District Fine Arts Festival Showcases
Student Talent and Purpose
By Samantha DePriest
The District Fine Arts Festival held April 17–18 in Columbus, Georgia, brought together a vibrant display of creativity, dedication, and faith from middle and high school students across the region. This year 40 students participated from Trinity Christian School with an impressive 60 presentations spanning a wide range of categories, including Gospel Choir, Percussion, Instrumental, Songwriting, Dance, Drama, Worship Leading, Musical Theater Solo, Short Sermon, Creative Writing, Music Production, Puppetry, and Photography.
Of the 60 presentations evaluated, an outstanding 55 earned a “superior” rating which is an achievement that qualifies those students for an invitation to the National Fine Arts Festival. The National Fine Arts Festival takes place at the end of July in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, 21 presentations received first place honors and 32 ranked within the top three of their respective categories.
Among the standout achievements, Vincent Mullins earned first place in the Music Production category, a newer addition to the festival. Music Production involves crafting a complete piece with rhythmic and melodic elements, often blending sampling, original recordings, and digital instrumentation. Vincent’s accomplishment highlights both technical skill and creative innovation in a rapidly growing artistic field.
Another notable participant, Emma Grace Andrews, made a remarkable debut in Drama Solo. Not only did she perform her piece, but she also wrote her own script as well as a script for another student’s presentation. Her work earned a superior rating and placed in the top three, underscoring her talent both as a performer and writer.
Riley Cook and Sophia Selleck captured first place in the Small Vocal Ensemble category, earning the distinction of performing at the award ceremony—an honor reserved for top प्रतिभents. Similarly, Greg Brezina achieved first place in the Senior Musical Theater Solo category and was selected as the closing performer for the ceremony, a prestigious recognition of excellence.
Beyond competition, the heart of the Fine Arts program lies in its mission. Students are encouraged not only to develop their artistic gifts but also to use them in service to others. Over spring break, the Trinity Fine Arts team served at Mission I-58, sharing their talents during a weekly chapel service. Continuing their outreach, students will travel on April 26 to Teen Challenge in Alabama to present a concert centered on their festival pieces and a message of hope. Additional ministry opportunities are scheduled for May 2–3 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they will partner with Teen Challenge and a local church.
This program is supported by dedicated adult coaches who volunteer their time to mentor and guide students. Their investment goes beyond technical training as they help students learn how to communicate meaningful messages and connect with their generation through the arts.
Looking ahead, the team will join approximately 10,000 students from across the country at the National Fine Arts Festival this coming July. They will once again present their work, continuing a journey that blends artistic excellence with purpose and impact. The festival is more than a competition, it is a celebration of growth, expression, and the powerful intersection of creativity and faith.
Trinity Fine Arts is open to 6th to 12th grade students. The launch meeting for the 2026-27 season will be held in the Student Center of Building 1 this coming Fall, stay tuned for more details. Please contact Stacie Moore at stacie.moore@tri-church.com for more information.
