SCHOOL Administrator

Osceola Teaching and Learning Leadership Team

Arts Education Professional

Amy Conrod

Business Leader

Disney

ACE of Hearts

Leigh Byer

Doris Leeper

Janet Erlick
Teaching Artist

Trailblazer Award

Phillip Dunlap

Administrator - District

Scott Evans District Arts Supervisor Orange County Public Schools

Administrator - Principal

Jay Bidwell Wewahitchka High School Gulf County

Arts Education Professional

Theresa West-Taylo Lee County (N Fort Myers Academy for the Arts)

Business Leader

Larry Tobin FAIRWINDS Credit Union CEO Orange County

Community Volunteer

Melba Luciano Osceola County

Elected Official

Lynn Gray Hillsborough School Board Member

Superintendent’s Award

Dr. Diana Greene Duval County

School Board Award

Orange County Public Schools

ACE of Hearts

Dr. Daryl Ward Southeastern University Polk County

Doris Leeper

Xavier Cortada Visual Artist Miami-Dade County

Trailblazer Award

Jeanne Reynolds Pinellas County Schools

ACE of Hearts

Commissioner Beam Furr
Broward County

Arts Education Professional

Dean Maggie Cuesta
New World School of the Arts
Miami-Dade County

Business Leader

Florida Theatrical Association
Larry Watchorn & Kenny Howard
Orange County

Community Volunteer

Dr. Jane Walker Lindberg
Arts Alive Nassau
Nassau County

Dr. Mary Palmer Trailblazer Legacy Award

Nancy Roucher

Elected Officials

Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith
Orange (FL House of Rep)

Sen. Perry Thurston
Broward (FL Senate)

School Administrator

Joanne Crowder
Marion County Schools
Note: Heidi Fyock Maier (Superintendent, Marion County) received on her behalf.

Superintendent

Dr. Donald Fennoy II
Palm Beach County Schools

Retirement Award

Sherron Long
Florida Cultural Alliance

Arts Education Professional Awards

Sharon Reid-Kane
Vice President of Education & Outreach, Ruth Eckerd Hall
Clearwater, Florida

Amanda Thompson
Education and Exhibitions Manager
The Council on Culture & Arts
Tallahassee, Florida

Business Leadership Award

Ted Gee
President and Co-Founder
Live Music Tutor
Austin, Texas (for work in Osceola County)

Community Volunteer Award

The Matlacha Hookers
Pine Island, Florida
Lee County Schools

Superintendent's Award

Dr. Debra Pace
District Superintendent
School District of Osceola County

School Administrator Leadership Award

Deborah Fahmie
District Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist
School District of Osceola County

The ACE of Hearts Award

Jodi Jeffreys-Tanner
Business and Community Leader
Broward County

The Dr. Mary Palmer Legacy Trailblazer Award

The Dr. Mary Palmer Legacy Trailblazer Award is an award given to honor individuals who have elevated arts education as their core mission. This award is named after Dr. Mary Palmer, Ph.D. who is Professor Emeritus of the UCF College of Education and whose tireless work on behalf of arts education – and specifically arts integration – has gained her a national reputation as not only an advocate for arts education, but also as an individual who recognizes the transformative power of the arts.

Arts Educational Professional - School

Christopher Dorsey
Director of Jazz Bands
Dillard Center for the Arts

Arts Education Professional - Community

Mary Giraulo
Manager, Grants & Arts Education
United Arts of Central Florida

Business Leader - Posthumously

Herbert M. “Tippen” Davidson, Jr.
Publisher
Daytona Beach New Journal

Community Volunteer

Myra Weaver
President
Florida Youth Orchestra

Elected Official

John Mica
Former Representative

School Administrator

Tom Schwarm
Principal
RJ Murray Middle School

Doris Leeper Award

Daniel Lewis
Dean of Dance
New World School of the Arts

Special Award

Jackson Walker
Artist

Arts Educational Professional

Joshua Vickery
Founder and Executive Director
Central Florida Community Arts

Joshua Vickery is a vocalist, actor, teacher, producer, musical director, arts administrator and conductor. Joshua’s love of music and the arts has allowed him to have an incredible career thus far. He earned his Associate of Arts Degree in Vocal Performance at Indian River Community College, receiving the honor of Outstanding Fine Arts Graduate. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Education/Music at Palm Beach Atlantic University where he performed with three of the universities elite vocal groups and served in various leadership roles.

