There is something very exciting about seeing a brilliant idea. The creators of last evening’s Arts Gala, Toven MacLean, Jeff Smith, Sandy Stewart, Sven Dietrich, Karlee Sinclair, Stephanie Cummings, and Jonathan Cheverie had several but this one struck me as genius: rather than have the ceremony dominated by adults, why not hand it over to our most creative students and alumni. As a result, our wonderful host Victoria Dubois, invited alumni from the Class of 2020 to present the special awards. It was fabulous seeing current students and their performances recognized by our Arts superheroes of yesteryear on screen. Hearing them speak about their experiences at KES before making the presentation to their friends and former schoolmates was magnificent. My heart leapt when Class of 2020 graduates Mya Snarr, Ella Brown, Ohemaa Ofori, Katie Goddard, Max Cole, Eva Redmond, and Annalise Emery appeared on screen. Better than at any Academy Awards ceremony, the presenters were eloquent, gracious, and hugely enthusiastic. Be it in dance, drama, music, voice, visual art, the media arts…it was obvious that the Arts programme at KES occupied a special place in their hearts and memories.
I also realized how much these young graduates hold a place in our hearts.
Mya Snarr described how fondly she remembers Ms. Sandy Stewart’s hello every time she entered the Art room. I love this. Being greeted warmly each day says so much about the connection between teacher and student, the connection between space and creativity, and the joy of feeling welcome and safe. I know that Sandy greets everyone warmly. She has made her studio a cozy and comfortable oasis separate from the high energy hubbub of the main campus. For Mya, a boarding student for six years, I am sure the Art Studio was a place not only to create but to re-create.
How we greet people is important. Saying hello is such a simple thing but done well it has a lasting impact. It may have seemed like a simple bit of fun for Mr. Faucher, Mr. Walsh, and Mr. Chandler to put together their own award ceremony for the morning screening, but that daily ritual for all students and staff arriving on campus welcomed everyone and never failed to put a smile on our faces. And how much fun it is to recognize Sean Hurley’s chivalry, Natalia’s daily jokes, or Mr. Trace’s perfect hair!
I hope we don’t have to do morning screening next year, but somehow we have to ensure that every student carries memories with them of being welcomed warmly every time they came on campus, entered a class, stepped into the theatre for rehearsal, or joined their team for practice.
The Arts Gala can be found on
YouTube. Make sure you watch right through to the finale – best song ever!
