About The Andrene Bonner Drama Award
The Andrene Bonner Drama Award was established by Merl Grove High School in 1993 under the distinguished leadership of former principal, Barbara J. Martin. The award is bestowed on a 5th Form student who has demonstrated excellence in the dramatic arts during her 5 years at the high school. In 2012, a cash prize has been added to form the Andrene Bonner Drama Award Scholarship. This cash incentive grew out of the recognition of the need for financial support for a student who plans to pursue tertiary education in the arts.
Applicant must be a student at Merl Grove High School and must show proof that she has been accepted to a post secondary institution to pursue theatre arts or allied field. She must submit a fully developed essay about any aspect of her journey as a dramatic artist and how this scholarship award will be beneficial.
Through The Years
To The 2012 Andrene Bonner Drama Award Nominees: Jamilia Beckford, Tris-Ann Jonas, and Amelka McHargh:
You have heard it said “All the world’s a stage’’. This is no cliché. It is a truth. Your love of theatre arts speaks volumes to your present accomplishments. To others, your work as a theatre student may have seemed easy because you did and continue to do it so well. Yet, so much preparation happens before curtain call. Engaging in your full time studies while pursuing your craft is extremely ambitious, and takes a lot of effort and dedication on your part. Theatre prepares you for the world stage because it is a confidence booster and discipline builder. It makes you a team player on any platform or in any field of work. I am truly delighted to welcome you and introduce you to an elite group of students whose work ethic has earned them an Andrene Bonner Drama Award. To the elite, I say: Brava! Jamila Beckford (2010-2011) Abigail Matthews (2003-2004) Lydia Scott (2002-2003) St. Theresa Allen (2001-2002) Camiek Blair (2000-2001) Julie Ann Miller (1999-2000) Telany Muir (1999-2000) Sherica Evans (1998-1999) Marsha Hamilton (1997-1998) Fiona Fennell (1997-1998).
Jamilia Beckford
2011 Awardee
Photo: Courtesy of MGHS
This 5th Form student’s academic performance situates her in the Top 5 Achievers in the class of 2011-2012 at Merl Grove High School in Kingston, Jamaica. According to the Acting Principal, Mrs. Carol Alexander, “Jamilia is very involved in the life of the school. She does well at drama and was one of the main performers at the Heroes Day Celebration in October 2011. Jamilia is a very disciplined and focused student and I expect her to go places in the future. She is an ideal Merl Grove High School student.” She will sit 9 subjects at the CXE—Caribbean Examination Council and is expected to do well. She is currently a member of TVJ’s Schools Challenge Quiz, and the Debate Club.
