Central High School will recognize a renowned teacher Saturday, March 10, when it renames the CHS Auditorium after Colleen Thom.

Mrs. Thom, who died last spring, taught drama, speech and language arts at Central from 1957 to 1988 and is considered to have set the benchmark for theatrical productions.

“She was known for elaborate sets, costuming and dramatic interpretations of Broadway-style musicals,” said Kevin Griffin, Coordinator of Fine Arts for Secondary Schools. “She was a guiding light to the students she coached in drama, as well as to teachers who had the privilege of working with her on productions.”

Fittingly, the dedication will take place at this Saturday evening’s presentation of “Les Miserables,” at 7 p.m., in the Central Auditorium.

According to Griffin, many of Mrs. Thom’s students became professional actors, singers and technical crew members in some of the finest theatres, opera houses and film companies both here and abroad. They also became award-winning teachers of drama and other subjects. An untold number of theatre-goers enjoyed her work.