The Boys Who Brought It

Nerves were running high at the Regent Theatre last Friday night as four schools took the stage to battle it out at the regional final of Showquest - the nation’s biggest performing arts platform.

For the first time ever, John McGlashan College entered a team of 28 which included on-stage performers and essential back stage crew. The boys wowed the audience with their performance Boys Will Be… which deconstructed stereotypes of masculinity often found in all-boys schools. The emotional performance had the audience clapping and singing (and admittedly, there were a few shed tears).

What looked slick and professional on stage was months in the making as the majority of the boys had never taken a dance lesson. Team Speaker Tee Kiatwattanakorn recalls how “everyone gave so much time, effort and energy towards making the performance the best it could be - from weeks of rehearsals, right up to ten minutes before showtime. The level of commitment was honestly amazing, and showed how much everyone cared.”

But what the boys took away from this opportunity was more than just fancy dance moves. “I learned how to become a better leader,” says Tee. “I realised leadership is not just about guiding people, but also encouraging others, supporting the team, and helping everyone feel confident. I hope the boys took away our message that ‘boys will not just be boys.’ I'm incredibly proud of what we achieved together, and so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”

The performance may have landed us second, but in the minds of the Showquest Aunties (Whaea Fridd, Ms Wilson, Ms Phillips and Pennie Hunt), these boys are second to none!

Best story award - John McGlashan College

School spirit award - John McGlashan College

Public speaking award - John McGlashan College

Student leadership award - John McGlashan College

Excellence in music - John McGlashan College

Recognition in dance - John McGlashan College

Recognition in culture and theme - John McGlashan College