Grad Day 2010

By Shenelle Harris

Day: Oct 1st, 2010
Time: 1700 hrs
Mission: TallMan’s Graduation
Objective: Stand Tall, Reach Further, See Beyond

Over 30+ plus proud students of The TallMan Foundation showed up to take part in the graduation ceremony for their outstanding achievements in the various disciplines of Dance, Videography, Photography, Vocal Training, Theatre, Performance Workshop and Music.

TallMan students at the ceremony.

Besides these talented students attendees included the founder of the organization, Michele Jodhan, some TallMan committee members, Fr. Harvey, the dedicated teachers of the various disciplines, close friends and family members and many well-wishers of both the foundation and students.

The Masters of Ceremony were Jamie Thomas and Lifa Morean, both students of the foundation. Jamie involved in photography and videography and Lifa, theatre and dance. They did a fine job of hosting the ceremony and kept the program running smoothly.

TallMan students Jaime and Lifa were the MC's.

The featured guest speaking was none other than Mr. Wendell Manwarren of 3 Canal. He started off his speech with fond or not so fond memories of his grandmother’s way of instilling in him the attitude which would later on define him as the person he is today, a well-respected and sought after musician and theatre writer/producer.

She insisted that he always stand up straight and look up. This had to be reinforced at times with a tap or two. It was her way of ensuring that he would reach his full potential in life. He went on to expound, peppered  with personal valuable life experiences, on his take of the mission statement of TallMan: Stand Tall. Reach Further. See Beyond.

Student Jamie Thomas listens on to feature speaker Wendell Manwarren.

He gave the example of when he went to Australia to assist Peter Minshall with the Sydney 2000 Olympics. He saw an ad that needed drummers for the closing ceremony. He saw the opportunity and took a chance and tried out with no experience or formal training and became one of the drummers in that closing ceremony. He stood tall by exuding confidence and believing in himself, he reached further by participating in the ceremony and he saw beyond the idea in his head and overcame the obstacles before him.

Individual certificates were then given out. Also, as a token and a symbol of their continued growth, the students were given seedlings, to show that they have come along way but also to show that some more growing needs to be done in order to reach their ideal potential.

TallMan representative Anya Ayoung-Chee presents TallMan student Bryan, with his certificate and seedling.

Like last year, another student was chosen as the one who showed great growth as well as maturity in their chosen discipline and that student was Medgar Creed. He was chosen by the graduation committee made up of students and committee members to be given the honour of TallMan Student of the Year.

After the certificates were given out the TallMan Performing Group performed ‘We are TallMan’, a song written by the students themselves.

TallMan Performing Group performs 'We Are TallMan'.

 To end off the evening were guest artist ‘The Savannah Quartet’, four classically trained musicians who either work with or are associated with the UTT. They performed three short classical pieces which were all well received.

The Savannah Quartet prepare to play (one member not in picture).

All in all, the ceremony was a success and we look forward to continued growth from The TallMan Foundation, whether it be in students, their abilities, support or the committee members and teachers. See ya at 2011’s Graduation Ceremony!