many years and I love Broadway and everything," said Scranton junior Jillian Petroski.

Petroski is involved in the drama club, speech, and debate clubs at Scranton High. Seeing someone local win was an amazing feeling for her and her classmates.

For Principal John Coyle, seeing the first graduate to receive a Tony Award puts Scranton High School on the map for art education.

"I think it's a great reflection on all of our students," said Coyle.  You can achieve anything you want in life through hard work and dedication."

Theater teacher Jenny Brotherton says Karam's Tony Awards show the importance of keeping art education in schools.

"(It) makes it apparent to everyone why we need to hold on to arts education. Not everyone fits on the field. Some kids are writers. Some kids are actors. Some kids are singers. Some kids are artists, and we need to make sure we are addressing all of those kids' needs."

For Devon Berazate, a junior with big dreams, this award proves anything is possible.

"Seeing him succeed and go on that same path is just inspiring."

School officials plan to take students on a bus trip to New York in July to see "The Humans" and want to invite Karam back to Scranton High School to celebrate his success.

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