What a wonderful evening we were all treated to last night - but one tinged with sadness.

Our annual celebration of all things 'Performing Arts' was it's usual, typical, flamboyant affair - with every single one the talented nominees dressed to impress as instructed! It was a pleasure to see so many familiar faces, supportive parents and students returing to support the faculty, those who are starting University, Dance or Drama school for the first time or those with a little more experience - all coming back to perform their own compositions, pick up an award or accompany the band. The first half ended with a tribute to dear Steven Hughes, an incredibly gifted musician, who, at only 21,  lost his battle to cancer only a couple of weeks ago. He will be sadly missed, many staff and pupils will remember him playing so beautifully on the pink grand piano in the atrium every morning, he was a constant presence at any showcase or performance and will be remembered by many as a good friend and true inspiration.

Shamanie, Ozzie and Mikayla returned to perform a song Shamanie had written especially for Steven. It was an emotional and deeply touching part of the evening and of course, we are all so saddened by the news, but as Mr Condron and Shamanie  reminded us, Steven wouldn't have wanted us to 'bow our heads in sorrow' , and so the rest of the evening was a real celebration. A celebration not just of Steven and his legacy, but a celebration of all the wonderfully talented young people we have here at The Norwood School, whose efforts and achievements were recognised last night.

A huge thank you to everyone who came to support the event, the excited nominees and prize winners, proud parents, staff and of course, the Performing Arts team - Mr Condron, Mr Crisp, Ms Acham, Mr Townsend, Mr Blakelock, Mr Wolstenholme and Miss Quay.

Please do take the time to look through the gallery at some of the pictures of the evening or donate to the just giving page for Steven via the link below.

Thank you to all the parents for their very kind words of appreciation - like, for example, Ms Bowern, parent of winner Ella in Yr 8;

Dear Ms Nicholas,
I just wanted to say a massive well done and thank you to everyone who was involved in organising the PAPAs last night. What a great evening and an amazing experience for the Norwood School students. I am blown away by the commitment and dedication of the staff.
I was also really impressed with the tribute to Steven Hughes. I thought a really sad and difficult situation was dealt with perfectly.
Best wishes
Rachel (Ella's mum!)

 

Just Giving Page - please give generously.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steve-hughes-funeral