Updated: June 4, 2017, 4:26 PM
Surrey, B.C.
Pinay teen performs at Surrey’s school district awards ceremonies
By Ted Alcuitas
Singing John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ was her way of inspiring hope in a world full of tragedies, says the Grade 11 Glisha Dela Cruz, performing to a crowd of more than 200 teachers and administrators.
She also sang Elton John’s ‘Your Song’, ‘Dreaming of You’ by Selena Quintanilla, and ‘Mamma Mia’ by Abba before wrapping up with ‘Imagine’.
The awards ceremonies on June 1 by British Columbia’s largest school district in Surrey (SD36) honoured teaching and support staff with 25 years of service.
“It can be a bit nerve-wracking,” the veteran performer confessed of her experience.
“ They’re a more serious crowd and for a student like me, it was sort of intimidating.”
Dela Cruz, a Music Excellence Award recipient and a consistent First Class-A Honour student at Johnston Heights Secondary School in Surrey is not a new to public performances.
She has performed in numerous events including the Cranberry Festival and the B.C. Summer Games Opening Ceremony in 2012.
She has been leading the singing of O’Canada since 2009 at Fort Langley, and will be leading this year’s grand celebration of the 150th birthday of Canada on July 1st .
She is one of the soprano voices of the acclaimed Johnston Heights Chamber Choir, a Cantado & Kiwanis Music Festival Champion for two years in a row.
Dela Cruz is the youngest child of Surrey Filipino community leader Narima and Joel Dela Cruz. Her brother Daryl is a community activist and transportation advocate.
Narima is the co-founder of the Surrey Philippine Independence Day Society (SPIDS) which sponsors the annual independence day celebrations.
Her performances could be viewed on YouTube by following this link: https://youtu.be/FKLW783V-b4