Landell and Trono NSO Scholarship Recipients

Rebecca Landell is a home schooled freshman from Richmond, Vermont, who began her study of cello at age five with Bonnie Klimowski of Burlington, Vermont. After performing her first solo recital at the age of eleven, Rebecca began studying with the late Mhairi Thomson-Tessier of Montreal. As part of a musical family she has performed regularly since the age of eight in various musical venues. Coached in chamber music by Ira Morris since the age of eight, she has performed various string and piano works such as the Debussy Piano Trio and the Dohnanyi String Trio Op. 10. Performing in Youth Orchestras both in Vermont and Montreal, she toured Germany in July of 2003 as principal cello with the Westmont Youth Orchestra. In 2003 Rebecca won the Rita Berg award at the Montreal Classical Music Competition, and in 2004 she performed the Saints- Seans cello concerto after winning the McGill soloist competition. Presently studying with Elizabeth Dolin of Montreal, she seeks to grow as a musician and to glorify God and enjoy Him.

Tatiana Trono started playing violin when she was four years old, with Pam Reit in the Susuki program. She continued violin for about 10 years and three years ago started lessons on the viola studying with Andre Roi at McGill. Having played violin with the VYO for four years, she switch to viola last year, and now she’s principal violist. Tatiana attends summer music programs as Kinhaven, Tanglewood string quartet session, and has been accepted into Greenwood summer music program. This past February she traveled to Reno, Nevada to play with the National High School Honors Orchestra. She has participated in the New England music festival for three years, was principal violist last year as a sophomore. In her spare time, Tatiana loves to play tennis, lacrosse and enjoys spending time with her friends. She plans to apply to a conservatory this fall, and hopes to attend either the New England Conservatory or the Cleveland Institute of Music. 

From left to right, seated: Andrea Pearlman, Sara Sausville, Bonnie Acker, Diane Phillips, Andrea Echo, Arista Alanis. Standing, from l-r: Jeff Hull, Cacky Peltz, Amy Harris Helmetag, Gordon Christie-Maples, Constance Wilcox, Tim Foley, Steve Halford, Steffen Parker (recipient of the first Marc E. Hull Arts Education Award), George Pearlman, Philip Mears, Terry Frey, Patrick Murphy, Janet Danzinger, Cynthia Hall, Sandra Beaty.

 

Art Educators Honored at State House by Gail Ruggles

Kilkelly, recently appointed as the Department of Education’s Arts and World Languages Consultant, was the guest speaker at the event, which honored 26 Vermonters for their contributions in art education. Kilkelly thanked them “for continuing to remind us that the human spirit should be cherished and celebrated.”

“When a community encourages each person, each student, each teacher, each parent, each Vermonter to participate as a musician, or a dancer, or a visual artist or an actor, then we are all enriched,” Kilkelly said.

Proof of this enrichment was provided by student performers from several Vermont schools. First, The Vermont Youth Orchestra Ensemble, directed by Troy Peters played four lively selections from Mozart’s Divertimento No. 8 in F major. Jenna Cameron on flute, from U- 32; Wesley Christensen on clarinet, from Fair Haven; Katherine Jordon on horn, from Vergennes and Tatiana Trono on viola, from Essex Junction filled the room with delicate classical strains. 

The Dance Department of Lyndon Institute in Lyndonville followed with two numbers, choreographed by Rebecca R. Smith: Shake Your Tail Feather by the Blues Brothers and I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight by Cutting Crew. The dancers, Sara Depina-Bailey, Stacy Donovan, Jessica Edwards, Jessica Peloquin, Ferne Ryder, and Erica St. Louis performed their jazzy numbers in black and white costumes and top hats and were directed by their teacher, Rebecca Smith. Maggie McNeil, a 16 year old senior at U-32 High School in Montpelier, performed three superb vocal solos: Let the Bright Seraphim, by Handel, O quante vole by Bellini; and Gimme Gimme, by Scanlan and Tesorie. She was accompanied by pianist Eliza Thomas. 

