On 29 March 2025, the ‘San Giuseppe Istituto De Merode’ school took part at the World Festival of Creativity in the School- Global Education Festival (GEF), one of the most important international events dedicated to showcasing the artistic and creative talents of students. The school won the first prize in the ‘Musical’ category, thanks to the intense and moving performance of Finding Neverland, a show inspired by the life of J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, which tells of the power of imagination as a tool for growth and hope.
Participating in the important event on the stage of the Ariston Theatre were not only the Secondary school students, but also the High School students. Together, they represented the entire school community with enthusiasm and professionalism, bringing to the stage not only Finding Neverland, but also two other titles of great impact: Mozart: Opera Rock and & Juliet. Three different performances, but united by the quality of the interpretations, the care in preparation and the strong emotional involvement conveyed to the audience.
All this has been made possible thanks to the valuable work of the Cultural Association ‘Il Quadriportico’, active within the school since 1990, which for over thirty years has been promoting high-level theatrical activities, involving Primary, Middle and High School students in a unique educational and artistic journey. Every year, the association produces original plays or plays taken from the international theatre and music repertoire, taking care of every aspect: from acting to set design, from singing to directing.
Fundamental was also the support of the entire teaching staff and the Principal, who followed each stage of the project with dedication, accompanying the students with competence, passion and educational spirit. Their constant presence made it possible to realise an unforgettable experience, which enriched the students not only artistically, but also humanly and relationally.
The entire school community experienced this moment with great participation, following the performances also through the live streaming of the Festival, which allowed emotions, applause and satisfaction to be shared in real time. Once again, the GEF represented an extraordinary opportunity for international relationship, growth and expression of one’s talent.
“The victory achieved is the symbol of a team effort that was able to unite different generations within a single educational and creative project. It is a concrete demonstration that when the school invests in culture, theatre and art, it opens up new roads for the future of young people: roads made of passion, competence, courage and beauty,” writes Davide Lenti, Director of Social Media at the Istituto De Merode.
“From the heart of the San Giuseppe school to the stage of the Teatro Ariston, this experience represented a bridge between education and creativity, between school and the world, between dream and reality. My heartfelt thanks go to all those who made this extraordinary achievement possible. Primary, Middle and Migh School united in a single feeling, because talent grows together,’ said a delighted Br. Alessandro Cacciotti.
Below is the video of the performance and the award:
