MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown High School North senior Mia Portelli earned one of the highest honors in Monmouth County high school theater Tuesday evening when she received a Count Basie Award for Outstanding Supporting Female Role for her performance in The Diary of Anne Frank.

The award was announced during the 21st annual Basie Awards ceremony held at the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. The annual event celebrates excellence in Monmouth County high school theater and has become one of the most anticipated nights of the year for student performers, directors, and theater supporters throughout the region.

Portelli’s performance in The Diary of Anne Frank impressed judges and audiences alike during Middletown North’s production earlier this school year. Her emotional portrayal and stage presence helped bring the classic story to life and earned her recognition among some of the county’s top young performers.

The Basie Awards evaluated 53 productions from high schools across Monmouth County during the 2025-2026 school year, with more than 80 nominees recognized across a variety of performance and technical theater categories.

Middletown High School North’s theater department celebrated the accomplishment as another major achievement for the school’s performing arts program. Productions are judged throughout the school year by theater professionals and volunteers who evaluate acting, directing, staging, technical production, and overall performance quality.

In addition to Middletown North’s success, Middletown High School South also received recognition during the ceremony. The entire cast of Iphigenia In Tauris earned the award for Outstanding Company in a Drama, highlighting the strength of theater programs throughout the Middletown district.

The Basie Awards ceremony featured student performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and celebrations of the dedication and hard work that go into producing high school theater. For many students, the awards represent the culmination of months of rehearsals, preparation, and collaboration.

Portelli’s victory places her among the top high school theater performers in Monmouth County and serves as a proud moment for Middletown High School North and its theater community.