Alan Jordan, VAAE Board Treasurer was the host for the evening. “Arts: music, painting, dance, sculpture, theater, architecture, poetry and the like, is what exemplifies our humanity and helps us place in the proper perspective the challenges of our society and our work,” he said. In February 2005, the VAAE board created an award “to be given to a person who goes above and beyond to serve arts education in Vermont.” It was named the Mark E. Hull Art Education Award in tribute to Marc Hull (1942-2003), former Vermont Education Commissioner and friend of the arts.

Steffen Parker, music educator in Vermont for 28 years was recognized this evening as the first recipient of The Marc E. Hull Award. Parker is a ninth generation Vermonter. He was band director at Colchester High for twenty years. He is now developing online event applications for the Vermont, Connecticut and Wisconsin Music Educators Associations. He has served on many committees including 21 years on the All State Music Festival Committee, Co-Coordinator of the New England Music Festival’s Solo & Ensemble Festival and the Champlain Valley Instrumental Festival. He has helped with the Flynn Jazz Festival and the Johnson State Jazz Festival. In his spare time, he works for WCAX Channel 3 and Vermont Public Radio.

This year’s first three recipients of the Arts Education Awards were Arista Alanis, George Pearlman, and Andrea Pearlman, members of the Vermont Studio Center, a non-profit international arts organization in the Village of Johnson. From meager beginnings in the basement of the Johnson Elementary school, they have now completed a major addition and renovation project which provides a beautiful art room.

Other artist/educators who received the award are: Bonnie Acker, Burlington School District; Sandra Beaty and Patrick Murphy, Franklin NESU; Amanda Bourque, Windsor SWSU; Gordon Christi- Maples, Rivendell Interstate School District; Jan Danziger, Washington NESU; Andrea Echo, South Burlington District; Tim Foley, Southwest Vermont Career Development Center in Bennington; Terry Frey, Windsor School District; Cynthia Hall, Orange ESU; Steve Halford, Rutland City School District; Amy Harris Helmetag, Bennington Rutland SU; Kris Hoppe, St. Johnsbury School District; Jeffrey Hull, Rutland NESU; Patricia Loomis, Addison Rutland SU; Philip Mears, Milton Town School District; Cacky Peltz, Lamoille SSU; Diane Phillips, Washington WSU; Sarah Sausville, Addison CSU; Cynthia Smith, Orleans Central Supervisory Union; and Constance Wilcox, Rutland Windsor SU. 

The Arts Education Award was also given posthumously to Evanne Weirich, who was a teacher at the Newark Street Elementary School. She was a unique and well loved teacher and friend. She was creator and ten-year director of the wellknown Newark Balkan Chorus. Her efforts with the chorus led to performances on NPR, at Carnegie Hall, and in the movie In The Bedroom.. She also worked with students on school plays, and last year they performed Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. She organized unique fund raising events, including Casa Newarkio, an annual evening of Italian dining in the Newark School community room, entirely produced by students and complete with candles, music, Italian food, waiters and waitresses. She taught knitting and outdoor games, and took students to Humanities camps. 

“In some places subjects such as mathematics, or science, or literacy are assigned a higher level of importance on the curriculum than say visual arts, music, theater and dance,” Kilkelly said. “Consideration of how curricular decisions will impact the No Child Left Behind barometer of annual yearly progress, or AYP as we call it, is a real and difficult issue for teachers and administrators who struggle under this federal legislation. These are not easy times for arts education.” Much of the support of the arts programs in Vermont comes from volunteers and donations.

Newark Balkan Chorus is an example of this dedication. As it was not specifically part of the School program, it was solely Evanne Weirich’s responsibility. It was funded and supported by parents, friends, and Weirich herself. Being a closely knit group, many of its members stay with the group through high school, and return from college for special performances. At the end of the evening’s award presentations, the Balkan Chorus presented a special mini-concert in tribute to Weirich. Elly Barksdale, who directed the Chorus, was one of the first chorus members from ten years ago. She graduated from Smith’s College and is now an art teacher at King George School in Sutton. In multi-colored traditional costumes the acapella group sang Aide Red, Brepetrunko, Ozdulu Idu, and Erghen Deda, selections from Bulgaria, and Croatia. In finale, they sang Mraval Jamier, a [Balkan] Georgian toasting song for Weirich, which received a standing ovation.
 

