Building Character

Tonight was the Region Drama competition/festival. Every year the kids compete in the following categories: Contemporary Scenes, Classical Scenes, Dramatic Monologues, Humorous Monologues, Pantomime and Musical Theatre. Last week the kids competed in the one act (which I blogged about in my previous post). With the exception of musical theatre, the kids perform their piece in three different rounds in front of three different judges. (Musical Theatre the kids perform once in front of three judges).
I also hosted this year which meant I had to organize EVERYTHING! But, it was ok, just a lot of work. But, I was so grateful for my student volunteers. I had about 25 kids act as hosts, they dressed professionally and were so great! I wouldn't have been able to do it without them.
There is so much blood sweat and tears put into these events. And I want all the kids to do well and go to state.
But, inevitably some will not do as well and it always breaks my heart. I had a kid do a humorous monologue this year. He is a pretty shy kids with an interesting vocal delivery (his natural voice is actually a little robotic). Anyway, I thought he would do well with humorous monologue, but he didn't. And he was crushed because he didn't make it to state. I saw him in the hallway with a tear stained face. I asked him if he was ok, and he just said things like this are hard for a guy like him. I told him he is awesome and I appreciate so much the hard work he had put in. And my heart broke a little for him. Then most of the kids who don't make it state really take it in stride. I really try to prepare the kids for whatever happens, I wish they all could win. But, then what would that teach?
Building character. You win some, you lose some. I think it is so important to learn the lesson about losing. The important thing is to keep moving forward. In contrast I had another kid qualify for state, but not get straight superior ratings... and he was beyond mad. Seriously? I know it's hard but get over it! Sometimes I don't have sympathy for that. I know it's hard, but it's life.
And then the kids... the kids. I had 32 kids compete in region, 25 qualify for state and 18 recieve straight superior ratings! AMAZING!!
It's so interesting to listen as the ballots and critiques come into the tabulation room. I care so much about these kids. It was also especially cool for me this year. Because of how our region is organized, Taylorsville and Granger High School are with us. Well, because of my four years spent at Valley, I knew almost all the kids from those two schools. It was so cool to see them!! Such great memories with those kids!
I had another kid sing "It's Hard to Speak My Heart" from the musical, Parade. I had personally picked the piece for him and worked closely with him on the piece. This kid is amazing. It was so wonderful to read the feedback from the judges. I cried when I read the compliments he received. He is destined for greatness. My favorite one was, "Please pursue your art."...
After the results had been shared with the kids, my students rushed the stage and gave me the most suffocating group hug. As I was driving home, I started to think about how insanely lucky I am to be the person who has the opportunity to build character.
They love me so much. It is so humbling. Seriously, I am so honored to be their teacher. And in awe of the life that I lead.