ThunderRidge’s Gabi Karl earns Bobby G Award for acting role | Arts & Entertainment [Video]

A few months ago, Gabi Karl of ThunderRidge High School was on the verge of being homeless. Today, she is a champion.

Karl was honored for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role at the 10th annual Bobby G Awards on Friday at the Buell Theatre. The awards, hosted by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, celebrate achievements in Colorado high-school musical theater over the past school year. 

Karl played revenge-minded Janis in ThunderRidge’s production of “Mean Girls.” Meaning that, yes, the nice girl playing the mean girl finished first. 

“Gabi is a super-kind person who’s also super-talented,” said her teacher, Kylene Hurley. “But what makes her special is she is unique. She perseveres. She’s gone through a lot, and she has made it out on the other side.”

As Karl explains it: “A little bit ago, I went through an abusive relationship with my mother, and that didn’t turn out so well. …