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By Priscilla Greear
Staff Writer
ATLANTA--Faculty, students and parents of Our Lady of the Assumption School,
Atlanta, join together to form the community-spirited O.L.A. Stars drama
program, spreading the belief that every student is a unique and talented child
of God.
The group completed its fifth production, "The Best Christmas Pageant
Ever," in November 1998. Other performances, which are announced in the
spring and performed each November, have included "Annie,"
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "You're A Grand Old
Flag" and "Fractured Fairy Tales," which was written and
produced by students.
With the support of principal Joan Tiernan and parish pastor Father Jim
McGoldrick, SM, the program presently includes 160 students with any level of
experience, representing every class from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Students participate in a variety of ways including set design and
construction, acting, singing and working the lights and sound system.
"Our Lady of the Assumption School's children have benefited greatly
from their participation in our school play," said Tiernan. "The
students develop lifelong skills of effective communication, working within a
group, trying new endeavors and meeting new challenges. The camaraderie and
friendship of the students from kindergarten through eighth grade are evident
in the successful theatrical event within the context of our Catholic
school."
Participating faculty include Kathy McCaffrey, who has been involved with
children's drama for over 20 years teaching drama, creative movement and other
aspects of youth productions, and music teacher Linda Marie Johnson. Also
assisting are administrative assistant Karol Smith, who has worked five years
as a dance teacher and choreographer, science teacher Peggy Dobson, the
production manager for the last two productions, and development director
Sharon Black, who is the photographer for each production.
Parental involvement is an essential part of the production as they assist
with supervision, costume design, volunteer coordination and the cast party.
"We could never enjoy such a wonderful production without the support
of the parish, school, students and, most of all, fabulous parents,"
McCaffrey said. "We are fortunate enough to even have former parents and
grandparents to support our effort."
Barbara Rowley is one of those parents who, having two daughters that have
participated in the O.L.A. Stars, has volunteered extensively with set design.
"Being involved in the play has definitely benefited my daughters in
many ways," she said. "It is a school activity where all ages are
welcomed and work together. My youngest daughter remembers the older children
making her feel very special through their encouragement. One of my daughters
enjoyed working back stage and the other on stage. It makes them realize what
it takes to put on a production of this size and that the actors on stage are
just one part of the whole."
Her daughter Elisabeth, a seventh grader, described her enthusiasm for
drama.
"I think the play is a great chance for everyone at the school to work
together and produce something fun and enjoyable," she said.
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