‘Pamalot’ honors Pam Cressey at Kentlake High | Slide Show

A series of shows at Kentlake High to honor drama teacher Pam Cressey, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall, has raised more than $10,000 for research toward a cure for the disease.

By Kris Hill • January 28, 2010 8:45 pm
Jacob Axelson sings “If I Can’t Love Her” from “Beauty and the Beast” Friday during the Kentlake High performance of 'Pamalot.'
Jacob Axelson sings “If I Can’t Love Her” from “Beauty and the Beast” Friday during the Kentlake High performance of 'Pamalot.'

A series of shows at Kentlake High to honor drama teacher Pam Cressey, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the fall, has raised more than $10,000 for research toward a cure for the disease.

Students and alumni produced “Pamalot,” a musical revue that highlighted all the shows Cressey has directed during her long tenure at Kentlake, including “Westside Story,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Damn Yankees,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Music Man.”

Just two days before school started, Mario Penalver came on board as a long term substitute to teach Cressey’s drama classes, and he was tasked with leading the tribute show. Performances ran Jan. 13-15 and Jan. 20-22 with special alumni shows on Jan. 16 and Jan. 23.

Kentlake principal Diana Pratt told the Reporter in November that Cressey was diagnosed shortly before school started.

Pratt said Cressey has “touched the lives of so many kids over the years.”

Putting on “Pamalot” was also a way for the students to cope with the scary diagnosis as well as pay tribute to her.

“Pam Cressey has taken my love of theater from

childhood dream to lifelong passion,” said Kentlake junior Jacob Axleson. “Every time I see her, she helps me in one way or another, whether she knows it or not. Cressey is a constant reminder that there is good in the world.”

Jessica Nicholas, who graduated in 2002 and now teaches at Archbishop Murphy High, said Cressey has served as a role model for her as an educator.

“I think sometimes I channel a bit of Ms. Cressey while interacting with my own high school students,” said Jessica Nicholas, class of 2002 who teaches at Archbishop Murphy High School. “I can be silly with them and let them know I care about them, while at the same time getting things done.

All proceeds from “Pamalot,” and the special First Giving Pamalot Web site, will go to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s mission. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network provides funding for research, patient services and support. More than 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year.

For more information, visit the official Web site at www.Pamalot.org, follow Pamalot on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.