A Langley teacher has been honoured for being dramatic.
Brookswood Secondary drama and art teacher, Gordon Hamilton, who students have nicknamed ‘Hammy,’ was awarded the 2018 Distinguished Service Award earlier this month.
It is one of the top awards from the Association of BC Drama Educators (ABCDE) and was presented to Hamilton for his dedication to drama education.
Hamilton said he enjoys teaching drama because often students are very passionate about theatre.
“I’m a firm believer in passion and about asking the question, why. Why are they taking theatre, why are they in my class.
“And looking at their passion, if it’s something they are really passionate about, I’m a full supporter of that. You’ve got to be happy in your life and it’s about your passion.
“If this is something you want to do as a career, you won’t ever let it go — not if you’re passionate about it.”
According to a statement from the Langley school board, the award is given to somebody who advocates for drama in B.C. schools and whose work reflects the policies and goals of the ABCDE.
Hamilton was also awarded a lifetime honorary membership in the ABCDE.
Many of the students in Hamilton’s theatre courses go on to be singers, actors, dancers and more.
“I’ve had lots of students go on and be successful,” said the teacher.
Students in the theatre program are offered a rareexperience, according to Hamilton.
“Each experience is new and unique, and you feed off the energy you get from your audience. Students get the chance to perform on our stage and it’s a sense of community-building. Those students will always think of those moments.”
Hamilton plays a vital role in his students’ lives, according to James McIntosh, a Grade 12 theatre student. McIntosh said Hamilton invited him to join the school’s musical when he was in Grade 9.
“He knew what I was capable of, and knew it was something I wanted to do. He stopped me at the door and said, ‘So you didn’t audition for the musical.’
“So he invited me in and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
McIntosh said Hamilton is a father-figure to the theatre teens.
“He is always there if you want to talk about something. We can always talk to Hammy and he’ll get it sorted it. He’s always there and super friendly. He’s accommodating for everyone. He’s always there for you when you need him.”
McIntosh said that after he graduates, he plans to continue with theatre, thanks to his positive experiences in the Brookswood theatre program.
Hamilton’s student teacher, Amanda Larder, calls the opportunity to work alongside Hamilton a dream.
“He’s a warm and incredibly supportive person and obviously such a skilled teacher, one of the best I’ve ever met, so to have him be my mentor is a dream come true.”
Hamilton has been working at Brookswood Secondary for 21 years, and it was the first teaching job he landed in the district.
The Brookswood theatre program also takes part in community events such as the Langley Drama Festival that begins on Dec. 5.
In the new year, the theatre students are performing the musical ‘Mamma Mia’ from Feb. 6 to 16.
