A Douglas College theatre student has earned a helping hand for his education, thanks to the Raymond Burr Performing Arts Society.
The society, in conjunction with Burr’s family and the Douglas College Foundation, has announced the recipient of the Raymond Burr Performing Arts Society’s second-year entrance award of distinction. The award was established to reward outstanding students in Douglas College’s theatre and stagecraft and event technology diploma programs.
Michael Jenkins, this year’s winner, has just completed his theatre arts studies at Douglas and is completing his undergraduate degree in theatre arts at the University of Alberta starting this September.
“Michael has demonstrated outstanding achievement in his studies, course work and performance, emulating the passion, commitment and talent of New Westminster’s native son, Raymond Burr,” a press release notes.
Jenkins was presented with the award on May 16 at a celebration for the 100th anniversary of the birth of Burr, the New Westminster-born actor who rose to fame in such roles as Perry Mason and Ironside.
Jenkins expressed his gratitude for the award.
“I can only vision that with my efforts in the arts, and all the avenues I am yet to take, what training, what skills, what experiences I can take with me to light my path and those of others, which will really be just a flourishing expansion of that which I am given,” he said in the release. “I hope one day to pay it forward to others.”
