November 2022

IN THIS ISSUE: GHSA Region and State One Act Competition LaMurl Morris, Director of Fine Arts The Importance of Authenticity Richard Ricketts, Director of Athletics

GHSA Region and State One Act Competition LaMurl Morris, Director of Fine Arts

There are two activities that are part of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) sponsored fine arts competitions—one act play competition and literary meet. One act play competition occurs in the fall, and literary meet takes place in the winter. Our competitors for both of these events are entirely different this year because of the new region alignment, classification changes, and other area schools leaving GHSA. For both one act and literary competitions we compete against Jasper County, Oglethorpe County, Social Circle, and Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts. Like athletics, the road to one act state competition is a very long road filled with hard work and perseverance. Unlike athletics, one act shows have only one opportunity to advance to state which is by winning the region competition. Unless a school places first at region competition and advances to state, the one act season is over. Rehearsals for one act play competition cannot commence before August 1st. At PACS, we audition for the one act play and for our spring production during the first week of school. At the conclusion of the first week of school, the one act play is cast, and rehearsals begin. Typically, our regional competition is the 3rd or 4th weekend in October depending on the availability of the theatre where competition is held.

On the day of region competition, shows are presented by the order of appearance number which is drawn at a meeting of one act coaches. Schools may not rehearse or walk through the theatre before the competition and are not allowed access to the theatre or backstage area until 15 minutes prior to the assigned show time. Every theatre has different stage dimensions, lighting boards, backstage facilities, loading areas, dressing rooms, etc.; therefore, a director should take these technical elements into consideration when designing the sets, and costuming the show. If there is inclement weather, a director must determine how the set can be constructed if there is no access to the backstage area. Prince Drama Director Hannah Hunt, our student design team, and parents help us build sets that can be easily transported and quickly constructed at competition.

Since we are only given 15 minutes to become familiar with all the technical elements of the theatre and stage, we try to complete as many tasks as possible before we enter the stage area. While waiting for our warmup and performance time, we will construct our sets in another location close to the backstage area and then quickly move our sets into the wings of the stage. Before moving backstage, all actors have completed their hair and makeup, and all microphones have been placed on cast members. The cast has warmed up vocally, physically, and mentally in the warmup area assigned by the hosting school; therefore, during our 15-minute warmup, we walk the stage, practice various formations and choreography, check microphones, quickly learn about the theatre’s lighting board, and perform other pre-show tasks. When the 15-minute warmup is complete, all sets and actors must be cleared from the stage. Our show is announced, and the timed production begins. Each school is given 55 minutes to perform their show. A 2-point deduction is given for every 15 seconds a play exceeds 55 minutes. Only eligible students are allowed on stage during the play performance. Schools are adjudicated on the following criteria: ensemble, listening and response, characterization, vocal interpretation, movement, and overall effect. The winner of the competition is based on the points earned and the judges’ ranking of the plays. Only the first-place winner will advance to state competition.

Our school placed first at region competition and competed at state against seven other single A schools from across the state on November 19th. All schools performed at Houston County High School that day, and Bleckley County High School placed first. Our school placed second in state, and Dylan Capps was named the Best Actor in the state. Claire Gann and Kaylor Jones were named to the state All Star Cast. We would like to thank the cast and crew and their parents for their work and support during the rehearsal, show and competition process. Many of our parents gave countless hours to assist with meals, snacks, backstage tasks and set construction. We appreciate Lizzie Hudlow, costumer, Nan Lavender, assistant costumer, Matthew Smock, sound technician, and Hannah Hunt, director, for all their creative vision, hard work, inspireation, and leadership. To God alone be the glory!

The Importance of Authenticity Richard Ricketts, Director of Athletics

Our Fall sports seasons are all now complete. I am so proud of the accomplishments of our students and coaches! Our softball team made it to the state semi-final, both our boys and girls cross country teams made it to the state meet, our volleyball team made it to the second round of the state tournament, and our football team brought home the second state championship in three years. What a great Fall it has been! Winter sports are now going full steam ahead. Our athletic department continues to improve and mature.

Last Saturday night, I, like many of you, sat down to watch the Heisman Ceremony. I was not surprised when the winner, Caleb Williams was announced. Caleb had a brilliant year on the field. I listened to his entire acceptance speech. He was extremely well-spoken and delivered what I thought was one of the better Heisman acceptance speeches I remember. He was humble and showed gratitude to his family, coaches, and teammates. He even had his entire offensive line in attendance. Anyone that watched the ceremony couldn’t help but be impressed.  Unfortunately, the whole time he was speaking I kept thinking about images I had seen of what he painted on his fingernails for numerous games during the season. For those of you who do not follow college athletics as closely as I do, Caleb painted vulgar words about the teams he was playing each week on his fingernails. Those small words typed on his fingernails had me questioning the authenticity of his words as he spoke. His actions were contrary to the words he was speaking. It made me think. I wonder how many small things I do or say affect what people think about me or our school. No, I don’t make a habit of being vulgar, but do I always act and speak in a way that is honoring to the Lord, my family, or our school?

This morning, I measured the length of my fingernails. Yes, you read that right. I measured my fingernails, and they are less than an inch in length. Less than an inch. Short words, inappropriate responses, poor attitude, and small inappropriate actions affect what people think of me, my family, and our school. Most importantly, they affect what people think about the Body of Christ. Often our small actions say more about us than any billboard, marketing tool, or newspaper article. Please do not misconstrue what I am saying. This is not an attempt to be critical of Caleb Williams or anyone specifically. This is merely a reminder that small words and actions matter. We should all strive to “keep our fingernails clean” of anything that would cause anyone to question the authenticity of our love for Christ and what He has done for us. I am grateful to be a part of the PACS Family! God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Prince Avenue Christian School's mission is to partner with Christian families to provide scripturally based discipleship while pursuing excellence in academics, fine arts, and athletics from a biblical worldview.