The Williston Visual & Performing Arts Department announced its Working Artists for Trimester 1 awards during assessment week. The honors are bestowed on students by the faculty members, and are in recognition for their exemplarily efforts during T1.
“These talented individuals have demonstrated outstanding dedication and creativity in pursuing their artistic dreams,” Department Head Natania Hume said in an email announcing the winners, “and we’re proud to honor their passion and hard work through these awards.”
Students will received certificates and be recognized by the school community during an assembly in December.
Below are the remarks about each award winner:
Dance: Sadie Dripps ‘26
This trimester, the dance studio was filled with activity as choreographers prepared works for the dance concert. My working artist award goes to a dancer who met every opportunity with joy. She led her peers through her choreographic process with positivity and a helpful nature, creating a lively piece. She was efficient and organized in her work, making thoughtful decisions about character, musicality, and costuming. As a dancer in the creations of others, she was focused and hardworking. A long-standing member of the ensemble, she leads by example and looks to support newer dancers as well. For her all-around great energy, positivity, and commitment to dance, this award goes to Sadie Dripps.
Music: Amanda Yee ‘25
The Working Artist Award in Music goes to a student who is highly dedicated. This student stands out as a great performer, but doesn’t seek the spotlight as they consistently put in the effort every day. They have a love for music, but they also show a strong commitment to doing their best. They understand that hard work, rather than just natural talent, is the key to achieving their goals. In Instrumental Music Ensemble, Teller Chorus, and Honors Chamber Singers, their strong musical skills, leadership, careful attention to detail, and positive attitude make the musical experience better for everyone around them. In recognition for her impressive dedication to the art of music, and her contributions to the musical community at Williston, this Working Artist Award goes to Amanda Yee.
Visual Art: Jane Lau ‘27
Jane Lau entered our community this fall and quickly became a constant presence in the Painting studio. Jane was enrolled in Studio Basics where she enjoyed representational and abstract processes. This fall she was also a member of Arts Intensive, spending every afternoon painting. During every spare moment of the day, Jane can be found working on her portraits. She does not create because of a course requirement or because she is told to, it is clear she has a true passion for painting. Her work ethic and unabashed desire to explore portraiture through color and whimsy is truly contagious. She is truly a positive member our Arts crew.
Play: Aster Carlstrom ‘25
It’s enough hard work to put up one play, tracking props, writing down blocking and choreography, and memorizing lines and movement, let alone doing that for 6 plays at the same time. Throughout the Fall, this student took on the challenges of being not only an actor, but the job of being the primary assistant director as well—notating choreography for the transitions between plays, helping the other assistant directors through the process, running lines with actors in his spare time, and creating a large tracking sheet for all of the props that were used, and re-used through the show. We would like to give huge thanks to Aster Carlstrom for his contributions to the Theater program this Fall and give our congratulations for earning this Williston Working Artist Award.