Oliver Mathiesen and Jenna Ackerman were named the Boy and Girl Dux Artium of 2017 at the MAGS Arts Dinner on Friday, November 3.
Held at Sorrento in the Park, the evening included performances by Jenna, singing one of her original songs, actor Arien Okan, who performed a scene from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Pasifika dancer Lausapai Nikoro, a video compilation of dance performances from throughout the year, and a stunning music video made by Year 12 Media Studies students Billy McColl and Jacob Reynolds-Muir.
Director of Arts Ms Jacqui Cesan said in announcing the Duces Artium that both students had impressed from Year 9 with the breadth of their abilities across the arts, and their commitment to supporting the department and their fellow students. Oliver excels in Dance as both a performer and choreographer, and has received received awards both inside and outside of school. He also received awards this year for Drama and Photography, and last year was a joint winner of the Most Talented Film Maker Award in Media Studies. Jenna has received numerous school and external awards as a singer-songwriter, reaching the top 10 in the national finals of the Smokefree Rockquest this year. She received MAGS Best Female Actor Award this year, and also excels in Media Studies.
Headmaster Mr Patrick Drumm spoke about how the Arts formed the soul of the school, providing a means of expression for performers and engagement for their student audiences at assemblies and school events. He thanked staff for their dedication in helping MAGS’ talented Arts students to reach their potential.