Costumed and ready, actors from the fifth-grade at Beech Hill Elementary stood in the wings of Ashley Ridge High School awaiting the introduction from Assistant Principal Wally Baird for the first ever House Awards Show.
The House Awards were a celebration of the school, lifelong learning and the cultural diversity of Beech Hill’s learning community.
Former Beech Hill student Jake Stauch received the Nurture House Award for his work at the Gibbons sanctuary. Alex Singleton also received a Nurture Award for promoting forestry and an appreciation of trees.
Former Beech Hill student Aaron Walchli received the Connect Award for keeping sound systems throughout DD2 connected and Marianne Odom received the same award for her work connecting the Beech Hill learning community with the public.
The Create House Award was given to Peggy Derrick for her work in making each Beech Hill event a true thing of beauty. A second Create House Award went to former BHES student, Meredith Raynor, for taking dance to a new high with movements that excite and delight.
The Dream Award was given to former Beech Hill student AJ Green for reaching out and grabbing his dream of playing football for the Georgia Bulldogs. The second Dream Award was given to Deputy Superintendent, Barbara Stroble, for her commitment to helping all students in DD2 realize their potential as lifelong learners and to dream big.
Between awards, the chorus wowed the audience with their rendition of the song “Personal Code,” the first-grade hand bell choir brought the house to its feet with “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” Ms. West’s Sign Language team performed enthusiastically and everyone teamed up to perform the new Beech Hill song.
Awards were graciously accepted and appreciated and the first-ever show was happily added to the list of annual events at Beech Hill. Many thanks go out to Ms. Wiley, Ms. Powell and all of the Beech Hill teachers, students and cast members who worked hard to make the event happen.