Marc E. Hull Arts Education Award

Having been on the All State Music Festival Committee for 21 years, Steffen is the current Festival Director, now in his 12th year in that position. He also serves as the Co-Coordinator of the New England Music Festival’s Solo & Ensemble Festival and the Festival Director for the Champlain Valley Instrumental Festival, the IAJE – Flynn Jazz Festival, and the Johnson State Jazz Festival. Steffen has been on the Vermont Music Educators Association Executive Board for 20 years, now serving as the State Manager, the Conference Coordinator and District Division Coordinator. He also serves on the New England Music Festival Association Executive Board and is the Educational Advisor to the Burlington Discover Jazz Advisory Board and the Vermont Jazz Center Executive Board. As an advocate for music education, Steffen is the Associate Editor of the National Federation Music Journal and serves on the Executive Board for the National Federation Music Association.

In his spare time, Steffen works for WCAX Channel 3 and VT Public Radio, shoots fireworks for NorthStar Fireworks, and volunteers as a Lay Monitor for the Vermont Water Quality Program. 

VMEA President Bear Irwin, Honoree Steffen Parker, Gary Moreau, VMEA President-Elect, and Glory Douglass, VMEA Past President came to honor Parker who serves as Vermont All State Music Festival Director.

 

2005 Arts Education Honorees

Bonnie Acker, a professional artist, is in her third year at the Edmunds Middle School as a volunteer who donates thousands of hours of her time to work with teachers and students. Bonnie is responsible for bringing Project FEED to the school and encouraging different content area teachers to work together to create interdisciplinary units of study. As a result of Bonnie’s dedication to the Edmunds students and community, the school menus have improved nutritionally, the cafeteria has been transformed into an aesthetically pleasing environment filled with student work of art gallery quality, and the school gardens are rich with color. Bonnie has established a new standard for volunteering.

Sandra Beaty and Patrick Murphy teach art in the Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union. Throughout their careers, they have remained student centered and demonstrate caring for students and their craft. This year, they decided to switch students and schools for a week. This switch was a first in the district and allowed the students to experience a different style for one week. This exchange was a huge success, and a fine example of true collaboration.

Sandra Beaty, art teacher and exhibiting artist, has never let 4 walls define her talents or creativity. Her resume demonstrates a variety of accomplishments in and out of school. Sandra is happy, upbeat, sees the glass as more than full. She motivates students, peers, and community with her enthusiasm and her willingness to become involved in projects. In her spirit, she is a teacher. And that she does with great love. 

Patrick Murphy teaches at Richford Jr.-Sr. High School. He has always enjoyed teaching art and likes the challenge of trying to inspire students to see their potential. As a professional painter, he sells paintings through galleries and through private sales.

Amanda Bourque has contributed significantly to the success of all of the student plays performed at Green Mountain Union High School and Chester-Andover Elementary School by doing show costumes. Bourque’s costuming “career” began with high school drama and music productions when her oldest daughter was in “Oliver” in 7th grade and she has continued to be involved ever since. She has single-handedly taken over all the costuming for theatrical productions in her children’s schools. Amanda says that helping with costumes has been a wonderful way to be creative and an opportunity to work with students, an extremely rewarding experience. In addition, Mrs. Bourque has been active as a volunteer in the Green Mountain Festival Series, which is the major engine behind the excellent arts program offered to schools, which is also available to the community.

Gordon Christie-Maples grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota, and came to our own dairy state in 1986. He has taught for the past five years at Rivendell Academy, teaching sixth grade language arts and social studies. It is his work of integrating the arts into the classroom and supporting the school’s drama program that makes him an excellent choice for his award. His approach is to give students the opportunity to explore and utilize a variety of artistic venues beyond “reading and writing,” in order to stimulate interest, foster a deeper understanding of a given subject, and to allow for the expression of “Knowing.” His work outside the classroom has also supported arts education: Christie-Maples directed and taught the district’s summer drama program for students in grades 3-8. He has extended this expertise into directing and producing the middle school plays, including past productions of “Revenge of the Space Pandas” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The list of his accomplishments and involvement in the arts, education, and the local community goes on and on – in short, Gordon Christie- Maples is a tremendous asset to the school and the community.

