SEATTLE — Musical theater students of Arlington, Marysville and Stanwood were among 2,200 high school students, teachers and parents from across Washington state packed into Benaroya Hall, June 9, for the sixth annual 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Marysville-Pilchuck High School won for Outstanding Orchestra for the production of “Into the Woods” and Arlington High School won for Best Hair and Makeup Design for their production of “South Pacific.” Stanwood High School won Outstanding Choreography for “Fiddler on the Roof.”

The students screamed at the top of their lungs, jumped and cheered as the award recipients were announced in 21 different categories, ranging from Outstanding Overall Musical Production to Outstanding Program Design.

The high school theater nominees played the roles to the hilt, dressing to kill for the Tony Award-style celebration of exceptional musical theater productions presented during the 2007-2008 school year.

AHS entered for the first time this year, and 20 students and parents attended the event, according to AHS drama advocate, Lynn Stone.

“The two leads in [South Pacific], Matt Meyrick and Jessica Safford, performed with other actors from around the state in the musical number that started off the awards ceremony that evening,” Stone said.

“The play’s director Scott Moberly thought it would be good for the students and their parents to see the caliber of performers around the state. Everyone came away exhilarated and ready to set goals for next year’s shows,” Stone said.

Woodinville High School walked away with three awards, including Outstanding Overall Musical. The event may be viewed as streaming video at www.tvw.org.