Kingston, Jamaica- Ardenne High School is the 2024 winner of the JCDC Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts.
The Corporate Area school secured its thirteenth hold of the prestigious award which is presented by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) to recognise excellence in the various National Festival of the Performing Arts competitions which were held earlier this year.
In addition to the overall award, Ardenne High cemented its position as a powerhouse of the performing arts, walking away with a total of twelve awards across speech, drama and music categories.
In commenting on the win following the awards ceremony held at Little Theatre in St Andrew, Gracia Thompson, co-curricular coordinator at the school noted that it was a pleasure to be able to participate in the National Festival of the Arts year after year, something which is not offered in too many other countries.
“We are proud, but humbled. The students have worked extremely hard and we know that we were up against some great competition. What the JCDC does in unearthing and developing the creative talent of the Jamaican people is a remarkable thing and something that we are proud to participate in. In a sense we are a product of that mission” said Thompson
She added that even the mere act of participating in the various competitions gives students a boost and helps to build Ardenne’s reputation and standing as a performing arts high school. “Winning was the icing on the cake for us all – teachers and students alike”.
“The students, based on the kind of work they have to put in with rehearsals starting almost simultaneously with the start of the school year in September, and stretching all the way to the end of the festival season in May, they feel a great sense of reward from earning this title year after year. It comes down to dedication’ said Thompson.
Executive Director of the JCDC Lenford Salmon highlighted the importance of the work of the Commission noting the transformative role the arts plays in the development of students.
“The arts as a development of human capital is unquestionable. I have seen it at work. I see students who show little or no interest in school, are convinced to get involved with the arts, and are literally transformed. The teachers would encourage them to get involved in the performing arts clubs and societies on campus, with a condition that in order to be involved they must attend classes. All of a sudden that student does not miss a day of school. I have seen it transform children in amazing ways,” said Salmon.
The JCDC Marcus Garvey Awards for Excellence in the Performing Arts was first introduced in 1994. The award is given to the school or group which accumulates the most points based on their awards at the national finals at the annual Festival of the Performing Arts. The event also recognises the work of the top teachers and tutors who prepare the participants in the festival.
The JCDC also used the occasion to remind all groups (schools and community groups) that entries for all JCDC competitions (2025) will “open” on Monday November 4, 2024 and will close on Friday December 13, 2024
