Helen Cooper appeared on center stage of the Nebraska theater community this year for her ability to shine the spotlight on East High School students.

The Nebraska Thespians organization honored Cooper with the Nebraska Theater Teacher of the Year Award. The award highlights teachers who have gone above and beyond in activities such as play production and school musicals. Cooper teaches English classes at East and is the school’s theater director.

Cooper said she enjoys helping students find both purpose and pleasure on stage. Her top aim is to give all Spartans a place where they can begin to pen successful life scripts.

“It was in theater that I made friendships that have seen me through the last 25 years of life changes,” Cooper said. “It was in theater that I found the power of telling a story. It was in theater that I discovered that if I worked hard enough, supported my team and dreamed big, that I could write my own story. My life goal is to create a space at East where, for as many kids and as many years as possible, I can do the same for others.”

East teacher Erin Bell said Cooper inspired her to follow a similar career path. Bell became a standout performer in her acting roles at East, and she later participated in the Nebraska High School Theater Academy Showcase Ensemble. She now serves as assistant theater director alongside her mentor.

“When I was in high school, Miss Cooper was the assistant theater director for me, and she really gave me my love for theater,” Bell said. “I owe so much of my life to her, and I cannot thank her enough.”

East students Gavin, Zach and Elizabeth echoed those words of gratitude. They joined a group of Spartan theater leaders in a nomination video about Cooper’s work. Bell submitted the video to Nebraska Thespians leaders, and they distributed it to theater directors from all corners of Nebraska. The directors voted to honor Cooper after learning how much she has impacted East students.

“High school can be a scary place where not a lot of people know where they fit in,” Gavin said. “Miss Cooper made it her mission to make sure that I felt accepted, and not only accepted, but fit into a place where I can shine.”

“Miss Cooper has given me the tools and encouragement to pursue a career in musical theater,” Zach said. “I am forever grateful for everything she has given me.”

“Making friends has always been hard, but being in theater has allowed me to grow a little community,” Elizabeth said. “Thanks to Miss Cooper, I’ve been able to hold on to those friends and hopefully will keep them forever.”

Brooke Phillips said those responses are why Cooper has become a role model for Nebraska Thespians members. Phillips leads theater activities at Millard West and is the current co-director of the statewide organization.

“Helen is amazing!” Phillips said. “What stands out about Helen, and why she is an excellent example of who Nebraska Thespians love to highlight as Teacher of the Year, is that she puts in the extra hours and does immense amounts of hard work to provide the best opportunities for her students. She goes above and beyond what is asked of the average teacher to reach every kid and find ways to showcase their talents.”

Cooper said she found both a home and a family when she participated in theater at Lincoln High. She said directors Patsy Koch Johns, John Heineman and Chris Maly changed her life with their guidance.

“Students come to the stage for many reasons – to showcase their talents, to grow in leadership and responsibility, sometimes just to have fun with their friends,” Cooper said. “A not insignificant number of theater kids find their way to an audition room or a tech team sign-up because they need a place to feel supported and important. That was me.”

Cooper said she wants to build the same level of confidence and self-esteem in current students. She writes personalized thank you letters to the entire cast and crew after performances, teaches them how to woodgrain set pieces and gives everyone equal opportunities to shine.

“I love leading theater productions at East because those memories are as varied as the people involved,” Cooper said. “Some of my kids are going on to study theater at elite performance programs, and East Theatre has hopefully helped mold them into more capable artists. Some hopefully are making the memories they’ll still be laughing about when they’re adults, who you’d never guess were once theater kids. I love getting to cultivate a space that can be so many different things to so many different people.”

Phillips said Cooper’s difference-making leadership has helped many Spartans become spotlight citizens in their homes, workplaces and organizations.

“It is so important that we have more teachers like Helen, as the skills students learn in a quality theater program provide them the chance to develop themselves into creative problem solvers, polished public speakers and flexible collaborators,” Phillips said. “These skills will serve them well as they grow into adults who serve in our communities, in any sort of endeavor they aspire to.”

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East teacher Helen Cooper stands in the school auditorium with her plaque for winning the 2025-26 Nebraska Thespians Theater Teacher of the Year Award. She is the school's theater director. She is holding the plaque in front of her with both hands.

Cooper earns state spotlight for supporting Spartans on stage