Pupils step in right direction

By Sarah Thompson
Hard work and dedication has paid off for 13-year-old Jamie Manser, who was one of two students awarded a scholarship to attend the Victorian College of the Arts in 2006.
“I was really surprised, I thought mum was joking when she told me,” the energetic year eight student said.
Jamie began dancing six years ago at Cathy-Lea Academy in Narre Warren, and has played major roles in a number of Cathy-Lea productions, including Charlotte’s Web and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Last year, Jamie was awarded the Beaconhills College scholarship for performing arts, and with this latest appointment, he has a bright future ahead.
“I hope one day to perform in musicals and to one day be a choreographer,” he said.
Cathy-Lea Academy proprietor Cathy Smith is excited about what the future holds for Jamie and an array of other young students that also were high achievers in 2005.
“It’s been an outstanding year for students,” she said.
“I opened the academy 14 years ago and the school is now maturing and seeing the rewards of years of training.
“They are homegrown and home-trained and I’m very proud of them,” she said.
Other notable students are Amy Pyke, Monique Johnson, Melanie Kurt, Andrew Kinsey and Michelle Bryon.
Amy received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Southern Federation of Dance, a national award open to all ages.
Monique received the Coral Brown Excellence Award, which includes a trophy, $100 cheque and $100 gift voucher, for getting the highest mark in Victoria for her Cecchetti ballet exam. Melanie, Andrew and Michelle all received scholarships to Beaconhills College for 2006 for dance, drama and singing.