SILER CITY — Nine Jordan-Matthews High School artists received awards from the school in a ceremony May 28 highlighting student musicians, actors and visual artists.
Awards are usually announced as part of J-M Awards Night, an annual presentation showcasing top students across all disciplines. But because of the COVID-19 pandemic, arts awards were announced by faculty members in video presentations on the JMArts Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kayli McIntosh, a senior, was named the 2020 Outstanding Graduate in Theater.
“Winning this award is such an honor because I know there are so many wonderful seniors in theatre,” she said. “I practiced all summer for every part I could in the musical and auditioned for them all, just so I could end my high school career with a lead role. Knowing how hard I worked for my part makes me appreciate the award even more.”
McIntosh will attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro this fall.
Jennifer Trejo Benitez, a senior, was named the 2020 Outstanding Graduate in Vocal Music.
“I was so honored to find out that I had won the award for Outstanding Graduate in Vocal Music,” she said. “I’ve always put a lot of time and effort into the things that I do and it’s a great feeling when you get acknowledged for your hard work and achievements.”
Trejo Benitez reports this summer to begin service in the U.S. Navy.
Other recipients of awards:
• Buck Thornton, a freshman, who received the 2020 Young Actor Award
• Tiana Brooks, a junior, received the 2020 Young Artist Award
• Dayanara Rodriguez Mata, a freshman, received the 2020 Young Instrumentalist Award
• Micaela Lopez, a freshman, received the 2020 Young Vocalist Award
• Jimmy Joyner III, a senior, was named the 2020 Outstanding Graduate in Band
• Jabez Lujan, a senior, was named the 2020 Outstanding Graduate in Jazz
• Jackelin Carrillo Ibarra, a senior, was named the 2020 Outstanding Graduate in Visual Art.
Rose Pate, president of the JMArts Foundation, said the different arts programs benefit students.
“I really believe that being involved in the arts in high school is beneficial for kids’ development in a lot of ways,” she said. “An arts class can be a safe space where they are free to express themselves, try things and learn to collaborate and work together to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”