Collier High School Student Dominic Cerreto Wins 2026 Basie Award
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Collier High School Student Dominic Cerreto Wins 2026 Basie Award
Collier Youth Services proudly announces that Collier High School’s Dominic Cerreto won “Outstanding Featured Performance in a Male-Identified Role - Comedy” at the 2026 Basie Awards, for his role in “This Murder Was Staged.” The play was also nominated for “Outstanding Small School / Community Production”.
The Basie Awards, in their 21st year, honored 80 nominees across 53 high schools at Count Basie, spotlighting Monmouth County High School Theater. Collier High School’s vibrant theater program has a history of Basie Awards recognition. Since 2023, Collier has been nominated for 11 Basie awards, winning 6 across multiple categories. Last year, Collier High School won the "Yvonne Lamb Scudiery Innovation Award." This prestigious award honors educators and school programs that recognize the importance of access and inclusion within the arts, as well as the power of art to help build community. Collier High School Senior Essence Nero-Davis also won the Basie Award for “Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Female-Identified Role – Drama” for her role in “Radium Girls.”
“Dom brings light into the room wherever he goes. He radiates positivity, and his energetic spirit helps give life to any environment. He is not only a talented performer but also a wonderful human being” remarked Emily Niemeyer, Theater Program Director at Collier High School.
Sarah Dodgson, principal of Collier High School, praised Dom for his passion for the arts. She said, “He is a talented performer with a remarkable range in music and acting. Dom shines in every production, but what truly sets him apart is his support for those around him. He consistently encourages his peers and helps create a positive environment. We are proud to celebrate both the performer he is and the person he will continue to become.”
When asked what it meant to win the Basie Award, Dominic replied, "It means so much to me because it assured me that all the hard work that I put into the show paid off. I didn’t expect to even be nominated, so it was a big honor for me to actually win the award." He gratefully added "I think the main thing that has helped me become a better performer is Ms. Niemeyer. She has all the skills and all the advice to help me get to where I am as a performer today. "