Hanford Drama Alumni Celebrate the Legacy of Three Beloved Educators

Alumni spanning more than three decades of Hanford Drama, representing graduating classes from 1996 through 2029, recently returned to Hanford High School to celebrate the lasting impact of three influential educators and directors: Matt Leggett, Deb Donahoe, and Peggy Painter.

The special reunion brought together former students, families, and community members to honor the countless lives shaped through the Hanford Drama program. The event featured an alumni chorus that reprised musical numbers from productions directed by Leggett, Painter, and Donahoe over the past 30 years, along with heartfelt tributes recognizing their dedication to students and the arts.

Throughout the evening, alumni shared stories about the strong sense of community fostered within Hanford Drama and reflected on the life skills they developed through the program, including resilience, hard work, problem-solving, empathy, leadership, and collaboration.

A Tradition of Excellence

The Hanford Drama program traces its roots back to 1972, the year Hanford High School opened, under the direction of Robin Emmingham. Over the next several years, the program was led by a number of dedicated directors, including Jack Smith, Ginny Quinley, and Debbie Lee.

Beginning in 1973, Peggy Painter taught English at Hanford and played an important role in cultivating students' appreciation for theater. She led some of the school's earliest trips to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and began supporting after-school productions in the early 1980s. One of the students influenced by those experiences was Matt Leggett, a Hanford Drama performer who graduated in 1982.

In 1989, Leggett returned to Hanford as the Drama Program Director. During his first year, he directed two high school productions and a Hanford Middle School show, laying the foundation for what would become one of the region's premier high school theater programs. Under his leadership, the network of volunteers, parents, and community supporters grew significantly.

The program continued to expand throughout the 1990s. Lighting designer Fred Mann joined the team in 1993, while Kelly Brown and Marlie Buriak began serving as music director and choreographer, respectively, in 1994. Buriak continued in that role until 2010, when Kelsey Pontarolo assumed choreography duties. Both Brown and Pontarolo remain active members of the Hanford Drama leadership team today.

That same year, Rick and Deb Donahoe moved to the Tri-Cities and quickly became integral members of the program. Deb Donahoe taught a variety of subjects at Hanford and later Enterprise Middle School, including history, health, drama, and library sciences. Together with Steve and Sandra Critchlow, the Donahoes helped establish the Hanford Drama Boosters, creating a formal structure to support the growing program.

Building a Theatrical Community

During the next two decades, Leggett regularly directed three productions each year while Painter and Donahoe helped expand both the high school and middle school theater programs. Beginning in 1998, they assumed leadership of Hanford Middle School Drama, creating opportunities for students to engage in theater from middle school through graduation.

One of the hallmarks of the program was the intentional connection between middle and high school students. High school students served as teaching assistants, supported technical production needs, and occasionally performed alongside middle school students in productions such as Crazy for You and Hello, Dolly!.

Their collective efforts created a vibrant theatrical community that extended far beyond the stage, involving students, families, alumni, and community volunteers.

In recognition of their excellence in education and commitment to students, Leggett, Painter, and Donahoe were honored with the Washington State Crystal Apple Award in 2003.

Memorable Productions and Lasting Traditions

Over the years, Hanford Drama became known for ambitious productions and innovative programming.

In 2005, the team staged Oliver! as a combined Hanford Middle School and Hanford High School production, marking the final collaboration between the schools before Enterprise Middle School opened.

Later that year, Leggett led the cast and crew of Return to the Forbidden Planet to the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, where Hanford Drama was selected to perform on an international stage.

The same era saw the creation of two enduring traditions: Fame Camp, a two-week summer drama camp for middle school students, and Dessert Theatre, the annual Hanford Drama Booster fundraiser. Both programs remain important parts of the Hanford Drama experience today.

The program also became known for its impressive technical productions. Chris Smith and Bob Popielarczyk, along with students, families, and community volunteers helped design and construct rotating stages for major productions including Les Misérables (2003), The Secret Garden (2010), and Seussical (2016). Many of those volunteers continue to support the program years after their own children graduated.

Growth and Recognition

Under Leggett's leadership, Hanford Drama expanded from a single drama class into a comprehensive theater program featuring multiple levels of coursework, theater production classes, and advanced theater opportunities.

Today, the program produces five productions annually between the black box theater and auditorium, in addition to Dessert Theatre, class projects, regional Thespian activities, and participation in the Washington State Theatre Festival.

The program has earned widespread recognition through the Fifth Avenue Theatre Awards, receiving numerous nominations and honors over the years. Among its most notable achievements were Outstanding High School Musical awards for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2012), The Drowsy Chaperone (2013), and Newsies (2019).

A Legacy That Continues

Like many organizations, Hanford Drama experienced significant changes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Rick and Deb Donahoe relocated to Michigan, Peggy Painter retired from teaching, and Matt Leggett stepped away from his role as Artistic Director while continuing to teach through 2025.

Although retired from their formal positions, Leggett and Painter remain active supporters of the program, continuing to mentor students, assist productions, and provide guidance to the next generation of theater educators.

Today, Hanford Drama is led by a team that includes several program alumni: Joanna Flaten, a 2003 Hanford graduate; Erin Dickey, a 2000 Hanford graduate; choir and winter musical director James Jones; vocal director Kelly Brown; and choreographer Kelsey Pontarolo.

The alumni reunion served as a powerful reminder that the legacy of Hanford Drama extends far beyond performances and productions. Through decades of dedication, Leggett, Donahoe, Painter, and countless volunteers created a community where students discovered confidence, creativity, friendship, and purpose—an impact that continues to shape lives long after the final curtain call.

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Photo courtesy Nikki Cline Photography.