Prince George's County Students Win State-Wide Dance Showcase

Five students from Prince George’s County Public Schools received top honors for their exceptional dance skills at the 27th Annual Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase on January 8 at Goucher College in Towson.

Suitland High School seniors Mecca Corey, 17, of Fort Washington, Janae Snyder-Stewart, 17, of Fort Washington, Kameryn Trussell, 17, of Upper Marlboro, and Staci Wilburn, 17, of Temple Hills were selected as “All-State Dancers.” Northwestern High School sophomore, Joshua Gray, 15, of Mt. Rainier, received an honorable mention.

“I was very excited about receiving the ’All-State Dancers’ award because it confirmed that I can do anything I set my mind to as long as I’m determined and work hard,” said Corey. “It was a very demanding experience, and required complete focus from the beginning to the end.”

Trussell added: “The showcase provided us with a great learning experience. I’ve danced for 14 years and receiving this recognition, alongside my classmates, made me extremely happy and very proud.”

The Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase highlights excellence in public school dance education in Maryland. High schools submit audition materials, attend a full day of master classes, share with other dancers from around the state, and learn about college and university dance programs in Maryland. The showcase also celebrates student achievement with the presentation of the All-State Dance Awards and the Showcase Award for Professionalism and Performance.

This year, 560 students from 37 public high schools in Maryland participated in the showcase. Seventy-four students from PGCPS attended, representing Potomac, Laurel, Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr., Northwestern, and Suitland high schools.

“It is extremely gratifying to see our students receive recognition when you know how hard they work to achieve their goals,” said Janette Gillis, Prince George’s County’s Center for Visual and Performing Arts modern dance teacher. “Our senior class is extremely devoted to their craft and their futures, and their daily approach to the rigors of dance serves as a model for the rest of the department. I couldn’t be happier for all our dancers and their families.”

All-State nominees had to meet the following criteria: 3.0 cumulative GPA, professional appearance, leadership and dedication to dance, high personal standards, professional behavior throughout showcase, positive attitude, courtesy and consideration of others, excellent attendance and behavior in school, service to a local dance program, and no disciplinary problems at school or in dance.