A distinctive arts program at a high school in Whitby, Ont., has been attracting attention beyond the classroom as its first group of students gets ready to graduate.
Before joining the Arts and Media Program at All Saints Catholic Secondary School (AMP) in Grade 7, Nicholas Vilord felt that none of his friends shared his enthusiasm for dance.
“After joining this program I feel like I’m a part of a huge group of a bunch of different people that all love what I love,” said Vilord, who has been dancing for 13 years.
Now in Grade 10, Vilord keeps honing his skills alongside other creative classmates.
“I learn some of their techniques and some different ways to dance from them, not only the teachers,” he said.
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6:51 How to dance your way to good brain health
Rick Zheng, a media student in Grade 11, expressed similar feelings.
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2:00 Oshawa teen writes song for Black Lives Matter
The focus on equity and access is central to the program according to Johnny Soln, who teaches drama and serves as curriculum chair for arts within AMP. He explained that there are no fees required for application or participation in the program itself.
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Solln noted how he witnesses students improving not only within their artistic pursuits but also gaining valuable life skills along the way.
“Communication, collaboration, leadership skills, project management; the ability to think creatively,” he detailed while highlighting various areas where growth occurs.
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6:51 How to dance your way to good brain health
Rick Zheng, a media student in Grade 11, expressed similar feelings.
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Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won’t miss a trending story. “Just being surrounded by so many great artists, dancers, actors, etc., it just creates an amazing inspiring environment,” he said. His classmate Mariah Dion, an 11th grader studying vocals and involved in an extra-curricular program for young Canadian filmmakers, agreed with him. “It’s so amazing to have such like-minded individuals with me in my class to discuss ideas and concepts,” she said. The AMP program launched in 2018 and now has around 750 students focusing on areas from dance to instrumental music and visual arts. Chris Cuddy is the principal at the school which belongs to the Durham Catholic District School Board. Students typically apply starting either in Grade 7 or Grade 9 by auditioning or submitting a portfolio based on their area of interest. Story continues below “We take students from all varying levels,” Cuddy mentioned. “So we have beginning artists that maybe haven’t had that outside experience or training before but we see potential in them.” Read more: contemporary art museum launches first exhibition at temporary location This year AMP will celebrate its inaugural graduating class with students enrolled across grades 7 through 12. Many have already made significant strides outside the classroom. Cuddy told , “We have students that have been nominated for Junos; we have students appearing in TV shows and movies; we also have students showcasing their artwork at galleries. We even have students debuting their own short films and documentaries.”
2:00 Oshawa teen writes song for Black Lives Matter
The focus on equity and access is central to the program according to Johnny Soln, who teaches drama and serves as curriculum chair for arts within AMP. He explained that there are no fees required for application or participation in the program itself.
Story continues below
Solln noted how he witnesses students improving not only within their artistic pursuits but also gaining valuable life skills along the way.
“Communication, collaboration, leadership skills, project management; the ability to think creatively,” he detailed while highlighting various areas where growth occurs.
Read more: st. Thomas High School IB program students showcase touching creative projects
Nathan Ounger is an 11th grader who loves drama; he remarked on how he’s gained important communication skills relevant towards his aspirations of becoming a lawyer.
“A lot of that is presenting and I will hundred percent use those skills I’ve learned here,” he stated confidently.
Theater enthusiast Vilord admitted uncertainty about what lies ahead but feels assured dancing will remain part of his journey.
“It’s been my life all my life and it’s definitely going to stick with me for the rest of my life.”
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