Community & Business
16 December, 2024
MAPA presents ‘A Christmas Wish’
The Millmerran Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) held its final performance of the year, A Christmas Wish, on Sunday at the Cultural Centre.
MAPA President, Natasha Hollis, said the level of growth she had seen in her students over the last 12 months was incredible.
“It has been a privilege as President of MAPA to journey alongside these youth and their families, source opportunities for growth that wouldn’t always be accessible in a small rural town, as well as watch their progress, confidence and enthusiasm grow within themselves, but also their friends, as they attended classes each week and then shone on stage,” she said.
Students performed 27 dance sets, and seven songs were sung by the MAPA choirs, Bee Harmonies and Bee Vocal.
The pre-entertainment kicked off at 5.45pm with a presentation of four films by students who had participated in music, film and songwriting workshops by Millmerran Studios.
At 6pm the first dance by the junior Mini Groovers began.
The performance followed an original story, A Christmas Wish, written by Mrs Hollis and her husband, Dr David Hollis, who many locals know as the GP at the Millmerran Primary Clinic.
“We really wanted a storyline that would celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds amongst the students, their friendships and families,” Mrs Hollis said.
“It has been a year of a lot of personal and individual growth for all of the kids as they navigated life’s challenges and different changing circumstances.
“A story where they could relate to being on a journey and being supported by friends or family was a perfect way to express themselves through music, dance and choir,” she said.
The detail of the sets, costumes and music was spectacular and contributed to the success of the evening.
The choir performed classic Aussie songs such as Home Among the Gum Trees and Six White Boomers which the crowd was able to sing along with.
With the assistance of the Millmerran Community Support Service (MCSS), MAPA was able to offer a free meal deal with every ticket purchased to support their programs and youth.
MCSS also received donations on the night for the local St. Vincent De Paul Christmas Tree Appeal, accepting unwrapped new presents and non-perishable food, for local families doing it tough this festive season.
Awards on the night were presented to:
First Solo Debut sponsored by Genex - Eli Hollis, Ally Hughes, Tamika Hughes, Paige Byers, Esther Hollis and Ada Hollis.
Lion’s Heart Sportsmanship Award, sponsored by the Millmerran’s Lion’s Club, for those who have embraced MAPA values of magnifying individual and community outback potential, as well as emulating the Lion’s Club Values of friendship, service and community spirit - Charlie Birch (Dance) and Violet Walker (Choir).
Most Inspiring Leader, sponsored by Millmerran Commerce and Progress - Tamika Hughes, for overcoming many challenges, and always giving time to be a friend and mentor to all the students around her.
Courage and Bravery Award, sponsored by Millmerran Village Caravan Park - Soul Potter (Dance), who had shown immense growth, courage and bravery in trying new things, persisting when things are hard, and stepping up to set new challenges.
Rising Star Award, sponsored by Quirky and Twisted Clothing and Giftwares - Paige Byers (Dance) and Iahneel Bejarin (Choir), who had shown immense passion and dedication on and off the stage.
Millmerran Studios (for songwriting, music and film production) The Pen Is Mightier than the Sword Award sponsored by Genex - Ben Farrow.
Bright Star Awards were given to students in each class or age group who had shown consistent dedication to improving themselves, encouraging others and embracing a bright attitude that reflects personal growth and kindness in all they do - Maggie Stevens and Mirah Miller (ACRO), Siara Potter (Junior, 2-7 years), Sophie Crumblin and Marieke McKeiver (Inters/Seniors, 8+ years), Kristal Walker (Choir - Junior) and Charlotte Walker (Choir - Senior).
Enrollments for 2025 are currently open and Mrs Hollis hopes they can expand into more accessible programs in music, exercise and dance next year.
“We are so thankful to our sponsors and the countless volunteers who have truly shown what community is about - teaching kids to sew so they could assist in mending costumes or props, putting in countless hours to organise or run errands, or even helping backstage to ensure all the kids could shine,” Mrs Hollis said.
“It was a big task made amazing by many hands chipping in to do the work!”
