Sarasota County Principals Luncheon Highlights Points of Pride

Last week’s 11^th Annual Principals Recognition Luncheon recognizing arts in schools began with a rousing march by the Riverview Kilties. The event, sponsored by the Arts Education Task Force and hosted by Van Wezel, featured Kennedy Center Education VP Darrell Ayers, who spoke about “Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child.” Last summer, Sarasota became the sixth Any Given Child city. A community-wide group is now working on local assessment and goal setting.

The recognition event brings together all 42 Sarasota County Schools principals, school district leaders, and arts organizations to celebrate the impact arts have on student achievement and motivation. There was plenty of art in the room with terrific panels decorating all of the Van Wezel's windows.

A program highlight is always reading the points of pride from each school. Pride points include student performances, visits to community arts events, creative production of sculpture, plays, and film. Did you know that the Brentwood Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team won first place in the World Competition against thousands of teams from the U.S. and 25 countries?

Musical accomplishments abound with superior ratings and selection to prestigious venues. We all left proud of what we have yet knowing we want more. Why? Because it’s clear that students thrive – “my eyes were open to the world through the arts”…..Darrell Ayers.

What’s your student point of pride as a parent, participant, student, community leader?