Lee County High School senior named GHSA’s best actress for her performance in ‘The Fastest Woman Alive’

LEESBURG — Lee County High School’s Nicolette Mantica was named the Georgia High School Association’s Class AAAAAA “Best Actress” recently at the 2014 state one-act play competition. Mantica, a senior, received the honor in recognition for her performance as famed American aviatrix Jackie Cochran in the school’s production of “The Fastest Woman Alive.”

The play advanced to state-level competition after winning the regional one-act play contest in October. Mantica garnered the region’s “Best Actress” award for her performance in that competition.

She was joined by fellow actor Gavin Walker, who was named the region’s “Best Actor” and two other LCHS students, Candace Shirley and Skyler Glass, who were named to the All-Region Cast. At the state competition, the Lee County production of “The Fastest Woman Alive” finished in fifth place.

“The Fastest Woman Alive,” a 2004 play by Karen Sunde, tells the story of Jackie Cochran, the first woman to break the sound barrier and the holder of more than 70 world aviation records. Notable aviation figures, such as Chuck Yeager and Amelia Earhart, appear in the historical play. The show gives particular attention to the wartime role of the Women Air Force Service Pilots, the WASPs, an organization founded by Cochran. “I am glad that we were able to tell the story of this amazing woman,” said Mantica. She added that Cochran’s work led the way to securing important rights and greater opportunities for women.

The Lee County show was produced by the school’s Theatre Arts Program under the direction of Dotty Davis. The production was designed by Robby Davis. More than 20 student actors performed in the show. Stage Manager Amani Mitchell led the team of student technicians for the production.