OHS drama teacher, Natalie Dommer, was recently inducted into the Iowa Thespian Hall of Fame. The honor reflects the quality of her work and respect of her peers over the past 25 years of her career, 20 of those at Ottumwa High School.
Her own drama teacher was inducted in 1997. She found it ironic to be inducted exactly 30 years later. "The Hall of Fame represents people I've admired for all of these years and tried to be like them," Dommer said prior to being recognized during the November 27 Board of Education meeting. The honor was made more special by being presented by former OHS drama student, Heather Hubbs Butterfield, who graduated in 2003 and served on the state thespian board. They have stayed in touch over the years and when asked who Dommer wanted to present the award, Butterfield came to mind.
OHS principal, Cory Johnson, introduced Dommer to the board. In his first year as principal, he told the board how impressed he is with the drama program at OHS. Not only is Dommer a director but she is also a playwrite, who presents regularly at state conferences.
Dommer brought her national qualifying team wtih her to present their skit to the board. The four students, Isabella O'Brien, Megan Leonard, Mataya McClish, and Jacob McDowell will represent Iowa at the International Thespian Festival in June 2018 in Lincoln, NE.
