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Joven Hamlet will sing at the national Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technology and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) awards ceremony in Charlotte, N.C.
Although Hamlet is becoming well-known for his photography, the ninth grader at Pine Bluff Junior High will give a musical performance at the national ceremony scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Sunday. He is attending with other students from the Pine Bluff area.
ACT-SO, a youth initiative of the NAACP, is an academic Olympics program that supports and highlights student achievement.
Winners of the ACT-SO competitions will also be announced during the Sunday ceremony. From Pine Bluff, Sylvanna Burgess is a contestant in photography and Jamya Wells competes in painting. Taylor Calhoun didn't attend the conference.
Maryann Lee, chair of the Pine Bluff Branch NAACP ACT-SO program committee, sent a copy of a letter announcing that Hamlet would perform on the national stage. Although he was not chosen among local contestants to showcase their talent in the ACT-SO competition, he was allowed to audition for the awards ceremony.
Music director Damien Sneed and assistant music director Sean Holland II expressed how impressed they were with Hamlet's audition.
"Your audition showcased exceptional talent, dedication, and passion -- and we believe you will be a dynamic part of this year's unforgettable celebration of excellence in the arts. This is a prestigious opportunity to perform on a national stage and to inspire others with your artistry and commitment," the letter stated.
Sneed and Holland also commended Hamlet and said they look forward to seeing him on stage.
"On behalf of the entire ACT-SO production team, we congratulate you and can't wait to see your brilliance come to life on stage," they wrote.
Hamlet recently participated for the first time in the Pine Bluff Branch NAACP ACT-SO program. Competing in two categories -- Visual Arts and Performing Arts -- he earned silver medals in photography and music as well as monetary gifts. Mayor Vivian Flowers' office also recognized him with certificates of achievement.
Hamlet was one of four students honored during an awards ceremony in May at Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff.
Lee said that as a silver medalist, Hamlet would not be able to compete in the national ACT-SO competition. However, she wanted him to attend the convention to audition for the national show.
"Even though we only take gold winners generally to the ACT-SO convention, we asked Joven to come with us. I want him to audition for the national show," Lee said at the May event.
Hamlet's selection for the national show proves that Lee saw the importance of his musical gift being exposed on a larger platform. Hamlet shared that he comes from a musical family.
"My family makes music, actually. My mom is a songwriter and she's got a gospel song coming out," the 15-year-old recently shared in an interview.
Hamlet said that he performed a song by his mother, Shanicqua Baker, during the local ACT-SO competition held in April. When Hamlet was younger, he began learning how to play the piano and violin. As he got older, he discovered that he would rather sing than play.
He has also been heavily involved in photography, often using his family as subjects.