February 13, 2024
By BARTON HENLEY
Rutherford County Schools
Oakland Middle School recently took 43 students to the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta.
The students performed a 15 minute excerpt from the musical Shrek, Jr.
The students were adjudicated by Broadway professionals where they earned the Excellence in Dance award.
Students Evelyn James and Gavin Pearson were chosen as All Stars by the adjudicators and participated in a VIP All-Star workshop.
"The work ethic and dedication that these students have at such a young age is astounding," Oakland musical theater director Jacque Spintzyk said. "These kids amaze me each and every day. For them to be rewarded at the Junior Theater Festival for all of their hard work was just the icing on a very big and sweet cake!"
Oakland Middle theater also performed at the Tennessee School Board Association Conference in November at Opryland Hotel.