Joshua grew up with a passion for music ministry. While studying music in college, he served as Associate Minister of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach for two years where he directed the church’s vocal praise teams, led music services and assisting in directing the church’s Singing Christmas Tree production, which was viewed by thousands of patrons in Palm Beach televised.

In 2003 he became the Worship Arts Pastor of Orlando Baptist Church and Fine Arts Director at Orlando Christian Prep, a K-12 Christian school where he taught voice, and vocal performance and developed and directed several school choirs. His journey then continued on to Aloma Church where Joshua combined his talents to lead a large church ministry with every aspect including choirs, orchestra, and youth programs. During his tenure in these churches, he founded and served as the Executive Producer of the Central Florida Christmas Celebration in which he coached youth and adult vocal performers, developed scripts, and managed hundreds of volunteers.

Joshua currently serves as Executive Director of Central Florida Community Arts, an organization which he founded in 2010. This organization consists of about 800 artists in multiple choirs, an adult and youth symphony orchestra, children/youth arts program and a School of Performing Arts. CFCArts strives to make the arts affordable and accessible, and uses the arts as a catalyst to create change in the community, while partnering with other charities to bring the arts at no cost.

Joshua has been a featured soloist in countless venues, produced musical recordings, and been the director of numerous productions. Joshua has also served as an entertainment leader, casting director, and vocal coach for Walt Disney Entertainment and serves as a consultant for other arts organizations in its beginning stages. Joshua has lived in Orlando since 2003 and has enjoyed serving on the board of several fine entities, and a member of FAACS School Administrators, Visit Orlando, Young Professional Network, Central Florida Leadership Forum, and Leadership Orlando.

Business Leader

Orlando Health

Orlando Health’s commitment to the arts in our community is ever evolving and growing year by year. We are improving health outcomes through many mediums of art inside our hospital walls in addition to supporting many organizations throughout Central Florida that are dedicated to Arts & Culture to ensure that the health of our community’s art industry is thriving to enhance quality of life for everyone.

Our Arts in Medicine program at UF Health Cancer Center – Orlando Health allows patients to experience the stress reducing effects of art production and explore their creativity – often while working one-on-one with the resident artist to create something much greater than they ever expected. This program has impacted more than 2,500 patients and families who are seeking treatment for cancer within our hospital. They experience the mental and physical process of art production to help reduce the stressful reality of their cancer diagnosis.

At Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, we believe that every child should feel comforted and safe while receiving care. The Healing Arts Program provides pediatric patients the opportunity to discover and harness their creative energy to enhance their recovery process. This program provides a forum where young patients can express their unique fears, anxieties and thoughts through the creative use of expressive and cultural arts. These activities can result in the reduction of pain and anxiety, the fostering of group cohesion, the promotion of enhanced self-worth, and the development of new skills and interests in the cultural space. Art is used to lift spirits, educate children about their diagnosis, and assist children in processing information.

Orlando Health values being a part of the communities we serve. From employee volunteer efforts to partnership investments with nonprofits, we are deeply committed to leading, collaborating and advocating to measurably improve the health of our community even if that goes beyond our role as Orlando’s leading healthcare provider. We strive to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Central Florida and the neighborhoods surrounding Orlando Health and arts and culture is a large part of that fabric. Through partnerships with organizations like the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Orlando Museum of Art, and the Pine Hills Performing Arts Center, we are able to help create lasting programs and experiences that create a better community for us all to experiences. Through these partnerships we are able to make a lasting impact on our community while also bringing the art form inside the walls of our hospitals for patients to experience to offer a sense of comfort and enjoyment.

Community Volunteer

Cici Brown

Elected Official

Florida House District 2

Representative W. Keith Perry serves in the Florida Legislature representing Dixie, Gilchrist and part of Alachua counties. He is the vice chairman of the House Education Committee and the sponsor of HB 1253 this past Florida Legislative Session which proposed the development of the Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Pilot Program within the Florida Department of Education. The bill, unfortunately, did not pass the 2016 Florida Legislature; however, Representative Perry truly understands and believes strongly in the powerful effect and impact studying music and all the arts have on young peoples' learning and success in school and beyond. He supports the arts in STEM to make it STEAM and speaks up among his legislative colleagues and within his community about the power of arts education. We so appreciate his leadership and voice of support to advance learning opportunities in the arts for all Florida students.

Rob Hyatt
Alachua County School Board

Following a long and successful career as a Florida music educator, Rob Hyatt was elected to the Alachua Co. School Board in 2014. During his tenure on the school board, Rob has been a tireless champion for arts education in Alachua County as well as the State of Florida. Rob uses his career experiences as a music educator to help advocate for the arts, frequently connecting with local and state lawmakers. Rob is also frequently and prominently seen at Alachua Co. Schools arts events.

