A somber mood has enveloped the campus today as the fact that GHA is almost over finally settles in. Last night, students got their first dose of the end during class performances. Although the event was successful, funny, and exciting, it also drove home the finality of the Academy, and some of the moments throughout the night were very bittersweet.
The performances began promptly at 7 pm with Fujiko Sawtarie's and Sachiko Wood's Japanese classes. Students in both intensive and broad-based sections came together to sing a traditional Japanese song, perform Japanese folk dances, and demonstrate their prowess on the taiko drums. The drum performances were designed to unite the entire GHA community as taiko performances do in Japan.
Following the Japanese cultural performances, John Shirley's "Shakespeare, Slightly Shaken" course put on their rendition of Macbeth complete with nursery rhyme references GHA inside jokes that got the crowd laughing.
Next up was Jennifer Manor's calculus class, which put on a production entitled, "Calculus, Abridged." The class's antics were both funny and informative, showcasing what the class learned through short skits and explanations.
The audience got a bit of a break from performances when Jay Libby's intensive photography class put on a slideshow presentation of their best photos from the past three weeks. The presentation began with a fantastic time-lapsed sequence that included a Thomas Knotts cameo. Students in Dr. Libby's broad-based class also got the chance to display their work in the lobby of the theater.
Rachel McGuire's Arabic classes followed the slideshow with a rendition of "A Whole New World" sung in Arabic and a choreographed belly-dance number.
The presentation then switched gears as Hank Hampton's "Front Row Bandits" class stepped forward to discuss their research on the West Virginia educational system. Inspired by Hank's interactive discussion on the topic during the first week of the Academy, his group decided to formulate a plan for reform based on student opinions; the group revealed its findings last night and included a Facebook page so that others could get involved (Find out more about the movement here.).
Following the power point presentation, his intensive "Thirdrail Therapy" class took the stage to thank administrators Thomas Knotts, Saralyn Dague, and Robbie Brown. Thomas and Robbie received cards, but Saralyn's gift was delayed until today, when students serenaded her with a few verses of "My Girl" and gave her a card as well.
Finally, Heather Taylor's class ended the presentations with a poem they wrote using responses from many members of the GHA community; early in the Academy, students requested that faculty, staff, and other students finish the phrase "I am from..." and responses were organized to represent the entire group. The poem was read by students in Heather's "[title of course]" class stationed throughout the audience.
The class presentations ended with Heather's "Modern Crossroads" class performing highly anticipated choreographed dances to two songs.
But the night didn't end there. Nominees for both male and female representatives gave brief speeches before the final vote, which took place today at lunch.
As always, remember to check the website and photo albums for more pictures (I took 479 last night!). Tomorrow we'll post updates from the "Anything That Floats" race that took place this afternoon, the closing ceremony, and, of course, the dance.
