PHOTO PROVIDED The Sumter High School Drama Department received several awards at the Palmetto Dramatic Association and Thespians Competitions recently. Of all the students from high schools throughout the state, McKenzie Quinn-Barnett, Sarah Louise McInnis, Emma Houck, Amber Coulter and Emma Townsend received achievement awards that allow them to advance to the International Thespian Festival this June in Lincoln, Nebraska. James Riggs also received an Excellence in Acting award for his performance in the show "Controlling Interest," which received honorary mentions. Kelly Melton is Sumter High School's drama teacher.