A budding young Williamson High School playwright has been hiding his talent under a bushel basket, as they say, but things are shaping up to bring him into the local limelight.

Caleb Stacy, who aspires to become an English teacher and professional writer, gave a sample of his talent Monday night when he offered a soliloquy of his original play, “The Fall of the Bard,” at a special meeting of the Mingo County Board of Education.

Stacy was proudly introduced by WHS Principal Johnny Branch during presentation of the school’s Local School Improvement Council report. The talent exhibited by representatives of the high school, Williamson Middle School and Riverside Elementary School was an eye-opener for newly appointed Mingo County school superintendent David Roach.

#The Barter Players from Abingdon are due in Williamson on March 13 to present a play, “The Scarlet Letter,” and also to present Caleb Stacy’s “The Fall of the Bard.” The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Rose G. Smith Little Theater at Williamson High School.

Caleb Stacy is a good looking senior who won first place in the Barter Theater’s 8th Annual Young Playwrights Festival held in Abingdon, Va., last Nov. 9. He received a $500 cash award in addition to a trophy, professional mentoring and a pair of theater tickets for his teacher, Nancy Terlizzi.

Williamson High School also received a trophy. Contest winners were honored at a community performance and award ceremony, which were followed by a reception attended by the Barter actors and playwrights, students, their families and teachers.

Stacy is the son of Nikki Stacy and the late Ryan Stacy of Williamson. His original play, “The Fall of the Bard,” was inspired by the great poetic masterpieces of the 20th century, as Principal Branch and teacher Terlizzi will hastily point out.

“The festival was a very rewarding experience that helped me gain helpful critique and inspiration for my writing career,” said Stacy. “I would like to thank all of those who, throughout my life, have encouraged my writing.”

Nine high schools from three states submitted 179 plays in the competitive Barter Theater event. Williamson High was the only school from West Virginia to participate for the second year. In addition to Stacy”s play, WHS Sophomores Chris Atkins and Matt Wellman submitted a co-written play entitled, “Wastes.”

Several Williamson High students attended the playwrights” festival in Abingdon in which the top eight plays were staged by professional Barter Theater actors. According to Mrs. Terlizzi, winning students fielded questions from the audience concerning their writing process.

Caleb”s classmates commented on how enriching the experience was for them. Class time was devoted to feedback and critique after the event.

Terlizzi, who teaches English Language Arts and theater, remarked, “This event is truly inspirational and enriching for our students. Everyone had a positive experience. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to expose our students to cultural events of this quality.”

More information is now being readied for the Barter Players” performances March 13 in Williamson and it is expected that there will be “standing room only” when the curtains open for the presentations.