A spectacular year in performing and visual arts was celebrated as Trinity College School hosted its annual Arts Awards on Wednesday, May 31st.
The ceremony featured the presentation of honours to students who have demonstrated commitment, skill and passion for the arts during the 2022-2023 academic year. It was also a chance to look back on a busy year – the first full year with no pandemic restrictions since 2018-2019 – that began with the fall play and Halloween bells concert, moved through the Winter Concert, February’s production of Hamlet, the Dance Show and CIS Music Festival, and culminated with Arts Week and the recent spring play. Along the way were the nerves of auditions and try-outs, many hours of rehearsals and individual practice time, and time spent in service, such as through Week Without Walls arts programs and the spring community concert.
Narrated by Grade 12 students and Arts Council leaders Bria Chalovich and Emily Hartleib, Arts Awards included the presentation of Commendation and Excellence awards to nearly 130 students! Four individual awards were also handed out. The Cosmo Music Award was presented to Beau Lee. The Warner Dance Trophy was awarded to Hannah Van Gennip. The Stevenson Award for Acting was shared by three students: Naomi Datti, Eleanor Harvey and Silas Hodges. Finally, Robin Xu received the John Bassett Award honouring his extraordinary level of skill and contributions to the music program.
Capping off the prize giving was the presentation of Distinction awards, representing the highest level of achievement and commitment to the arts. A testament to the incredible work of our student-artists over the year, a full 18 students earned Distinction: Mitchell Baboolal, Jaylyn Bao, Bria Chalovich, Chloe Chan, Kyra Fingas, Emily Hartleib, Silas Hodges, Wesley Hoo, Hannah Hwang, Grace Johnson, Amelia Maggi, Maggie McLean, Ben Semmler, Josie Scott, Allen Tang, Phillip Whan Tong, Robin Xu and Sara Yang.
Special thanks to Bria Chalovich for the wonderful video presentation that was enjoyed by all in attendance. And a shout-out to the students who helped present awards: Kyra Fingas, Amelia Maggi and Ben Semmler.
The Arts Awards concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Jeff Biggar, who plans to leave TCS at the end of the school year having taught in the music program since 2010. We thank him for his dedication to his students and to elevating the arts, including his foundational roles in developing the drumline and guitar programs at the School.
Click on the links below for more on Arts Awards:
