SILER CITY, N.C. — Cynthia Bredenberg, chair of the World Language department and Dual Language Program at Jordan-Matthews High School, has been named its 2022 Community Hero by JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation. Given this year for the third time, the annual award was created to honor a volunteer from the community who has contributed significantly to the success of the arts at Jordan-Matthews.

The award was presented on May 23 in Bredenberg’s classroom by JMArts President Rose Pate and a group of student actors, musicians and visual artists.

Bredenberg has volunteered since 2013 as part of the creative team producing the school’s annual musical. As wardrobe director, she creates and curates all of the costumes, and she also has helped create and teach choreography for several shows, including “Footloose” in 2015 and “In the Heights” two years later.

“Without Cindy’s skills, creativity and commitment to excellence, we couldn’t put on a show,” said Pate. “She sets the tone and the standards — not only for how everyone looks on stage, but for how they treat each other backstage. I’ve never known an educator more committed to creating quality experiences for students.”

Bredenberg also has made a huge impact off the stage. In addition to leading the Jordan-Matthews Dual Language Program, she has worked with faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to develop capstone courses for Dual Language seniors — and, beginning next year, will be working on the same project with faculty at Syracuse University. She also serves on planning committees for both the Jordan-Matthews prom and graduation.

“The Community Hero Award is an honor and I am grateful to be able to work with our students and the other dedicated adults in our theater program.” Bredenberg said. “Thank you to JMArts for this award. I appreciate the recognition and hope to continue to contribute to the arts!”

All arts award winners over the last several years are listed online at jmarts.org/awards.

More information about JMArts, including its flagship JMArts Scholars program, is available at jmarts.org.

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