12th Annual Principals Luncheon Honored Leadership of the Sarasota County School System

Sarasota, Florida – The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County presented the 12th Annual Principals Recognition Luncheon on November 14th at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.  More than 150 people gathered to honor the leadership of our school system and recognize their support of the arts as an integral part of the education of every child. 

Sarasota County school principals were recognized for their school’s achievements in arts education for the past year, including awards, performances, major projects and events, new staff, programs and expanded facilities. 

Angela Hartvigsen, Fine Arts Specialist for Sarasota County Schools, reported on the State of Arts Education in the Schools, including numbers of arts educators, programs and courses. 

The event was sponsored by local philanthropist, Gerri Aaron, the Community Foundation of Sarasota, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.  As a special recognition to the school leadership team, the Community Foundation provided a grant to the Arts and Cultural Alliance that funded a gift of tickets to Les Miserableswhich will be performed at Van Wezel later this season.  Attendees were treated to a special video from Peter Lockyer, the star of Les Miserables, and a rousing "flash mob" presentation of selections from Les Miserables by the Sarasota High chorus and theater students.

The program concluded with a moving statement from Superintendent Lori White reinforcing the importance of the arts and a vital component of every child’s education.

The event was planned by the Arts Education Task Force which is comprised of education professionals from over 30 Sarasota County arts and cultural groups and community representatives, who plan advocacy strategy, share information, and monitor the health of the arts in our schools. The Alliance convenes the group monthly.