St. Margaret’s Upper School senior Gavin Shams was named the Orange County Artist of the Year in the theater category, an exceptional achievement highlighting Gavin’s talent and skill in enhancing productions through lighting design.

 

Gavin was named the winner out 220 theater nominees, which was announced at an awards ceremony this week at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and soon after published in the Orange County Register. As part of the process, Gavin impressed seven judges during an in-person presentation of his work in lighting design, which he says “supports storytelling, emotion and human connection.”

 

Since Middle School, Gavin has been a mainstay in St. Margaret’s innovative theater technical arts program led by Gordon Richins. During his years in the Upper School, Gavin has built an impressive skillset in the area of lighting design, and his work has greatly enhanced productions of recent Upper School performances like “Lord of the Flies” and “The Great Gatsby” in addition to his work on shows like the annual Tartan Revue.

 

He has also thrived in a leadership capacity, mentoring peers learning about the work that goes into lighting for performing arts productions. He will continue studying the arts at the University of Southern California next year.

 

“This is a tremendous honor for Gavin and for our school, as he was chosen as the best of the best of all of Orange County high school theater students which includes performers and technicians alike,” St. Margaret’s Director of the Arts Dan Pacheco said. “Gavin has elevated our performing arts productions immeasurably during his time at St. Margaret’s, and we are so thrilled that his talent, hard work and innovative skills in lighting design have been recognized.”

 

Gavin joins six other Orange County high school students as artist of the year winners in 2026. One winner is selected in each of the program’s seven categories: theater, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, film and TV, fine arts and media arts. Gavin’s honor, sponsored by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, includes a cash prize, a framed award and an opportunity for professional development at Segerstrom.

 

St. Margaret’s Upper School student Mac Ullem was named one of four finalists for Orange County Artist of the Year the in the film and TV category, out of 67 total nominees. Mac is a filmmaker who will study at Chapman University next year.

 

As a finalist, Mac received a cash prize and was profiled in the Orange County Register, which you can read by clicking here.

 

Mac was recognized at the Orange County Artist of the Year ceremony, as was fellow Upper School students Richard Feng and April Ma who were recognized for being named semifinalists in April.