Adding to this historic achievement, senior Catrina Gromley became QACHS’s first-ever All-State Dancer, one of only 26 students across Maryland to receive this honor. CCF was very pleased to see that Catrina was honored. CCF help support her residency at the world renowned American Dance Festival in Durham North Carolina last summer.
Gabby’s dance Inner Chaos, Catrina’s Allstate honor and six other QACHS dancers were selected for the February “QACPS Artwork of the Month” Spotlight.
QACHS Dancers Featured in Inner Chaos include Catrina Gromley, Kaeli Olin, Addison Redmond, Isabel Ruth, Mia Tucker, Savanah Vega, and Helen Willard.
Gabby explained, “This piece was created to showcase dynamics such as inner/outer focus, fast/slow movements, and breaking away from independent living. Watching Mrs. Tyler’s QACHS dancers bring this vision to life has been an overwhelming joy. They stepped out of their comfort zones and embraced the process, creating something truly powerful.”
Kristen Tyler, QACHS Dance Teacher and QACPS Lead Performing Arts Teacher, praised the students’ dedication saying, “It’s been a blessing to have CCF Associate Teaching Artist Gabby Pfeifer work with my students. They grew each week, rising to meet challenges and delving deeper into the movement’s meaning. This experience has been transformative for all involved.”
This recognition as the QACPS “Artwork of the Month” celebrates not only the exceptional talent and effort of the dancers but also the meaningful collaboration between Pfeifer, the Carole Cascio Fund, and the QACHS dance program.
Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts for QACPS, reflected on the significance of this milestone saying, “Together, over the past couple of years, in a close partnership that has developed between Peter Pucci, Executive Director of the Carole Cascio Fund, and our QACPS Fine Arts Office, we are building something truly transcendent. This achievement—QACHS earning its first spot in the statewide showcase and students from both high schools earning All-State medals for the first time in history—is a testament to the power of collaboration, community partnerships, and unwavering support. I am incredibly grateful to Peter, Gabby, Kristen Tyler, Amber Wright, and all of the dance students for making historic moments like this possible. These dancers are bold, dedicated, and fearless. I love seeing their energy, and their hard work pay off!”
