The 2008 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement award was awarded by Jay County Civic Theatre to Priscilla McFarland On May 17, 2008, after a production of "Spitfire Grill," JCCT Board President Jason McGraw introduced last year's recipient of the award, Greg Ashley. Greg began his speech by talking about how the award was established by the Board in order to honor those people who have had a profound effect on theatre in Jay County. He went into detail about what "profound effect" could mean, discussing first and foremost his old friend, the late, great Tom Casey, in whose honor the award is named. Greg cited such things as being in charge of costumes, working late at the front booth in order to extend rehearsal times for the actors on-stage, directing and producing various shows, and so many other jobs that so often go unnoticed and under-appreciated. Greg then announced that this year's recipient had no idea that the award would be going to her. And with that, he announced that Priscilla McFarland was the 2008 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Priscilla was overcome with emotion as she made her way to the stage to receive the award. Greg then called the Homepage Webmaster, Russell Burbage, to the stage to read the following prepared statement: It's an honor to be part of this ceremony bestowing the 2008 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement Award to my good friend Priscilla McFarland. Priscilla is best known as a hell of a wardrobe mistress, then as the Arts Place representative who is on our side, and also as Jennifer's mother....but I first met her as my wife. I met Priscilla when we both auditioned for the 2002 show You Can't Take It With You. This was my first audition for Jay Civic, and I found out later that it was Priscilla's first time as well. What can I say? You never forget your first time. We were cast as husband and wife in that show, and I'm not going to lie to you: we were GOOD. We had chemistry, not only as the two rookies, but as kindred spirits: we were both gentle, easy-going, shy people thrust into the spotlight....Yeah, right. We are both shoot-from-the-hip, honesty is the best policy types, and we clicked from the beginning. We had most of our scenes together, so we had plenty of time back-stage to get to know each other.... and yet we're still friends. A few years later we were co-directors of a little show called DOGS. It was an all-kids show where the cast portrayed mutts at a pound. Priscilla & I had a directing style that I liked to call "Good Cop, Bad Cop" because when I was in a foul mood yelling at the kids, Priscilla would step in...and yell at me, and then yell at the kids. Those poor kids. Now, some people have trouble with Priscilla. No, seriously. But you see, Priscilla is pretty easy to understand: she works hard, she works well, she works fast, and she expects you to do the same. And when she's stressed out, she has QUITE a mouth on her. You learn to look past that, though, because you see, the thing about Priscilla is: she CARES. She really does. She will work long hours sewing your costume so that it will be just so. She will stay over at Arts Place so you can get that extra rehearsal time in. She will run box office so things go smoothly on that end. Basically, she is and always has been a backstage hero. And for some twenty VERY odd years, Jay Civic Theatre has been taking advantage of her. Well, tonight Priscilla, we're giving you a great big community hug and a heartfelt THANK YOU for your years of service. Priscilla, I am happy to help present to you the 2008 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement award. Thank you, and Congratulations! Priscilla then tried to say a few words. She admitted to be completely "gotten." She said she could not imagine how her daughter and son-in-law and other family members had managed to keep the secret from her. She graciously thanked everyone for the award, saying she does what she does because she simply enjoys it so much. She was met with a huge ovation and later, hugs and kisses in the lobby. Photos by Anna Toyama Click on the picture to see the larger version
Last year's winner Greg Ashley introduces the award and explains the criteria required to win	Greg rattles off a list of Priscilla's accomplishments without yet announcing her name as this year's recipient	Gotcha! Priscilla McFarland is overcome with emotion when she is announced as the 2008 recipient
Russell Burbage is called on stage to make some disparaging remarks (reprinted above)	"Priscilla is best known as a helluva wardrobe mistress"	"I first met Priscilla when she was cast as my wife."
"You never forget your first time."	"We were both gentle, easy-going, shy people thrust into the spotlight."	"She works hard, She works well, She works fast, And she expects you to do the same."
"Thank you, Priscilla, and Congratulations!"	"Mr. and Mrs. Kirby" hug after Russell's speech	Priscilla McFarland tells the audience: "You Got Me!!"
Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 2008: Priscilla McFarland	Surviving Recipients of the Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement Award: Greg Ashley Priscilla McFarland Diane Whitenack	Surviving Recipients of the Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement Award: Greg Ashley Priscilla McFarland Diane Whitenack

2007 Award Winner
Greg Ashley