SILER CITY — Ten Jordan-Matthews High School artists received awards on May 27 during an annual ceremony highlighting outstanding student musicians, actors and visual artists.
Awards are usually announced as part of JM Awards Night, an annual presentation highlighting top students across all disciplines. But because of the pandemic, arts awards were announced by faculty members in video presentations on JMArts Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The ceremony is pinned to the top of JMArts Twitter at twitter.com/JMHSArts or is accessible on all platforms with the hashtag #JMAawards2021.
Karsyn Vann, a freshman, received the 2021 Young Actor Award for her outstanding work in a particularly challenging role, as Old Man Warner in the spring theater workshop production of “The Lottery.”
Jennifer Diaz Garcia, a junior, received the 2021 Young Artist Award for her outstanding talent, ability to work in various media and willingness to experiment and take risks.
Andy Ayala Jimenez, a freshman and tuba player, received the 2021 Young Instrumentalist Award for his musicianship, dedication and ability to overcome obstacles.
Cassidy DeShazo, a freshman, received the 2021 Young Vocalist Award for her outstanding voice, understanding of music theory and quality work
Hannah Redding, a senior, received the 2021 Kaitlin James Theater Award for her exceptional work as Tessie Hutchison in the spring theater production of “The Lottery.” Though the award is presented annually to an actor or crew member for their contribution to a production’s success, this year’s presentation also honored Redding for her dedication and leadership over four years of theatrical work.
Wesley Apple and Daniel Escalona Fernandez were named the 2021 Outstanding Graduates in Band, the first time two artists jointly received an outstanding graduate award. Both trumpet players were honored for their musicianship and impressive growth as musicians over four years. Apple will begin undergraduate study this fall at East Carolina University with a major in music education and a minor in music performance.
Conrad Suits was named the 2021 Outstanding Graduate in Theater. The JMArts Scholar performed most recently at Jordan-Matthews as Hutchison in “The Lottery,” The Baker in “Into the Woods” and Eric in “The Little Mermaid.” He enrolls at Appalachian State University this fall with plans to complete the B.A. in Theatre Arts.
Tiana Brooks was named the 2021 Outstanding Graduate in Visual Art. The 2020 JMArts-Rotary Scholar’s digital work, “symbol of strength,” was commissioned this winter for the first JMArts spring greeting cards and her painting, “Say Their Names,” was one of only 35 student works statewide selected to exhibit at The 2021 Emerging Artists Invitational, an annual exhibition for high school artists sponsored by the Sechrest Gallery of Art and the High Point University School of Art and Design. She will enroll at Appalachian State University this fall to study arts management.
Rilee Rains was named the 2021 Outstanding Graduate in Vocal Music. The vocalist has not only performed with JM vocal ensembles, but appeared on stage in musical productions, performing as Rapunzel in “Into the Woods” and Adella in “The Little Mermaid.” She begins undergraduate study this fall at Central Carolina Community College.
More information about JMArts, including details about JMArts Scholars and upcoming events, is available at jmarts.org.