The Arendell Parrott Academy high school dance troupe finished third in the state and received the award for Best Student Choreographers in the NCASA Dance Festival Feb. 9. The team consists of, front row, from left, Sarah Stockton, Avery Johnson, Ava Blair, Lauryn Singleton, Aliza Matthews (captain) and Stecia Howard; back row, Elyse Measamer, Kylie Plumb, Mackenzi Jones, Kate Robinson, Eryn McKenrick, Abby Turner, Hilary Raney, Rylee McKenrick and Cameron Jones. Submitted photo

Twenty-eight Arendell Parrott Academy dancers, directed by instructor Amanda Hort, had outstanding competition results in the N.C. Association for Scholastic Activities Dance Festival on Feb. 9. Held in Greensboro, the state level competition featured nine middle schools and 11 high schools.

APA’s middle school troupe won first place in the state in the jazz-hip-hop category and finished as the overall state runner-up. Hannah Henderson was recognized as Overall Middle School Female Performer. The high school dance troupe was awarded third place in the state and Best Student Choreographers. Senior Aliza Matthews of Kinston was recognized as Overall High School Female Performer.

Co-chair of Parrott’s Fine Arts Department Eulalia VanFosson had praise for the school’s growing dance program and the team work it promotes.

“The knowledge and exposure our students get and the collaboration skills they develop through the arts form a vital part of their education here,” VanFosson said.