The annual Arts Dinner, recognising the highest achievers in the Arts, was held at Sorrento in the Park on October 24.
The event had the highest attendance ever, reflecting the growth and popularity of the Arts at MAGS.
The event was ably MCed by Head Prefects Rosa Fox and Toby Forster, who were also recognised as Most Dedicated Arts students for their involvement, support and advocacy for the Arts.
Mrs Cato, Deputy Principal overseeing Arts, opened the evening by saying, “The arts matter because we matter, and our stories matter.
“The arts matter because they allow us to express ourselves and illustrate the world around us in a different light, helping us to gain understanding and give hope.
“So to you, our MAGS Arts students, your artistic expression helps you discover more about who you are, but in doing so you help shape who we are. Our school culture, our connectedness and our collective identity can be reflected in your work and by your work.”
Director of Arts Co-curricular Ms Cesan said, “HODs of each Arts subject gave an overview of the year in their subject, and read the citations of each prize winner, clearly demonstrating both their pride in the achievements of each student and passion for their subject area.
“There was entertainment spread throughout the evening, and this was a testament to both the talent and diversity of expression in the Arts.”
The first item was a Pasifika medley by three of the senior members of the award-winning Centennial Choir: Eved Ah Soon, Elijah Poliko and Josh Waqanivalu.
Best Male Actor Koru McDonald gave a powerful performance of Awhinatia Ahau, a piece he had devised himself, and two of the award-winning music students, Theo Wright and Gene Todd, performed a guitar piece, Oh Tengo Suerte, accompanied by Mr Watson.
The audience also had an opportunity to see a short compilation of the special moments from the Dance performances and events this year and one of the excellent music videos from Media Studies students Cormac Fell and Phoebe Newcombe – helping to remind everyone of the breadth of talent at MAGS.
Among the special awards, the Centennial Choir was recognised as Outstanding Extra-curricular Performance for their Gold award at the Big Sing Finale; LIze Deng was recognised (for the second year running) for Outstanding Support for the Arts for his amazing photography of so many of our events; Hailey Martin won the Award for Excellence in Arts Management, not only for her role as Head Arts Prefect but also for her outstanding management of the MAGS Megacrew, who won back-to-back titles for Blueprint NZ schools competition.
The Dux Artiums were named as Rose leader, an outstanding student of media and Visual Arts, and Josh Waqanivalu, a talented dancer, singer and cultural leader.
You can see all the award winners here
