From center stage to running the show, Jennifer Namoff established her roots in the very same drama room that stands today. From 1998 to 2002, Namoff attended Palmetto with a dream of Broadway stardom. She participated in drama for all four years in troupe 1298.

“I was fortunate enough to be a part of the drama program,” Namoff said. “We experienced everything together including the loss of our own Helen Marie Witty.”

The tragedy of Helen Marie Witty’s death occurred in 2000 when the Palmetto Senior High student passed away from a drunk driver when rollerblading. 

The shock of Witty’s death inspired many students at Palmetto, including Namoff. The students raised money for scholarships for students to be able to afford the life and dreams that Witty unfortunately could not live. 

“Helen is with me everyday,” Namoff said. 

Namoff entered Syracuse University, but quickly realized a new passion: producing the shows she loved to star in. 

For the past 13 years, Namoff has lived in New York City as a Broadway and Film producer and the owner of Soffer/Namoff Entertainment. Soffer/Namoff is a talent management company representing clients on Broadway, Television and Film. The company represents Emmy and Tony Award winners, and many rising stars on Broadway and in Hollywood.

Looking back, Namoff attributes this change in dreams to Helen and their time together. 

“She directed a lot in high school,” Namoff said. “I decided to do it to honor her name and fell in love with it and I believe that course has led me to where I am now.” 

Namoff also attributes a great amount of her success to her drama teacher, Rick Adams, and the current drama teacher, Robin Barson. 

“My time at Palmetto was some of the most formative years of my upbringing,” Namoff said.

Namoff’s company went on to produce “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” with Daniel Radcliffe, Nick Jonas and Darren Criss, and “Fiddler on the Roof.” Both shows went on to win Tony Awards.

“I started Palmetto with a dream to be on Broadway, and now I am a two time Tony nominated Broadway producer,” Namoff said.