A long-held dream came true for senior Morgan Traud over the weekend as she won the Gene Kelly Award of best actress for her portrayal of the title role in Mame.

Traud previously had been nominated for the award in 2017 for her role in Zorro, but won for the first time on Saturday.

“It has been a goal of mine since I was a freshman that I never thought I would actually reach. The feeling is amazing,” Traud said.

Traud said winning the award was like a breath of fresh air.

“I just blanked. I heard my name and all of my stress that I’d had for a week prior all went away,” she said.

The award would not have been possible without the people close to her, Traud said.

“I would like to thank my family, and the cast and crew of Mame for all being so supportive” Traud said.

Senior Nick Niespodzianski was there in the crowd when Traud won.

“Everyone was jumping up and down and screaming,” Niespodzianski said. “I knew deep down that she would win, but I couldn’t believe that she actually won.”

Niespodzianski said the victory means a lot for the music program at Baldwin.

“I just hope that future leads can take from the charisma and stage presence that Morgan had,” he said.

Traud has been involved with theater since she was in fourth grade and has done about 20 total shows. She plans to attend Long Island University, where she will study in theater arts.

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity and I’m excited to go to New York,” Traud said.