Cici graduated from Westbrook College (now the University of New England) and was a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC prior to her marriage to Hyatt in 1965. Active in civic and charitable organizations in the Volusia County area, Cici has worked with the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach continually since 1971 and served for three years as President of its Board of Trustees. She was a founding member of the Cultural Arts Council of Volusia County and served on that board for 12 years. She also served on the Florida Humanities Council Board for several years. She is a Sustaining member of the Junior League and a member of the Garden Club of the Halifax Country where she takes particular interest in Conservation and Scholarship. She has been a member of the Stetson University Board of Trustees since 1999. Before becoming a Trustee, she served the university as a member of the College of Arts & Sciences Board of Advisors, including a term as Chairman. Cici was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Stetson University in 2007. FAAE will honor Cici at an event held at The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art on June 24 at 5:30 PM. The museum is more than a traditional art museum. It is a history museum, with the history of Florida told through works of art. Now open, the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art will give visitors the opportunity to see a collection of Florida themed oil and watercolor paintings that date back to the early 1800's. The Brown collection consists of over 2,600 paintings of Florida and is the most extensive collection of Florida art in the world. The size and scope of the collection lends itself perfectly to illustrating the many stories that can be told about the geography and natural history of Florida. While artists or styles can be highlighted and discussed, visitors can also learn about Florida's weather or native wildlife through creative theming and interpretation.

School Administrator

Brian Kier Principal
Davenport School of the Arts

Brian’s dedication to the students at Davenport School of the Arts is exemplified by his passionate desire to provide excellence in arts education leadership. He consistently ensures that all of the students have access to high-quality art education in an inclusive and inviting environment.

Superintendent

Lori White
Superintendent
Sarasota County Schools

FAAE recognizes that strong leadership from the top is necessary to develop and maintain strong arts education programs in a school district. Superintendent White was selected for this prestigious award based upon her tireless efforts to maintain outstanding arts programs in the Sarasota schools as well as the strong relationships she has fostered with community arts organizations. White has served as superintendent of Sarasota County schools since 2008 and is renowned across the district and state for her support of arts education. She grew up in Sarasota and has spent her entire career as a teacher and administrator in the district. She served as director of curriculum and instruction from 1995-2003 and was then associate superintendent of instructional services. Despite budget shortfalls and recommendations from consultants to cut arts education positions, White staunchly supported the presence of the arts in all of Sarasota’s public schools. Due in large part to White’s support, Sarasota County was the nation’s sixth community chosen for the Kennedy Center’s Any Given Child Initiative. This initiative promotes access and equity in arts experiences for all students, K-8, through the school district, the local arts community, and the Kennedy Center. In addition to Any Given Child, Superintendent White’s involvement in EdExplore was crucial to ensuring students experiential learning opportunities with and through the arts.” EdExplore is an online platform that connects teachers to a plethora of local community arts, cultural, historical, and science field-based organizations that provide opportunities to enrich and extend the school curriculum. Mrs. White is an eloquent speaker about the arts and their importance to a child’s whole education. She is also proud to tell you about her days playing the violin at Pine View High School.

Doris Leeper Award

Gary Langford

R. Gary Langford is Professor of Music Emeritus at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He came to the University in 1971 as Assistant Director of Bands and Professor of Trumpet. He received the Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., and the Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of North Texas where he was a member and soloist with the famed One O’Clock (Jazz) Lab Band. He also was principal trumpet in the UNT Orchestra and performed extensively with the UNT Brass Quintet. His responsibilities at the University of Florida have included Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, teaching in the areas of Music History and Music Theory, and also served as the Assistant Director of the School of Music until his retirement in 2007. In 1996, having completed 25 years with the UF Marching Band, the “Pride of the Sunshine”, the last 10 as its director, he “retired” from that position to devote more time to administration and the jazz program. Mr. Langford is an accomplished arranger with over 400 arrangements for marching band tailored for the “Pride of the Sunshine” and the Swamp at Florida Field. His published compositions have appeared in the catalogues of Hansen Music, C. L. Barnhouse, Carl Fischer and Columbia Pictures.

ACE of Hearts

Beth Cummings
Director of Fine Arts
Polk County Schools

Beth is the epitome of servant leadership. Her involvement in all level of arts administration – from state organizations to school-specific priorities – demonstrate her passion for what it means to advocate for Art for All!

