CRAA hosts Mini
Grant Presentations
CHIPLEY, FL – The Board of Chipola Regional Arts Association traveled to Chipley on Tuesday, April 16 for their monthly meeting. The program was devoted to teachers of Holmes and Washington Counties summarizing how their mini grants were used in class.
After a delicious lunch prepared by Vernon High School Culinary students under the supervision of Laurie Simmons, Joe Taylor (Superintendent for Washington County Schools) welcomed everyone. He gave a brief history of the building in which we were meeting. Over the years, it had been used in different capacities and had been recently renovated as the Washington County School Board Meeting Room.
After a brief business meeting, Joan Stadsklev, CRAA President, asked Macky Gortemoller, Mini Grant Co-Chair, to introduce the award winners. Each teacher spoke about how the grant was used.
•Chelsea Herndon (Theater/Bethlehem High School) purchased overhead choir mikes. They will be instrumental when the students present “Beauty and The Beast” this month.
•Vicki Steverson (Art/Homes County High School) purchased landscape canvases for her students. She is a Chipola graduate and said the mini grants are a true blessing for all recipients. Examples of her students’ artwork were on display. Their talent was amazing and inspiring.
•Ricky Ward (Music/Holmes County High School) said his grant came just in time. There was an unexpected equipment failure, and he was able to purchase a replacement microphone. His students will be presenting “Mama Mia” later this month.
•Cindy Wade (Music/Holmes County High School) used her grant for costumes. The play “Murder at the Malt Shop” was presented in a dinner theater setting and was a tremendous success. Cindy said it is nice to see that “someone cares about the arts.”
•Leah Page-Pettis (Music/Kate Smith Elementary) purchased wood to build a stage set. A group of her students entertained our group singing “Three is a Magic Number” and “Interplanet Janet.” This young lady is another Chipola graduate, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
•Laurie Simmons (Theater/Vernon High School) was able to purchase new microphones for the stage. They will be put to effective use when they present “What Party?” next month. Yes, she wears two hats at Vernon High School.
•John Harcus (Music/Vernon Middle & High Schools) advised that he is a repeat recipient. He has been able to purchase music for the last two years at both schools.
CRAA will present the grants for Jackson, Calhoun and Liberty Counties on Tuesday, May 21 at Jim’s Buffet and Grill in Marianna. The Board will meet at 11 a.m., with a Dutch treat luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and Mini Grant Recipient reports at NOON. Supporters of The Arts are welcome to attend.
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