Junior Devan Barlow named Meritorious Scholar

Minnetonka High School is proud to announce that junior Nate Irvin has been named a Minnesota Scholar of Distinction in theatre arts by the Minnesota Department of Education. In addition, junior Devan Barlow has been named a Meritorious Scholar in theatre arts. They were among only 34 students statewide to receive this honor at an awards ceremony held May 16 at Hamline University in St. Paul.

The Minnesota Scholars of Distinction program recognizes distinguished achievement by highly motivated students. Students must complete required work in Minnesota’s Academic Standards, demonstrate mastery of complex subject matter and apply their knowledge and skills on challenging projects. Awards may be earned for math, science, geography, theatre arts and leadership. Theatre arts students were required to present a portfolio of work and a script analysis, go through a lengthy interview process and perform for a panel of college professors and professionals.

Irvin and Barlow have been in many productions at MHS including the most recent show All Shook Up, the Elvis musical. Both have been involved in musical theatre since they were young. Irvin was a boy soprano for the Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Opera as a child and traveled around the country performing. He’s also been involved in productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, the Children’s Theatre Company and the Guthrie.

Barlow has been taking voice, theatre and dancing lessons since she was in elementary school. She says, “We’re really lucky that we have a high school that can nurture the skills that we have been working on since we were young. Not many schools offer the opportunities Minnetonka does to participate in so many performances – and such a variety of shows.”

Minnetonka High School Theatre director Kent Knutson believes Irvin and Barlow are both extremely well deserving. “Nate Irvin is one of the brightest, most complete actors I have worked with. He is a tremendous performer. He brings the complete package to the stage and possesses tremendous depth and a vast performance experience,” says Knutson.

“Devan is a hardworking, brilliant theatrical scholar. As a performer, she has a tremendous work ethic and fabulous skills to match. We are really fortunate that Nate and Devan are only juniors and will be gracing our stage with their talent again next year.”

Irvin and Barlow both plan to pursue musical theatre in college and beyond. They look forward to beginning the application process next year. In the meantime, they’ll continue to wow audiences in productions at Minnetonka High School.

The Scholars of Distinction program was developed by the Minnesota Department of Education through a partnership with professionals and educators with expertise in each specialty area. The Perpich Center for Arts Education, a collaborative partner with the Department of Education, administered the Scholars of Distinction in Theater Arts program.