The Middle School Presents: The Lion King, Jr. school news From February 8th to 10th, our middle school students dazzled audiences with their spectacular performance of e Lion King, Jr. e AQ community came together to witness these talented young actors bring to life the beloved characters and songs from Disney’s timeless animated masterpiece, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all. Wynton Rice, AQ’s Dance Teacher and Director, selected e Lion King Jr. for this year’s middle school production because he felt it would be a fun show that everyone would recognize and appreciate. With 14 years of experience working alongside Garth Fagan, Wynton saw this as a tting tribute to honor that remarkable legacy. During rehearsals, students dedicated two hours every day a er school to embodying the characters’ motivations and intentions in the scenes. eir commitment to the art extended beyond school hours, as they diligently memorized songs and rehearsed their lines at home. Wynton fondly recalls one of his favorite moments: “ e students truly came alive once they put on their costumes, which were made by the incredibly talented Ti any Perry. It was incredibly rewarding for me to witness their con dence grow with each rehearsal.” Arts education is critical in middle school. As Wynton explains, “ is experience helps students in multiple areas such as ELA and reading comprehension, public speaking, musicality, physicality, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Additionally, students begin to develop a sense of pride and ownership for their cra .” He further emphasizes, “Art allows us to integrate multiple disciplines and challenge our perceptions. It enables us to grow not only as individuals but as a community as well.” ank you to Wynton, as well as the faculty, sta , students, volunteers, and audience members who contributed and showed their support. 28 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcyNDA=