Students Metro-Wide Featured in GCB Academy of the Arts Showcase

Some of the most talented high school musicians, writers and performers in Kansas City put their talents on display during the George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts nineteenth annual ‘Showcase of the Arts,’ July 1 at Truman High School. This year’s showcase theme was ‘An American Sampler,’ featuring music, dancing, acting and art from several periods in American history, including the Truman inauguration.

This was the culmination of the five-week George Caleb Bingham Academy of the Arts summer program where 75 students from 18 high schools across the metropolitan area worked with professional artists, writers and musicians in a college-like learning environment. Created in 1997 by the Independence School District (ISD), the academy is open to any public, private or home high school-aged student, offering courses in creative writing, music, theater and visual arts. Applications for the academy are taken in the spring with students earning high school and/or college credit for participating in the program.

Before the performance began, graduation ceremonies were held, recognizing and honoring the students for their hard work.

Director’s Award (student has at least one more year of eligibility in GCB):

Creative Writing-Kylie Tuckness (Blue Springs South HS)

Vocal Music-Alexandria Vest (Lee’s Summit North HS)

Instrumental Music-Joanna Gaverette (Van Horn HS)

Dance-Camille Maxey (Truman HS)

Theatre-Nicole Potts (Plaza Heights Christian Academy)

Visual Art-Simaran Singh (Ft. Osage HS)

Robert W. Watkins Scholars (highest honor)

Creative Writing-Elizabeth (Alexx) Terry (Van Horn HS)

Vocal Music-Micah Ruiz-Esparza (Summit Christian Academy)

Instrumental Music-Rachel Harris (Blue Springs HS)

Dance-David Figueroa (Truman HS)

Theatre-Dakota Kinslow (William Chrisman HS)

Visual Art-Alexandra Sirna (Blue Springs HS)

To see more photos from the Showcase, go to the ISD ‘facebook’ page.