Bonjour, High School Musical, and Showjumping

Cydnee (CJ) Howard

Oud Metha 2007–2013 | College 2013–2021

Among the many colourful personalities that (Cydnee) CJ Howard remembers from her time at Oud Metha, the late school Grounds Keeper Russel Farrar remains a standout.

"He was such a popular guy with us all and loved to take time out from his morning tasks to stand at the gate and greet us," CJ recalls. "I used to make a point of saying hello to him every morning in French because sometimes my French teacher would also be there, so it seemed like a good idea! It made everyone chuckle and also got the day off to a bright start."

Russel Farrar passed away just as the DESS 50th yearbook was published in 2013, but his morning greetings clearly left an impression on the students who looked forward to seeing him at the gate.

When High School Musical Takes Over Your Life

Oud Metha is also responsible for CJ's inclination to burst into song and dance whenever she remembers her role in the Year 6 High School Musical production.

"I tell everyone nearby when I start jumping around that we have Music Teacher Ms Roberts to blame! She was very energetic and a bit eccentric and spent hours with us rehearsing our moves in the Latifa Hall. It must have sunk in because I can still do all the steps from the final number."

The kind of muscle memory that sticks with you isn't always academic. Sometimes it's choreography from a Year 6 production that you can still perform years later, much to the amusement of anyone standing nearby.

Showjumping Success

Beyond the stage and the morning greetings in French, CJ was also a keen equestrian showjumper. She trained at Dubai's Al Habtoor Riding School, and in the school's first showjumping competition in 2019, she and her horse Kiwi competed against riders from across the UAE.

They won Class 3 and came second in Class 2; proof that her talents extended well beyond the classroom and the Latifa Hall stage.

What Came Next

CJ started at Oud Metha in 2007 and left College in 2021 to study Theatre and Performance at Warwick University in the UK. Which makes perfect sense when you know she's still performing High School Musical choreography on demand.

From greeting the groundskeeper in French to winning showjumping competitions to studying performance at university, CJ's journey has been anything but predictable. But it's been distinctly hers.

And somewhere, Ms Roberts is probably very proud that those Latifa Hall rehearsals stuck.