Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 15, 1995 TAG: 9511150032
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: LISA P. SMITH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SALEM LENGTH: Medium
The VHSL told Borch-Madsen on Nov. 1 that she cannot compete in the Blue Ridge District Theater Festival at her school Saturday. She is too old and hasn't been at Salem long enough.
The VHSL, which sets rules on everything from sports to drama, has guidelines about competitors' ages and participation. Students cannot be 19 before Aug. 1 if they are competing in VHSL activities, according to the rules. And, if they are transfers, students aren't eligible to compete in VHSL activities during their first semester in a new school.
Borch-Madsen, who came from Denmark to Salem High especially for its International Baccalaureate program, wanted to play the role of Artemis in the play, "Eleemosynary," which Salem will perform during the competition. Three judges will select a winner and a runner-up from the six schools performing 35-minute, one-act plays.
The winners advance to the regional festival, and regional winners advance to the state festival.
Although Borch-Madsen is disappointed about not being allowed to compete, "it is not a life-and-death situation; there will be other opportunities for me."
"I really wanted to do this. I like the character I was to play, and I like the people I was performing with. That makes it all the more disappointing," said Borch-Madsen, who despite her age is still considered a high school student in Denmark. The play explores the relationships between three generations of women who love, but hurt each other until they learn the meaning of eleemosynary - charitable giving.
Salem High drama teacher Rachel Sailer, who is directing the play, described Borch-Madsen as "one of the most brilliant students I have ever had."
Borch-Madsen said she's glad VHSL members "took the time to decide the case, but I didn't think it was fair. I can understand the age rule when it comes to athletics, but it shouldn't apply to drama competition."
"These rules apply to all students who compete in regional or state VHSL activities," said Bob Button, VHSL's assistant director for academic activities.
Button does agree, however, that there are competitions in which age would not be a factor, drama being one of them.
But he said, "at this point, we want to make the rules consistent across the board."
No student has been declared ineligible to compete in a VHSL activity in the year Button has been there, he said.
Ken Tilley, who held the position before Button, said finding a student ineligible for a nonathletic activity is rare, but it has happened in the past.
Since the VHSL doesn't govern noncompetitive school activities, Borch-Madsen will get an opportunity to play Artemis when the Salem Thespians present the play Wednesday night at 7:30 in the school auditorium.
NOTE: Also ran in November 16, 1995 Neighbors.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***