The 13th Reliance Bank and Altoona Community Theatre Issac award took place Saturday at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona and will continue Sunday night.

20 schools participated from 6 different counties. Last year, local high school students received $55,000 in college scholarships through the Issac Awards.

Organizers say it’s important to recognize the hard work the students put into musical theatre at their schools.

Altoona Community Theatre Executive Director Steven C. Helsel said, “I think it’s good to give some visibility to the work that the kids do at the arts end of the school. A lot of the schools have so much emphasis on the sports and other activities and the arts are definitely an important part of their education.”  

This year they plan to give out another $60,000 worth of scholarships to the winners. Day two of the event is Sunday night at 7:30pm at the Mishler. Tickets are $18.