Celebrity of the Year Finalist #5: The Stars of High School Musical

As 2008 winds down, it's time to reflect upon those - from household names to relative unknowns, from A- to D-list - who made this year so memorable.

The Hollywood Gossip is unveiling 10 finalists for its 2nd Annual Celebrity of the Year award. They've given us their best, their worst, even their nude pictures in some cases. Now it is time for us to give something back with this moving tribute.

We previously profiled the expensive, Governor-seducing call girl, Ashley Dupre. Today, we present Celebrity of the Year finalist #5 … the High School Musical Cast!

It was a huge year for Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and company... literally! While previous installments of this Disney franchise scored solid ratings, High School Musical 3: Senior Year was released on big screens across the country, breaking records and making names in Hollywood for all its stars.

Efron has received the biggest career boost from the film.

Previously compared with temporary teen icons such as Brody Jenner, Zac is now being discussed in the same breath as A-list actors such a Leonardo DiCaprio. In 2009, he'll star alongside Matthew Pretty and Leslie Mann in 17 Again.

Hudgens, meanwhile, gets to have sex with Efron. She also has overcome the biggest nude scandal of 2007 in order to resurrect her burgeoning resume. Like her delicious boyfriend, Vanessa has broken free from the teen mold: she'll be included among Maxim's Sexiest Stars of 2009.

As for Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman and others associated with this franchise, they may very be included in our Celebrity of the Year profiles for years to come. Go Wildcats!

Click on the following images for countless pics of your favorite High School Musical stars...