Jan Danziger believes there is an artist in all of us and has been conveying that message to her students at Twinfield for 32 years. For twenty-eight of those years, she was the only art teacher for students in grades 1-12. Jan has fully aligned her curriculum with the Vermont Framework of Standards. This allows students to have a recognized depth of knowledge that fulfills the state and school mission statements. Over the years at Twinfield, she has developed a number of initiatives, including the Children’s Museum of Great Art and AMIDEA, a multicultural interdisciplinary experience in the arts that grew out of a need to improve the art program at the middle school level. This program eventually turned into the current Explorations Program for students in grades 5-8. Jan administers the program that includes twelve teachers in disciplines from Technical Education to Physical Education. Students can study African drumming, stained glass, claymation, drafting, engineering, outdoor Honorees – continued from page 5 survival, learn to play a guitar or cello, take and develop 35mm photos and work in the darkroom. This year, she is focusing on the outside bleak gray cement walls of Twinfield with the Face For Our School Project. The project is funded, thanks to her own successful grant-writing, another testament to her commitment and skill.

Andrea (Andy) Echo was the unanimous choice of the South Burlington School District Awards Committee. She has devoted thirty years to teaching elementary and high school art students. She is a sought after mentor for student-teacher interns from UVM and St. Michael’s and hosts many artists-in-residence for her students. Andy’s positive disposition and enthusiasm for art has inspired countless students to discover and develop their personal artistic abilities. Students, parents and teachers like working with Andy because of her can-do approach to teaching and problem solving. Andy brings both a sense of humor and commitment to excellence in her teacher-leader position in the art department. She is very well organized and helps bring consensus to the department when challenged with improving arts curriculum through everything from the old basic competencies to the Vermont and National Framework of Standards and most recently the Grade Cluster Expectations. When teaching, she encourages every child to do the best they can and helps them recognize their own successes. She generously displays students’ artwork to enrich the school environment. Her teaching style is one that combines her love of art with her love of children. Andy Echo’s art classroom is a place of creativity, learning and joy for all.

Tim Foley, Theatre Arts and Video Production Teacher at the Southwest Vermont Career Development Center in Bennington, is known throughout the community and region for his talent as an actor, teacher, and director of wonderful plays and stage sets. Students in his Video Production Class are known for their creation of public service advertisements that regularly air over the local public television stations. Last year Tim and his students produced a ten-minute video on the school’s programs. Through hundreds of hours interviewing students, filming, editing and writing a good story line, the video will be aired on the local cable television station to promote the school. Tim’s Theater Arts classes attract highly motivated, energetic students and boost full enrollment. Tim works closely with the local Old Castle Theater Company where he or his students take parts in many productions. One can see Tim each day or many a night working with students as they get ready for their next production. This dedication to his students and the arts is foremost to Tim.

Terry Frey joined the faculty of the Windsor School District as the K-12 music teacher in the fall of 2004. He brought a wealth of experience and talent to the school that no one imagined would have the impact he has had in such a short time. With a background that boasts diversity, Mr. Frey has worked at every age level specializing in special needs students, coordinating an Academically Gifted program, teaching arts in continuing education to adults, and has been a music therapist.

Terry is a master at incorporating educational information, history, current events, with high expectations, an emphasis on self confidence, and a belief in hard work all within a music program. A clear indicator of his impact was seen recently at a winter concert. This concert combined desserts for the audience, songs, drums, rock & roll, and even a more serious segment with students attired in gowns and suits singing “up a storm.” Comments of “outstanding,” “unbelievable,” and “I’ve never heard such volume before,” were heard everywhere. Terry is an example of someone, although new to Vermont, has embraced the community and student spirit of Vermont schools and has given his talent, enthusiasm, and love of music to Windsor schools.

