Nadim has been through a few challenges over the years in high school and his mom always told me drama was his “happy place."  Like Sam, Nadim was in every performance throughout high school, a drama club leader, and has so much passion and dedication. He was always first to arrive with much enthusiasm and never missed a rehearsal or meeting. The whole class wanted him to have this special honour. He is quite a talented actor as well. 

The recipient of the Sam Baker Dramatic Arts  Award for 2022-2023 is Samantha Steepe. 

Samantha is a talented performer, leader, and mentor among her peers at NT. Her exceptional kindness, compassion, and empathy shine brightly through her many volunteer efforts. Throughout Samantha’s artistic journey at NTCI, she has consistently demonstrated these admirable qualities inside and outside the drama classroom, making her a truly deserving award recipient.

With aspirations to become a future educator, Samantha has already exhibited the qualities of an exceptional mentor. As the drama club leader, she hosted extracurricular workshops week after week, supporting and guiding her fellow students to discover their unique potentials and talents. As the student director for our school performance, Samantha generously devoted her time, consistently going above and beyond to inspire the entire group.

Samantha, we hope this well-deserved recognition and award is just the beginning of a bright future where you can continue to pursue your artistic endeavours. Your creativity knows no bounds, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing your continued brilliance for years to come.

Moriah Lewin possesses a very delightful sense of humour and love for life; and this contributes to a distinctly original storytelling voice through her acting and writing for the stage. She is a voracious reader and this too informs a very thoughtful and creative approach to developing her insightful characters and stories. Among her peers, Moriah leads with an abundance of joy, authenticity, kindness, and humility and is appreciated for her empathy and showing how she cares about everyone. Congratulations Moriah on being the 2022 recipient of the Sam Baker Dramatic Arts Award. We want to wish you all the best this coming year at University of Toronto pursuing your love for learning in the areas of social sciences, film and theatre studies courses.

Thomas has a great love for theatre. He has a special gift for writing for the stage and has dedicated himself to fully developing a wide range of original and thoughtful characters that have creatively inspired his classmates.  Thomas is a role model to others and is always kind and encourages his peers to be dedicated and hardworking.  As the Co-Head of the Drama Club, he is a dedicated and organized leader and mentor for our newest young club members who were immediately welcomed and included. Drama Club students expressed appreciation for how Thomas encouraged them to participate fully and that he helped  them make new friends and develop greater social confidence.  All the best to Thomas this year in his studies at University of Toronto where he is focussing on linguistics and First Nations courses. Congratulations Thomas!

2020 NTCI Graduate Michelle Erhlich is the recipient of The Sam Baker Dramatic Arts Award which honours the memory of Sam Baker, a multi-talented dramatic arts student who was an outstanding leader.  He was an example to all.  He most generously shared his passion, kindness, and creativity in our drama classrooms and mainstage productions to build our drama program and our school community throughout his high school years.  

I am excited to share with you this year’s recipient is Michelle Erhlich who will receive the Award and an honorarium from the Baker family.  She is a most deserving student of this award as Michelle possesses  the special qualities of Sam Baker.

She is one of the most dedicated and passionate students I have ever taught. Her exuberant and joyful personality immediately fills the drama classroom and the stage.  She is a remarkable example of leadership, who has inspired others with her love to create many original, thoughtful and creative dramatic works. Michelle leads by example.  She has an incredible work ethic, strong intellect, and an active imagination that fuelled all of her dramatic works. She is always prepared for every creative challenge when working in a group. In every rehearsal she encouraged her peers to be the best they can be.  When she led a group rehearsal,  co-wrote a play, and prepared to step into a demanding modern classic role, she was always helpful and caring of others, and this has inspired her peers on so many different levels.

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These most admirable qualities will continue to guide Michelle’s future successes.  All the best to Michelle in her pursuit of being an educator as she is now studying in the Concurrent Education program at  Queens University. Congratulations Michelle on being this year's recipient of The Sam Baker Dramatic Arts Award!

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Click Here to view an NTCI Foundation article about Michelle.

Our inaugural winner was presented her award at the  NTCI Commencement ceremony in June 2019.