WT Dance Ends Academic Year with Banquet, Honors

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

WT Dance Ends Academic Year with Banquet, Honors

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University Dance wrapped its year with an awards banquet recognizing its top performers.

The May 1 Buff Dance Banquet and Awards Ceremony celebrated the department's two major performances, "Falling into Dance" in November and "Portraits of Dance" in April ahead of WT's May 11 commencement ceremonies.

"This event is a great way to celebrate and recognize all the dedicated work accomplished in the Dance Program throughout the academic year," said Crystal Bertrand, director of dance. "It is extra special for the graduating seniors and nice to see them all together wishing them the best for continued success."

Bertrand and fellow faculty members Edward Truitt and Sandra Stegelman Miller selected Hannah Metzger, a freshman dance major from Perryton, as the winner of the 3D Award, given to a dancer who exemplifies discipline, determination and desire.

Faculty members also selected Amon Fredinand, a junior dance major from Amarillo, as winner of the Treston Johnson Dance Award, given to a dancer who best exemplifies the heart and soul of the dance program. The award is named for a dance student who died in 2018.

Five other awards, with winners selected by fellow dance majors, were presented, as well:

• Spirit Award: Anna Martin, a sophomore from Midland, for encouragement and support of other dancers, given in memory of the late Eddie Gomez;
• Buff Dance Award: Noah Johnson, a sophomore from Temple, for passion, dedication and the year's most impressive performances;
• Diamond Award: Kaitlyn Roberson, a senior from Pampa, for modeling proper classroom and rehearsal etiquette;
• Discovery Award: Nova Gore, a sophomore from Amarillo, for making significant and unexpected contributions to the program; and
• Emerald Award: Jamison Uselding, a senior from Amarillo, for embodying the highest aspects of artistry and skill in class, in rehearsal and on stage.

The dance program's 2023-24 season will include "Falling into Dance" from Nov. 16 to 19 and "Portraits of Dance" from April 25 to 28.

Fostering an appreciation for the arts and engaging and retaining the best students are key components of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign - which publicly launched in September 2021 - has raised more than $120 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

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