Sts. Francis & Joseph students danced and sang their way to several wins at the 2016 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival.

The school emerged as national winner in the categories "drumline, 12 and under", "story telling, 12 and under", "individual verse speaking, 4 to 6", "choral speaking, preschool", "choral speaking, 1 to 3", and "choral speaking, 4 to 6". The dynamic performers were also recognized as the overall winners of the drama award.

The school, which has a reputation for quality productions and performances, has won the overall award for drama five times over the past six years.

Proof that creativity and artistic talents extend throughout the Sts. Francis & Joseph school community, Valerie Rolle was presented with the Pandora Gibson Gomez Award. The award is presented by the National Arts Festival Committee to the person exhibiting outstanding skills in directing. Rolle is a grade four teacher and an integral part of the team responsible for preparing the students each year for the national arts festival. The team is comprised of Rolle; Taniqua McPhee, coordinator; and several other teachers.

"I feel that the arts and participation in the arts is important for young children, because it gives them another avenue to develop and showcase their talents," said Rolle. She added: "With performing arts, children are able to channel their creative side that may not be nurtured in regular classes. It also helps them to work together as a team and build bonds with people similar and conversely different from them. It helps to keep our culture alive."

Awards for the 2016 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival were presented on October 22 at Government House.

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