To create a world in which the arts are universally accessible…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VSA Florida
University of South Florida
www.vsafl.org
CONTACT: Wendy Finklea,
Director of Programs
wfinklea@usf.edu
813.974.0715
Orange County Student Named VSA Florida May Student of the Month
Board of Directors:
Executive Committee:
(Tampa, FL) May 20, 2015
Katie Molloy
President
Tampa
VSA Florida is pleased to announce 18-year-old Dalton Vann as one of their May 2015
Students of the Month. Dalton was nominated by Deborah Knispel, the Arts
Integration Specialist for UCP of Central Florida in Orlando. Ms. Knispel writes,
“Dalton works entirely from his mind’s eye, yet can render drawings that look as
though he studied his subject for hours. He works with speed, yet produces stunning
watercolor paintings.”
As a proficient visual artist, Dalton was recognized for his submissions to the student
competition of the Winter Garden Art Festival in 2006-2008. He plays the guitar and
dulcimer and participates in Muay Thi, a form of kickboxing. Although he has a
traumatic brain injury, Dalton continually demonstrates leadership as an Eagle Scout in
his community.
“His creativity knows no bounds”, writes Knispel, “and it is just a matter of time before
he is publicly recognized for his talent and finds a rewarding career in art”.
VSA Florida is looking forward to presenting Dalton in the coming weeks with his gift
certificate and personalized trophy for winning this prestigious award.
The VSAFL Student of the Month Program is designed to increase public awareness
and recognize the impact arts make on students with disabilities statewide. Students
who participate in the arts develop creativity, have increased self-confidence,
understand teamwork, have increased language and math skills and are generally
more engaged.
Marsha Rockhill
Vice President
Panama City
Bill Heller
Treasurer
St. Petersburg
Judy Litt
Secretary
Miami
Board of Directors:
Enrique Escallon
Miami
Susan Gallo
Jacksonville
David Handera
Jacksonville
Susan Law
Jacksonville
Morgan Barr Lewis
Tallahassee
Merry Lynn Morris
Tampa
Ex Officio:
Dr. Daphne Thomas
Tampa
Monica Verra-Tirado
Tallahassee
Aimee Mallini
Tallahassee
For more information about the Student of the Month program and others, please visit
www.vsafl.org. To nominate a student you may follow the link:
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e7tsf1x3hj1rt10e/start
Jennifer Sabo
Executive Director
####
* 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, EDU 105 * Tampa, FL 33620 * 813-974-0721 * Fax: 813 -905-9878 * www.vsafl.org