Photos by Ghadah Alotaibi, Head Photographer

The Shenandoah community celebrated its dedication to global awareness at the 28th annual International Convocation on Wednesday. Attendees experienced cultural performances from Conservatory students Kailbeth Chacin, Jose David Hernandez, and Enlin Qing, and a presentation from documentary film director, television producer, and owner of the Bright Box Theater in downtown Winchester, Aldo Bello. Awards were also presented to students and community members who exemplified global awareness over the last year.

International Convocation also hosted the announcement of the five destinations that the over 50 students, faculty, staff, and trustees who were chosen to participate in this year’s Global Citizenship Project (GCP) will be traveling to this spring.

Graphic by Jenna Wheeler

Led by Associate Professor of Strings and esteemed violinist Akemi Takayama, Kayla Alderman, Olivia Baker, Emily Chandler, Dian Ibarra, Veronica Mendez, Matthew Murray, Lisa Pluska, Michael Ross, Erin Scherer, and Christian Williams will be heading to Japan.

Miles Davis, Dean of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr., School of Business, will be leading Emily Ellis, Paula Grajdeanu, Emily Harrell, Courtney Hodges, Renee Jennette, Tyler Kilimonis, Mickayla Neibert, Gerard Talbot-Paul, Mehgan Runion, and William Westray on their trip to Peru.

Associate Professor of Special Education, Diane Painter, will be leading Wade Bailey, Amber Beckman, Phillip Earnhardt, Alexandra Fleshman, Jacqueline Howard, Osinachi Ibe, Richard Jeric, Sarah Speck, Maryssa Walker, and Montressa Washington on their trip to Poland.

Led by Senior Design Specialist Jason Lopez, Amy Dill, Alan Duvall, Kierstan Ellis, Michelle Gamber, Olivia Grant, Cameron Graves, Reilly Lincavicks, Rachel Roberts, Lindsey Sweeney, and Caroline Vance will be heading to Puerto Rico.

Adrienne Bloss, Vice President for Academic Affairs, will be leading Jacob Brent, Marjorie Lewis, Margaret McCampbell Lien, Kyle Mangold, Makaylee Mann, Brenda Nieves, Roshani Patel, Morgan Payne, Gregory Przedpelski, Allyson Schwind, Julianna Smith, and Scott Spriggs on their trip to South Africa.