Cindy Hall is to be commended for building a high quality music program at Oxbow Union High School over the past ten years. Among her many accomplishments are introducing guitar at the school, organizing traveling concerts for the district, and introducing younger students to the world of music. She also teaches private lessons, directs the pep band, and successfully organizes trips to Boston for students and families to see major productions.

Cindy’s has been particularly successful at instilling a love of music in students who are not necessarily involved in the program through the traditional routes of band or chorus. Her guitar, American music, and general music courses have drawn large numbers of students and given them the skills, confidence and interest to take more music classes and make music part of their lives after high school.

Cindy has guest conducted bands in Districts I and IV and hosted the District IV middle school festival in April. She has served as musical director of several Oxbow shows and played French horn in many groups around the state. In addition to teaching, she serves as secretary of both the Vermont Music Educator’s Association and the Winooski Valley Music Association (District IV).

Steve Halford, Art teacher, Rutland High School, started his teaching career as a Grades 1-12 art instructor at a migrant school in Pahokee, Florida. Later positions took him to Connecticut before he settled in the Rutland City School system. Seeing the need for a three-dimensional art program, Steve proceeded to build a pottery program that expanded into the high school. When the Rutland High School moved to a new school in 1994, Steve saw the chance to expand the ceramic program into a more encompassing program that included stone and wood carving, copper enameling, metal fabrication, clay sculpture and lost wax bronze casting. He titled this program “Creative Structure,” a title that continues to this day in both name and content. 

Steve is probably best known for his conceptual Halloween parade floats. Every year for the last fourteen years, the Rutland High School Art Club, with his directing, has turned out many thought provoking and sometimes controversial floats that have drawn the continuing attention of the citizens of Rutland. Last year’s float, a first prize winner, spoofed the poor dietary and sedimentary habits of the present day youth, depicting a large obese baby surrounded by dancing students, costumed as various fast foods.

Amy Helmetag is serving as the art teacher in three of the Bennington-Rutland SU’s elementary schools and showcases student art throughout the schools as well as in the communities. She has served as the art teacher at the Mettawee Community School since the school opened in 1998. In addition, she is part time art teacher at the Sunderland Elementary and at the Currier Memorial Schools. Together, her three school assignments total a full time art teacher position, and Amy works weekly with almost 350 K-6 students.

As an advocate for arts education, Amy has been instrumental in community involvement in Art Day celebrations and has showcased student artwork annually at the Southern Vermont Arts Center. She goes out of her way for her students and involves community members in student art projects whenever possible and always works to integrate art projects with other units of classroom study. Also, she brings her enthusiasm for architecture, in which she has a degree, to her students. She is an invaluable art resource to her colleagues, and she has expanded her art program to include scene painting for school theatrical productions and intensive thematic summer art classes. Amy is a whirl of activity, dedication, and expertise.

Kris Hoppe is the St. Johnsbury School District honoree due to her tireless efforts of assistance and creativity in the arts. Kris has organized and directed students in the painting of theatrical sets for the productions of “Oliver” and “Annie” and is again active this year in our production of “The Music Man.” She volunteers her time as well to storytelling in the classrooms, and helping classroom teachers where ever an extra pair of hands is needed. Her enthusiasm and creativity are an inspiration to our students of what lifelong learning in the arts can be. Kris has an interest in the theatre, thus she also helps backstage when shows are in rehearsal or in production. She has the ability to keep middle school students on task back stage, and mediate in situations where quick stage crew tasks may at times ruffle young feathers. She is an asset to our school and to our community.

Jeffrey Hull is an enthusiastic and dedicated Otter Valley Union High School teacher who has directed creative and dynamic theatre productions, which have enriched the entire Otter Valley community. Over the past five years, Jeff has coached student directors in presenting 15 one act plays at the Vermont One Act Drama Festival over the years. In cooperation with the music department, he has produced and directed an annual musical. To initiate a Performing Arts Scholarship, Jeff directed two faculty and student performances: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Footloose.” To attract an even wider audience, Jeff made arrangements for “Footloose” to be performed at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. This scholarship has been given to eight students who are pursuing the performing arts at the college level. Jeffrey has provided many students with the opportunity to learn technical aspects of theatre, to direct plays, and to act in the many school productions. Not surprisingly Jeff was nominated for Disney Teacher of the Year in 2002 and recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2004.

