The Denise Jones Memorial Award for the Performing Arts
Denise Jones
Claudia Denise Oates-Jones was an actress, successful businesswoman, mentor, manager, activist, educator, wife and mom. With her passing in December 2020, she left behind an unmatched legacy of service to her homeland and community. Watch the video below for a peek inside her life and accomplishments.
The Denise Jones Memorial Award for the Performing Arts was established to honour Denise's memory, legacy and her love for Titchfield High School and Portland. The award seeks to continue Denise's mentorship spirit by providing financial assistance to a Titchfield student, or recent graduate, who exhibits the same love and passion for the performing arts that she had,
Each academic school year, the award will be presented to one graduating student who has consistently excelled in the performing arts while at Titchfield.
To be considered, applicants must complete the application process and successfully interview with the Awards Panel. The panel consists of representatives from Denise’s family, Titchfield High School, and the Titchfield Past Students Association of Ontario.
The Denise Jones Memorial Award for the Performing Arts is a collaboration between the Titchfield Past Students Association of Ontario (Canada) and the Jones and Jones Group.
Mikhayla Brown - 2023 Awardee
Mikhayla Brown is the inaugural awardee for the Denise Jones Memorial Award for 2023. An exceptionally talented young lady, Mikhayla has been blazing her own trail in dance, speech, and drama, amassing several medals and awards from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC). A graduate of Titchfield High School, she is currently matriculating at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Continuing to set the bar high, Mikhayla was one of a select few first-year students cast in this year's production of the Children’s Theatre Workshop’s “Riding Haas" and "Dog & Iguana", playing the role of Anansi.
Kemar Haughton - Special Recognition
To mark the introduction of the Denise Jones Memorial Award, Kemar Haughton was recognized for his growth and commitment to the performing arts.
Kemar has garnered medals from JCDC for speech (spoken word), drama and playing drums. He is also a student at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and was one of the first-year students selected for this year’s production of the Children’s Theatre Workshop.