SILER CITY, N.C. — More than a dozen Jordan-Matthews High School musicians, actors and visual artists were honored for their outstanding work during JM Awards Night, an annual ceremony held on May 23 to honor top students across many disciplines.
JMArts Scholar Emma Wieber was named the 2022 Outstanding Graduate in Band. The trombonist, who also plays French horn, was honored for her leadership in instrumental music — as drum major and an outstanding performer in band and jazz. She even made a successful transition to vocal music this spring, performing as Aunt Eller in JM’s production of “Oklahoma!” Wieber plans to enroll this fall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
JMArts Scholar Laci Burt and Wilson Ramos Meza were both named 2022 Outstanding Graduates in Theater and plan to enroll this fall at UNC Greensboro. Burt most recently appeared at JM as Ado Annie in “Oklahoma!” and Jack’s Mother in “Into the Woods,” and performed at Temple Theatre this past December in its Mainstage production of “A Christmas Carol.” Ramos Meza performed as Jud Fry this semester in “Oklahoma!” and as Wolf in “Into the Woods.”
Both were honored not only for their outstanding performances, but for their leadership within the acting company and setting a high standard and positive example for underclassmen as theater returned after the two-year pandemic hiatus.
Cody Decausemaker was named the 2022 Outstanding Graduate in Visual Art, having demonstrated a passion for improving his artistic skill and delving deeper into styles of art that are not necessarily his first choice. Art teacher Marcus Lawson said Decausemaker was one of JM’s selections for this year’s Chatham All-County Arts Day and successfully diversified from his love of drawing to explore acrylic painting, spray painting, apoxie clay sculptures and even photography. Decausemaker plans to begin his career after graduation.
Courtney Nicole Shackelford was named the 2022 Outstanding Graduate in Vocal Music for demonstrating an immense amount of growth as a leader and a vocalist. She is one of the founding members of The Golden Tones, JM’s new a cappella choir; has performed with several vocal music ensembles; and as Laurey earlier this spring in JM’s production of “Oklahoma!” Choral Director Elliott Peterson said, "Shackelford goes above and beyond to be a positive and welcoming member of her ensembles, whether she’s helping a classmate with sight-singing or offering words of encouragement." She plans to enroll this fall at UNC Charlotte.
Because of circumstances related to the pandemic and enrollment, the award for Outstanding Graduate in Jazz was not presented this year.
Other awards recognized outstanding students early in their high school studies who have already demonstrated significant artistic potential.
Callie Fogleman, a freshman, received the 2022 Young Actor Award for her outstanding work as Vivian in JM’s spring production of “Oklahoma!” The Dual-Language student also studied this semester in JMArts’ after-school Spring Theater Workshop.
Sheccid Rangel Garcia and Yazmin Lopez-Muñoz, both freshmen selected this semester to participate in Chatham’s All-County Art Day, shared the 2022 Young Artist Award. Art teacher Marcus Lawson said both are amazing artists who showed leadership and dedication to their work.
Aidee Davalos-Orozco, a sophomore and flautist, received the 2022 Young Instrumentalist Award for her inspiring work and perseverance while developing her musicianship.
Teylor Matthews, a freshman, received the 2022 Young Vocalist Award. Choral Director Elliott Peterson credited her soulful voice, positive attitude, leadership and willingness to meet any challenge.
Also honored during the ceremony were seven recently announced JMArts Scholars, each one earning a scholarship for intensive arts study over the summer — most at a weeklong, residential workshop offered on a university campus. They are Victoria Barlow, Clara Rojas, David Tabon, Buck Thornton, Andrey Ureña Secena, Karsyn Vann and Traycee Wall.
More information about JMArts — including details about awards, JMArts Scholars and upcoming events — is available at jmarts.org.
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