Accolades and a miracle are in this FAB (Fine Arts Boosters of Kingston High School) Spotlight.
Two outstanding KHS seniors were awarded FAB scholarships in June. And a FAB swan song will not be sung!
Do you remember Dorothy in last year’s musical, “The Wizard of Oz”? That was Tatianna Finch, a visual and performing artist and a 2014 FAB scholarship winner.
Finch writes: “It has always been my dream to travel, photograph, and write. I plan on pursuing a career as a grant writer to provide funding for local parks, classrooms, nature preserves, and various philanthropic organizations dedicated to bettering the North Kitsap community. I will major in print journalism at Western Washington University.”
Terry Darrow, KHS National Honor Society adviser, wrote: “Tatianna is simply a special young woman. She is one who truly gives back and enhances her community with her generosity of spirit.”
Arts Department Chairman James Andrews said Tatianna, a potter and an Advanced Placement three-dimensional artist, is “[a] leader and a shining example of a well-rounded Kingston High School arts student.”
Do you remember the executioner in the spring play, “The Actor’s Nightmare”? That was FAB scholarship winner Alex Quarrell, an actor who, according to Pam Laing, English/drama instructor, “[i]s diligent and focused about his character portrayals. He is a well-rounded, dependable, mature and dedicated young man.”
Alison Roberts, drama teacher, said, “I cannot think of another student in the graduating class who commitment to theater.”
Alex has participated in 19 productions.
Alex says this about himself: “Theater changed my life forever. I was born with a disability. I was very self-conscious and didn’t have a lot of confidence. The stage was a place where appearance didn’t matter.
“My Options teacher, Bob DeWeese, told me, ‘It’s not you that the audience sees, it’s the character you create [that] they see.’ That allows me to be fearless on stage.”
Alex plans to go to Western Oregon University to study theater and American Sign Language interpretation. He will pursue a career as a theatrical interpreter.
Now for the miracle! It happened on June 12. At the last minute, FAB was saved by four parents of KHS Arts (music, visual arts, drama and debate) students.
FAB moves forward thanks to the devotion and persistence of the retiring FAB board president and treasurer, Mary and Thom Montgomery, community arts advocates; arts teachers James Andrews and Alison Roberts; and debate coach Lasica Crane.
A new board with enthusiasm is in place: Patty Fliege, president; Piper Ragland, secretary; Tamera Rabura, treasurer; and Carmen Gale, vice president/fundraising. They are ready to roll.
