The Drama & Arts program at Grace Christian Academy elementary school kicked off a busy season in the Fall with the annual Storytelling Competition. The competition, which was held this year on October 28th, was open to all 3rd-5th grade students.  Interested students were encouraged to audition for the event and five contestants from each grade level made it to the finals. Each student memorized a story which was chosen from three different categories. The 5th graders told missionary stories, while the 4th graders recited stories about famous Americans. The 3rd graders rounded out the competition with each contestant reciting a different Bible story from memory, complete with costumes fitting for the roles. The contestants not only performed their stories in front of the entire elementary school and their parents, but they were evaluated by a panel of celebrity judges. This year, members from the WATE News Team made up the panel. Ken Weathers, Kristin Farley, and Matt Hinkin scored each contestant in the areas for memorization and clarity, eye contact and gestures, and development of characters. At the end of the competition, the scores were tallied and the winners were awarded their trophies.
           The Storytelling Competition starts a full season of performances by the GCA Elementary Fine Arts Department.  On December 1st at 7:00 p.m., Kindergarten through second grade students will perform the Christmas musical “The Light before Christmas” and the 3rd through 5th grades will perform “The Great Christmas Giveaway,” complete with music, drama, and spectacular costumes. Special repeat performances will be held on December 2nd at 9:00 a.m. for the grandparents of these talented children. However, the excitement doesn’t stop there! Immediately after Christmas break, the Fine Arts Department will begin preparations for the biggest production of the year -- the Spring Musical. This year’s musical will be “School House Rock Live, Jr."!  In previous years, over 3000 people attend the spring performance, making it an annual family and community favorite.