Tyler Drewes named Distinguished Student

Balancing school, work, sports and extracurricular activities can be tough, but the recipient of the United Dairymen of Idaho Distinguished Student Award – Tyler Drewes — manages to do it.

The Hillcrest High School senior is playing the lead role in the school’s spring musical, “Man of LaMancha.”

“It’s pretty exciting — it’s almost bitter sweet, you know, senior year, last one,” Tyler said.

Theater has been a big part of Tyler’s life. He enjoys acting.

“Once you start getting into the program, figuring everything out and you’re able to tell a story, really become a character, it becomes a lot of fun,” Tyler said.

Tyler’s final play in high school is quite the production, with magnificent sets, including a ramp that raises and lowers, a live orchestra — and the actual armor used in the Broadway production.

Tyler has done more than drama at Hillcrest.

“I haven’t just done theater,” Tyler said. “I’ve been involved in football, lacrosse, a couple other little things here and there. The more involved you get, the more knowledge you obtain, and so you go to school to learn and doing extracurricular activities helps you gain more knowledge.”

Tyler has worked hard during high school, taking honors and AP classes. He works part time too. As busy as he is Tyler tries to keep things balanced.

“Focus on your grades,” Tyler said. “Try your best not to procrastinate, respect your teachers and just have fun.”

You can see Tyler and rest of the cast in “Man of LaMancha” Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, at Hillcrest a 7 p.m.