Performing Arts Students Win Prestigious Metro Awards

From Mt. Vernon Schools: Two Mount Vernon performing arts students were recently awarded Metro Awards, the high school equivalent of Tony Awards for their performances in The Color Purple. The Metro Awards were established to evaluate and celebrate student performances in schools from Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Bergen counties.

The winners were Ajanee Thomas, who was nominated in the category of Female Acting Performance for her portrayal of Celie; and Dionysia Placide, who was nominated in the category of Actress in a Supporting Role. Both were presented with their Metro awards on June 11 in the Concert Hall at Purchase PAC on the campus of Purchase College.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Ajanee and Dionysia, and I’m so pleased to see them being recognized among their peers for their outstanding performances,” said Evelyn Collins, Founder/Director of the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School. “They rehearsed six days a week for five weeks to create a memorable theatrical and musical experience for the community, and their hard work paid off!”

Students in Mount Vernon, Thornton and Mandela High Schools and select students from the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School captivated audiences with four performances of The Color Purple at Mount Vernon High School in early May. The cast delivered a powerful performance that brought the audience to tears and ultimately to their feet.

The musical was produced and directed by Evelyn Collins; with musical direction by Alvin Waddles; set design by Janet Rush; lighting design by Antoinette Tynes; choreography by Samuel Reid; vocal direction by Terri Cann, and costumes designed by Gladys James.

Images via Mt. Vernon Schools