Arts & Entertainment

Photo Gallery: Students Perform During Henson Awards Night at Northwestern

A look at the performances from Henson Awards Night

Students, parents, academy teachers and even a special guest turned out to Northwestern High School Wednesday night to honor students in the school's Henson Academy of the Arts.

Whether seniors were in band or choir, art classes, drama or television production, they had the chance to perform for the audience.

Jane Henson, the wife of late Jim Henson, attended the event and encouraged the students in their talents.

Find out what's happening in Riverdale Park-University Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jim Henson, who grew up in University Park on Beechwood Road, attended Northwestern High School and later the University of Maryland, was known for his puppeteering. Henson was the creator of the Muppets, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. He died in 1990.

The Henson family, however, has continued his legacy with a foundation in his name and with a scholarship for arts students at Northwestern.

Find out what's happening in Riverdale Park-University Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We established the scholarship two years ago," Jane Henson said. "It's a small scholarship, but it reflects both their art and academic capabilities."

She said her husband participated in the drama department in high school and started a puppeteering group. Their daughter, Heather, continues to perform in her father's legacy.

Although cuts are coming to programs across the county, Jane Henson hopes they don't make it to Northwestern, because it's a center for the arts.

"If schools can't do it, then communities will have to take it over," she said. "I sort of thought art for young people was a central part [of their education]."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Riverdale Park-University Park