This year’s cultural awards evening was another great success for the cultural committee of 2024, and as deemed by Mr Moore, the best we’ve ever put on.
The theme, Once Upon A Time, was aimed at capturing the power of stories, linking together all aspects of arts and culture, whether it be expressed through choreography, lyrics, film or written word. With such a broad theme, the Cultural Committee had a lot of creative freedom, and I think it’s fair to say the result was something quite unique. All the design work was handled by Jimmy Eggington, whose high standard and attention to detail elevated the quality and aesthetic of the event. Our stunning photo booth was entirely handmade this year. It was thought up and put together by a small group of committee members on the spot from recycled materials from various donors.
The Emcee for the night was our very own Ms Tania Wilson. She skillfully hosted the entire event. The guest speaker for this year was classically trained Jazz pianist, composer and arranger, Ben Fernandez. Mr Fernandez not only gave his speech, encouraging all to share their creative works with the world, but he also delighted the audience with a jaw dropping performance. He was joined by Praveena MS who is an Indian Carnatic Singer who took up the challenge, in a short span of time. Others who gave high standard performances, were the Kapa Haka Group, Year 11 Drama Students,The Brass Trio, Senior Dance Students and African Dance Group. In addition to this, the audience heard inspiring speeches from Mr Moore, Mrs Fahitua and the cultural captains. Audiences also enjoyed a delicious catered meal.
Mrs Fahitua’s speech was heartwarming and she bid farewell to Matua Jeff for his service to Rutherford’s cultural landscape in his time here. His contributions to the Māori Department, Kapa Haka and his guidance and advice for Polyfest and Fiafia Night is noteworthy and highly appreciated. Favour Ukah, an ex-Rutherford student, was also thanked for initiating African dance at Rutherford when she was here in 2016 and coming back every year to volunteer her services and making sure Rutherford African dance maintains its high level of performance at Polyfest. The Cultural Committee also bid farewell to year 13 Cultural Committee members Ella Wen, Saurabh Singh and Phoebe Chin for their dedicated service to the committee.
Recognition of Service, Distinction, Performer of the Year, Service to Music/Visual Arts and Service to Co-Curricular awards and Dux Artium were awarded on the night. Dux Artium, went to Edie Annan for her service to arts and culture throughout her five years at Rutherford, particularly in the domain of Visual Arts.
Congratulations once again to the prize recipients.Thank you to the Performing/Visual Arts teachers and all teachers involved in co-curricular activities for nurturing the arts and culture aspect of our school life at Rutherford. Our appreciation goes out to the Cultural Committee and Sandi Perumal for putting together an evening filled with vibrant performances and heartfelt celebrations of the cultures that shape our school community.
Top Arts & Cultural Awards
Dux Artium : Edie Annan
Senior Male Performer - Markus White
Senior Female Performer - Zoe Ukah
Junior Male Performer -Daniel Day
Junior Female Performer - Isha Baynosa
Service to Multiple Co-Curricular Groups
Ella Wen, Phoebe Chin, Natalia Noone-Jones, Jin Na, Ailidh Stewart, Isaac Lee Sang & Vainiaku Tupou
Service to Music - Jin Na & Max RobbMarkham
Service to Drama - Emmilia Day
Service to Dance - Niamh Dines
Service to Visual Arts - Ailidh Stewart & Abigail Loots
Cultural Committee 2024
Charlotte Apps, Indi Botting, Lisa Chieu, Phoebe Chin ,Charlotte Dye, Jimmy Egginton, VioletaEraso Diaz, AJ Falaniko-Smith , Katrina Koci , Mafa Levi, Praveena M S, Charlotte Marriott, Danae Marsden, Natalia Noone-Jones, Rohan Prasad, Max RobbMarkham, Elle Shao, Saurabh Singh, Myra Tan, Ella Wen, Lok Yean Yong, Joy Zhang
By Natalia Noone-Jones
