Thurso High School performers get wild card entry to Rock Challenge final
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A TEAM of performers from Thurso High School are “absolutely delighted” to have secured a place in next month’s Scottish final of the Rock Challenge after being awarded a wild card.
The Thurso High School Rock Challenge group were selected from other high-scoring teams across Scotland and this means they will now have the opportunity to show their performance of Iolaire in Dundee's Caird Hall on June 14.
The pupils took second place at the Highlands 2019 Rock Challenge held at Eden Court at the beginning of April with a performance that commemorated those who lost their lives in a shipwreck off the Isle of Lewis.
Dancers acted out the voyage of naval yacht HMY Iolaire as it returned with war heroes aboard on New Year’s Day 1919. More than 200 people drowned just yards from the shoreline and the safety of home.
A large audience clapped and cheered as pupils simulated the voyage in which the ship struck the infamous rocks The Beasts of Holm and was torn apart and sank. Survivors clung to masts and ropes to endure the night.
Presenting Thurso with their prize, NHS Highland chief executive Iain Stewart said it had been an amazing night at Eden Court watching six schools taking part.
“I was really impressed with the quality of the dancing, the storytelling and the confidence of the children when they were on stage but also when they were talking about their performances and what they gained... a really good night, well done.”
Dingwall Academy took first place with a performance on the aurora borealis, while Thurso also picked up the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Award for performers' choice.
The pupils from Thurso have been working on their performance since September last year and have been supported by the Dounreay Communities Fund as well as the Thurso High School PTA. They have appreciated the funding and donations received from across the community.
The Rock Challenge, which has evolved into a global movement, aims to inspire, engage and motivate young people to make healthy and positive lifestyle choices.
Teams of students, who work for months on their performances, are given up to eight minutes to perform their chosen theme to an audience made up of family, friends, VIPs, sponsors and a panel of industry professionals.
It is regarded as a great opportunity for young people to perform in a professional venue. The experience encourages an adrenalin-based high gained through performing, rather than using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
