The VAAE presented its annual Arts Education Conference Recognition Awards to Dr. David Wolk, Superintendent of the Rutland Public Schools, to Liza Myers, visual arts teacher at Lothrop Elementary School, and to the Wells River Savings Bank. Each recipient was recognized for their contributions to Arts Education in Vermont.
VAAE board Member David Baker, Superintendent of Schools in St. Johnsbury SD, presented Superintendent Wolk his award for Wolk's support of arts education in the Rutland public schools. During his time in the system Rutland High School has institute a unique jazz music program, and several new arts educators have been hired in the district. Wolk's leadership has promoted the growth of visual arts, theater and music programs in the Rutland schools. It was his dedication to arts education that won him the support of arts educators.
Dr. Wolk's dedication to education has been evident over the years, serving as principal the the Barstow Memorial School in Chittenden where his leadership resulted in Barstow's designation as one of the three VT schools nominated to the US Elementary School Recognition Program, later he became principal of Rutland High School where he rejuvenated, motivated, and led faculty and staff in curriculum innovations, staff development, program/scheduling redesign and overall school improvement initiatives. He created the nation's first high school "Jan Plan" program, providing enrichment and remedial experiences for over 900 RHS students.
Liza Myers, visual arts teacher at Lothrop Elementary School, received the educator's award from VAAE Board Member Gene Childers. Myers was honored for her creativeness, dedication and community spirited towards the arts. To enrich the class's study as well as expand their understanding of artists, art history and multi-cultural art, Liza provided a wide variety of experiences for the students. They laid under the tables and drew Sistine Chapel imagery on paper that was taped to the bottoms of the tables. They also made masks and ceramic de la Robbia portraits. They then turned the classroom into an Italian landscape with a farm house and kitchen interior for a play based on Tomi di Paola's Pasta Pol.
Liza's contributions reach far beyond the classroom and the regular school day. Over the years she has offered a variety of after-school programs that have enriched the lives of so many of her students. In 1996-97, she offered the River Odyssey that integrated arts, dance, language, performance, culture, web design and environmental studies.
Rutland NE SU Curriculum and Staff Development Director, Jane E. Sarno's letter of recommendation summarized Liza's personality and qualities as a teacher. "Her (Liza) genuine concern for both students and colleagues is shown in her kind works and welcoming gestures. When Liza asks a student, "How are you doing"" the child knows she cares and expects a thoughtful and honest reply. A tousled head, a hug, a genuine look of concern are her outward manifestations of the love and respect she holds for each of her students."
This year's community arts education award went to a community bank, the Wells River Savings Bank, based in Wells River, VT. Under the leadership of Executive Vice President Frank Tilghman, this bank has continually provided Blue Mtn. School in Wells River, the Orange East SU schools and bordering community schools in New Hampshire financial and personnel support for arts education. Throughout Tilghman's twenty years with the bank, Students and community members have experienced many arts performances due to the mission statement of the bank which is dedicated to serving its customers and communities as a locally owned mutual savings bank.
This past year, thirty percent of the ban's public relations budget was donated to the arts. Whether supporting Orange East Arts Program annually for the past twenty years that provides performances and residencies for 2200 students, Green Mountain Youth Theater, North Country Chorus, the Old Church Community Theater, McClure's Alumni Band, Oxbow High School Arts Scholarship, Jones Hill productions, Catamount Arts or VT Public Television, the Wells Rive Savings Bank has shown their community and students that they value arts in education. Arts education would not be alive in rural communities without the dedicated businesses such as theirs.