Minister for Education John Cortes this week attended the award ceremony at the Arts Centre and presented certificates and awards to the students of the Gibraltar Academy of Dance. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

The  event saw a large number of children and young people having their achievements recognised. It  was hosted by the Academy’s Director, Paulette Finlayson, who welcomed dancers, parents and  guests, stressing the value of dance in recognising the dancers’ achievements, and introduced a  video of the Academy’s work which highlighted the contribution by the teachers and students. 

Royal Academy of Dance certificates were presented to Pre-Primary, Primary, Grade 2, Grade 4  and Grade 6, with ages of the recipients ranging from 6 to 17. All the students achieved Highly  Commended or Distinctions, with marks ranging from 70 to 85/100. 

In addition, the Minister presented awards to the following: 

• Christina Yome Award for Best Infant Progress - Sienna Rodriguez Wahnon • Alfred Ramirez Award for Best Junior Progress -Anna Bonfante 

• Jennifer Psaila Award for Best Senior Progress - Lucia Garcia 

• Adrian Galliano Award for Best Infant Performer - Lily Buhagiar 

• Amanda Maxwell Award for Best Junior Performer - Alexa Garcia 

• Mario Finlayson Award for Best Senior Performer -Ana Scott Miles • Mario Arroyo Best Student Award - Maiah Llanelo 

• Paulette Finlayson Most Promising Dancer Award - Sahara Dyer 

Minister Cortes addressed the students, teachers, families and guests, congratulating the  Academy on their work and success through four decades and stressing again the value of dance  in the development of young people.