PRESS RELEASE
FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 12, 2015
Contact:
Michael Cooper
Director of Development & Marketing
407-628-0333 x222
Michael@UnitedArts.cc
UNITED ARTS CELEBRATES THE ARTS IN EDUCATION
ORLANDO – February 12, 2015 – United Arts of Central Florida hosted more than 250 arts, education and
community leaders at the 9th Annual Principals Appreciation Breakfast yesterday. This yearly breakfast
celebrates the achievements of Orange County Public Schools principals in retaining certified arts teachers in
every school and continually expanding access to arts education for all students.
The highlight of this year’s breakfast was the Arts Principal Award, which recognizes principals who lead the way
in supporting and promoting arts education and arts participation in their schools. Three award winners (one
each from elementary, middle and high school levels) were featured in a panel discussion. Attendees were eager
to learn how, in an atmosphere of budget cuts and increasing requirements, these principals managed to keep
the arts a strong part of their students’ learning experience.
Winners were chosen by a panel of arts education professionals, business representatives and Orange County
Public Schools officials. The winning principals each received a $1,000 cash award for their school's arts program
and a pair of subscriptions to the FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America – Orlando Series at the Dr. Phillips
Center for the Performing Arts. The cash awards were supported by premier sponsors Wells Fargo and Bright
House Networks Business Solutions; the subscriptions were donated by Florida Theatrical Association, and the
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts donated the breakfast space. The event also featured a performance
by the West Orange High School Jazz Ensemble.
This annual event recognizes that although they may never conduct an orchestra or demonstrate an art
technique, principals are key leaders in arts education. "From budgeting and hiring decisions, to scheduling arts
activities within the school day, to personal involvement and encouragement, principals play an essential role in
ensuring that all children have access to arts education,” said Linda Landman Gonzalez, Chairwoman, United
Arts Board of Directors. “Their support gives students the creative skills they need to succeed in school and in
life.”
The 9th Annual Principals Appreciation Breakfast was presented by United Arts of Central Florida and funded
through Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs.
Here are the descriptions of the award winners:
Arts Principal Award – Elementary Division
Presented by sponsor Bright House Networks Business Solutions
Ms. Mary Hool ensures that her students at Sand Lake Elementary not only have access to the arts, but that they
also have a quality educational experience. Students see the arts teachers on a 5-day rotation with small class
sizes. This is unique as most elementary schools are on a 12-day rotation for the arts, or have much bigger class
sizes. Ms. Hool has doubled the number of ensembles including chorus, Orff, Stomp, and Recorder clubs, and
has tripled arts participation.
Arts Principal Award – Middle School Division
Presented by sponsor Wells Fargo
Mr. Jose Martinez has done an excellent job in maintaining and growing the arts program at Lake Nona Middle.
He has worked to help teachers feel supported, including financing their attendance to state and national
conferences of professional organizations. Mr. Martinez also supports his students by participating in their arts
events: conducting concerts, providing narration, and even singing with the students. He ensures that the
schedule allows students equal time in arts classes and in core curriculum classes. Lake Nona Middle’s
performing arts program is being recognized by FMEA (Florida Music Educators Association) for having over 60%
of the student population enrolled in a performing arts class.
Arts Principal Award – High School Division
Presented by School Board Member Christine Moore
In her 4 years as principal of Oak Ridge High School, Dr. Leigh Ann Bradshaw has turned around academics AND
the arts. She has grown the arts program from 2 courses to 30 courses and hired two additional performing arts
teachers. Visual and performing arts students total 1,000, which is 40% of the school’s population. Dr. Bradshaw
is known for involving non-typical music students in music education. Her approach to arts education is a model
for all: the arts are used as a motivator for low-performing students.
Other finalists were:
Mr. Brian Burns, Rock Springs Elementary
Ms. Kathy Petersen, Waterford Elementary
Dr. Shannon Battoe, Legacy Middle
Dr. Gabriel Berrio, Timber Creek High School
Mr. William Floyd, Ocoee High School
Ms. Heather Hilton, Cypress Creek High School
About United Arts of Central Florida
United Arts is a collaboration of individuals, businesses, governments and school districts, foundations, arts and
cultural organizations, and artists. Its mission is to enrich communities through the arts, sciences and history.
United Arts serves residents and visitors in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties through more than 50
local arts, sciences and history organizations. It raises and distributes funds for these cultural groups and
provides management, administrative and advisory services.
Now in its 26th year of service to the Central Florida community and regional host of the collaborative Campaign
for the Arts, power2give.org and OrlandoAtPlay.com, United Arts has invested more than $131 million in local
organizations and education since its founding in 1989.
More information is available at www.UnitedArts.cc or by calling 407-628-0333. Please email
Michael@UnitedArts.cc for comments or inquiries.
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