Trish Loomis has been the K-8 Art Teacher at the Castleton Elementary and Castleton Village schools for 31 years. In the words of the person who nominated her for this award, she is “diligent, dedicated and creative.” Castleton Elementary and Village Schools contain permanent testaments to Trish’s creativity and the talent she coaxes forth from her students. On display in the front hall is a mosaic, created in honor of the Millennium, and several permanent murals adorn the hallways and cafeteria. They create a time capsule, recording a moment in history in a delightful, colorful way.

Trish also collaborates with other teachers, often incorporating their thematic units in her student’s study of art. Trish recently undertook a large portion of the schoolwide Asian studies program, researching techniques and authentic materials native to Japan and China. She taught every grade level several traditional Japanese art forms: mask making, Sumi brush painting, calligraphy, Sumi Brush Painting, Calligraphy, Ukiyo-a Printmaking, Noh masks and Origami, which culminated in a schoolwide Japanese Snow Festival. Trish opens up the world of art to each of her students and proudly shares their work. She sees the artist in each person she meets and does her best to nurture and encourage development of such talents.

Phil Mears is the band director at the Milton Elementary School and also instructs general music to the sixth grade. He has been in this position for three years during which time he has initiated and implemented enrichment and acceleration programs for students. Phil’s accomplishments at Milton include the initiation of a marching band, which required a great amount of time and effort in fundraising since the band is self-supporting. In the first year, the band marched on several occasions, providing the students a valuable experience in teamwork outside of the parameters of the classroom. Phil has also initiated a jazz band for the school that will be performing outside of the school this year. As the 6th grade music teacher, Phil decided to implement guitar instruction into the curriculum this year. He wrote a grant to provide some funding and again devoted time and energy into fundraising to support the program. In addition to his duties as band director and 6th grade music teacher, Phil is also a member of the Army National Guard. Phil is an exceptional role model for the students. Milton Elementary School is proud to honor Phil Mears for his dedication and support of students to bring the arts alive through music.

Cacky Peltz began teaching art to elementary students twenty-four years ago, the last eighteen years at Stowe Elementary School. She is an exemplary arts educator who has enriched the lives of hundreds of students at her school. Cacky’s reputation for creativity and motivation of students is widespread. In addition to serving the students of Stowe Elementary School with highly engaging multidisciplinary arts education she has worked on many school and district projects that have made the arts come alive for all members of the community. Here are just a few of the many projects Cacky has initiated: whole school themed weeks, planning and coordination of arts residencies, diversity initiatives, multi-year arts integration projects, K-12 Stowe Student Art Shows, permanent displays of student art work, and school-wide mural. She has mentored aspiring arts educators, led improvement initiatives in the district, and currently serves as the chairperson of the local professional standards board for Lamoille South SU. She has a firm belief in the creative ability of all children and has worked to provide a flexible, challenging climate in the program at Stowe Elementary immersing children in making art, looking at art and responding to art.

Diane Phillips, a native of Pennsylvania is currently in her thirty second year as the Vocal Director and eleventh year as Department Head at Harwood UHS. She has shared her love and enthusiasm for singing with thousands of students and inspired hundreds of others to pursue further study and even the teaching of music to those who followed in their footsteps. Diane has played an essential part in the development of the exceptional Harwood music program that has facilitated the development of students’ higher order singing skills. She has also formed choral groups as the Women’s Choir and I Cantori and serves as vocal music director of the annual Harwood spring musical. Due to her leadership, the Grammy Foundation recognized Harwood as a Signature school in 2003 for outstanding dedication to music from a pool of 20,000 applicants.

Diane has been an active leader in the Winooski Valley Music Festival, currently serving as its treasurer. She has also adjudicated auditions for the All State Music Festival and has yearly escorted qualifying musicians to Winooski Valley, All State, and New England Music Festivals. Beyond Harwood, Diane serves as a model for her students by actively participating in several professional singing ensembles, Baroque Court, Simple Gifts, South County Chorus, and In Accord.

