WINDHAM — The Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Drama Club wrapped up its participation in the regional Maine Drama Festival by finishing third out of a field of 10 Class A teams.

This landed them runner-up status, narrowly missing out on a trip to the state championship. They lost to clubs from Falmouth and Windham. Because of the large field of schools, the top two finishers move on to states in Camden.

OHCHS’s production of “Dear Harvey,” a documentary-style drama about the first openly gay man to be elected to a major public office, garnered praise from the judges at the regional festival.

One judge called the performance “a bold, adult, activist play that was powerfully presented. The cast had a mature and unabashed handling of the material.”

Another noted that the production was “an important, serious topic addressed in a sincere, forthright manner.”

More significant than the club’s overall finish was the fact that it received an Outstanding Ensemble Award. The achievement recognizes the work of the entire cast, and only three were awarded.

Three individuals also received all-cast status: senior Kelcey Robichaud, playing the part of Robin Tyler; and sophomores Jacob Michaud and Isaiah Alexander for their roles as John Laird and Cleve Jones respectively.

Schools are judged on 13 categories for acting, staging and technical aspects. Acting, character work, set design and lighting are a few of the areas adjudicated by a panel of three judges who have professional backgrounds in theater.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the club,” said coach Corrine Turner, in her second year as the club’s director. “We had outstanding performances from everyone. They really worked so hard and it paid off.”

Productions are wholly the responsibility of students when it comes time to perform. Stage management, set design, lighting and sound are all up to the students.

“Once the show begins, all I can do is sit there and watch. They have to do it all,” Turner said. She admitted the power of the show brought her and others in the audience to tears. “The kids were thanked by a lot of their peers. And coaches approached me afterward. I’ve never had that. These kids have never had that. It was exhilarating.”