The Kiwanis Club of Pullman Performing Arts Prize provides one award annually to a high school senior in Pullman (Pullman High School, private high school or home schooled) who has excelled in performing arts. The recipient is encouraged to pursue performing arts, is thanked for the service so far, but is not required to advance educationally in performing arts. The award is $600.
Congratulations to Miller Johnson, recipient of the the 2025 Performing Arts Prize!
2025 Performing Arts Prize – Miller Johnson
Miller has performed in many shows in our community from elementary and middle school years with the Regional Theatre of the Palouse. At Pullman High School, he’s a member of the drama club, ensemble choir, and band groups. Miller is trombone section leader in the pep, concert, and jazz bands. He has performed in seven high school drama productions, including most recently as Percy Jackson in the musical The Lightning Thief.
He says it’s been a privilege to represent PHS and the surrounding community through performing arts. Band and drama teacher Andy Mielke says Miller is well rounded in many areas, a joy to work with, and his potential is very high. Miller maintains a 4.0 GPA while also taking Running Start college classes.
2024 Performing Arts Prize – Parker Williams
The Kiwanis Club of Pullman awarded Parker Williams, a senior at Pullman High School and home-school, with the club’s sixth annual Performing Arts Prize.
Williams received the $600 award for his achievements with the PHS concert and jazz bands, PHS Advanced Ensemble choir, PHS drama club, and as a teaching assistant with the drama class at PHS.
Williams plays the valved trombone in a student-led jazz combo of around ten volunteer students. The combo, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays before school, has played at Kiwanis meetings and concerts at the school.
Williams was accepted in 2023 and 2024 to join the WMEA All-State Symphonic Choir. He was also a soloist with the Palouse Choral Society.
As a teaching assistant for drama and concert choir, Williams has helped younger actors and singers grow, while also learning technical aspects of theater.
He has acted in every show of the drama club since he was a freshman, most recently as lead Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Williams also performed at Pullman Civic Theater, Regional Theater of the Palouse, Missoula Children’s Theater, and in church plays.
Williams volunteers with his church youth group on construction projects, vacation Bible school, and other projects.