Sarah Sausville in her first year at the Bridport Central School and her first year as an art teacher, applied for and received a grant to complete a mural project in the School. The two murals, one developed by the primary grades and one by grades four through eight, combined students’ art skills with their social studies unit on the history and culture of the Bridport Community. The two murals are proudly and permanently displayed in both wings of our small school. This year, Ms. Sausville has chosen to offer her preparation period as a time to work with classroom teachers and their students on special projects related to the curriculum. Her vision of the use of this time is to reinforce classroom learning through artistic expression. Ms. Sausville thought of this initiative on her own and is one example of her commitment to integrating the arts into the curriculum at this school. Sarah also offers an open studio period during recess for students to explore any type of art from wire to painting. Her afterschool art program not only takes place in the art room; it also goes on throughout the school. This year she has worked as a consultant on a team of therapists working with a student grieving the loss of a parent. She is also going to begin art therapy at Fletcher Allen hospital’s pediatrics ward in April. Sarah is perpetually positive, vivacious, and always has a smile on her face. She is one of those special teachers who are willing to go the extra mile if it benefits the students.

Cindy Smith, Art teacher at Lake Region Union High School, has impressed administrators by undertaking many distinct community projects. These projects are ground in scale and include two 10 ft. by 20 ft. murals of the Village of Orleans and are displayed on walls of public buildings. With the permission of the Vermont Highway Department, large scenes on four highway underpasses that are a portal to Lake Region UHS, where graffiti once existed, now are covered with student designs that have a universal uplifting message. At LRUHS students under her leadership have created two 4 ft. by 6 ft. stained glass windows. In the fall of 2004, three dimensional art students created a 2 ft. by 26 ft. mosaic mural that graces the science wing hallway at LRUHS. The theme of the mural was created in conjunction with the science department and features “The Geological Timeline for the Creation of the Earth.” In addition to her skill, expertise and leadership of student artists on these projects, Cindy has worked with art students over the last four years to create and Art Web site on the LRUHS web site that features a digital art gallery display of student art work. In 2004, she was awarded LRUHS “Teacher of the Year.” She is currently in the process of working towards National Teacher Certification and is the chair of the Lake Region UHS’s negotiation team.

Evanne Weirich recently passed away from cancer. She left a legacy at Newark Street School that will long be remembered. In 1994, Evanne began the Newark Balkan Chorus by teaching Balkan music to her students at Newark Street School. Soon the program expanded as they chose to continue the group throughout high school. The group has attracted quite a bit of attention. In addition to performing on concert tours in New England and Florida, the group has sung at Carnegie Hall and appeared in the film, “In the Bedroom,” starring Sissy Spacek and Marissa Tomei. Evanne also worked with students on the school play, taught knitting and took students to Humanities camps in the summer. Last year, the students performed Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” a play they learned at the Humanities Camp. “It is with great honor that I recommend Evanne for the 2005 VAAE Arts Education Awards,” wrote Superintendent Scott Graham. 

Constance (Connie) Wilcox has been the music educator and choral director at Ludlow Elementary School and Black River High School for 27 years. Her dedication to providing her students a quality music education is evident in the amount of time away from the classroom she gives to the students and the community. She arranges for her students to participate in various music festivals, including the Connecticut River Valley Music Festival in November 2004, the New England Music Festival in December 2004, VT All States, Eastern Division ACDA Honor Choirs and more. Additionally she has also provided the Opera Theatre of Weston with two children’s choirs for their January productions in 2001 and 2003. She also organizes concerts in the community, and she began a Women’s A Capella group last fall. As if that weren’t enough, she also has collaborated with her LES colleagues to write several grants; recent successful applications include the 1999 VT Arts Council VT Millennium Arts Project; and three separate Okemo Community Challenge Grants integrating arts education. In 2001, she was awarded the University of Vermont Distinguished Teacher Award. Also, Connie shares her musical talent with her community as organist at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. For all of her success, dedication and tireless work, Connie Wilcox is unquestionably a deserving honoree.