Editor:

I had the great honour of attending the opening of the 66th annual Festival of the Performing Arts on March 4.

It was such a heart-warming trip down memory lane for me as I recalled all the anxiety and excitement of preparing to be a competitor in the speech arts in 1962. I was a shy Grade 6 student from Decker Lake Elementary.

Through the inspiration of my dedicated teachers, I found I had an aptitude for memorizing poems. When it was my turn to stand alone on that huge stage at Immaculata School the first year and recite the five verses of Wind is a Cat by Ethel R Fuller my knees were knocking and my gut was in knots.

To my great surprise I won first place that year and I won again in Grade 7 when I memorized and recited all 10 verses of The Day is Done by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The opportunity for me to participate in this competition changed my life. From that experience I gained confidence in myself and learned the power of public speaking.

There are no words to explain the positive impact participating in the arts has on a student. It is something essential in the personal development of a student that cannot be gained in any other way. I believe the originators of this festival understood that concept and would feel pride in what their creation continues to contribute to participants lives.

It is common for communities to take pride in and support their sports teams. It often is a struggle for communities to value the arts to the same degree. A well-balanced community finds room to value and support both aspects of life. I appreciate every person who contributes to the continuation of this vital Festival of Performing Arts. To all teachers, parents, organizers and adjudicators past and present.

I look forward to attending more performances as the festival continues.

Sincerely, Sandra Holmes