School Board: Orange County Public Schools

The Orange County School Board ensures that all students in Orange County Public Schools will have access to high quality arts education, including equitable access for students across all socioeconomic classifications. Even during a challenging economy, this School Board maintained its commitment to arts education by strenuously campaigning for a one-mill increase on property taxes. This special tax, specifically earmarked to protect arts programs, was overwhelmingly passed by voters in 2010 and again in 2014. During the past 6 years, OCPS has increased the number of arts educators annually and now boasts over 600 arts educators. Under the guidance and support of the School board, 66.9% of OCPS students, over 130,000, are now enrolled in visual and performing arts courses. For over 20 years, the school board has supported a program where every 2nd grader attends the Ballet and every 3rd, 4th, and 5th grader attends a concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, all schools in Orange County have access to the Journeys Into Arts and Culture program which provides transportation and entrance fees to arts and cultural institutions throughout the county. As a result of their leadership, OCPS was named a Partner in Education with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Two Orange County schools, Howard Middle School Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts and Lake Nona Middle School, have recently been recognized by FAAE and the Florida Department of Education as Florida Arts Model Schools. Individually and collectively, the members of the Orange County School Board have demonstrated an unwavering and highly successful commitment to providing students with the social, emotional, and academic benefits of high quality arts education.

School Superintendent

Melba Luciano
The School District of Osceola County

Community Leader for the Arts and Arts Education

Bryce West
Orlando

Doris Leeper Award for Teaching Artist Leadership

Cathy Berse
New Smyrna Beach

Arts Education Professional Leadership Award

Pablo Remonsellez
Brevard County

2015 Florida Teacher of the Year

Christie Bassett

Business Leader

Ken Smith
President
Education Foundation of Osceola County
Osceola County

School Administrator

Scott Rudes
Principal
Orange Grove Middle Magnet School of the Arts
Hillsborough County

School Administrator

Nate Fancher
Principal
St. Cloud High School
Osceola County

School Administrator

Stacy Burdette
East Lake Elementary
Osceola County

Community Volunteer

Diana Russell
Harrison School for the Arts
Polk County

Legislative Leader

Senator Nancy Detert
Florida Senate District 23
Sarasota and Venice
Sarasota County

Legislative Leader

Representative Charles McBurney
Jr. Florida House District 16
Jacksonville
Duval County

ACE of Hearts

Louise Grant
Executive Director of the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund
Palm Beach County

Arts Education Professional

Jeff Satinoff
Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Palm Beach County

Business Leader

Beverly Steele
Young Performing Artists (YPAs), Inc.
Sumter County

Community Volunteer

Pam Marron
Fine Arts of the Suncoast
Pasco County

School Administrator

Joseph Bazenas
Booker Middle School
Sarasota County

School Administrator

Stacy Burdette
East Lake Elementary
Osceola County

Doris Leeper Award

Dario J. Moore
Center for Contemporary Dance
Seminole County

Doris Leeper Award (posthumus)

Phillip Anthony
Boston Avenue Charter School
Volusia County

ACE of Hearts

Frank Brogan
Chancellor
State University System of Florida

Arts Education Professional

Jeff Satinoff
Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Palm Beach County

Business Leader

Beverly Steele
Young Performing Artists (YPAs), Inc.
Sumter County

Community Volunteer

Pam Marron
Fine Arts of the Suncoast
Pasco County

School Administrator

Joseph Bazenas
Booker Middle School
Sarasota County

School Administrator

Stacy Burdette
East Lake Elementary
Osceola County

Doris Leeper Award

Dario J. Moore
Center for Contemporary Dance
Seminole County

ACE of Hearts

Frank Brogan
Chance

Community Volunteer Award

Betty Drees Johnson
Library Director and Professor at Stetson University in Volusia County

Superintendent Award

Dr. Michael Grego
Superintendent of the school board of Osceola County

Ace of Hearts Award

Frank Howes
Former Senior Director for Fine Arts, Polk County School Ditrict

Arts Educator Award

Leslie Lacktman
Director of Education and Community Engagement, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota

Business Leader

Stephanie Ansin

Artistic Director

The PlayGround Theatre

Emerging Coalition

Lee County ACE Coalition

Community Volunteer

Carlos Santelli

Arts Education Professional

Vladimir Issaev

Ballet Master & Choreographer

The Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida

School Administrator Leadership Award

Dr. Tom Pearson
K-12 Arts Education Program Planner
Palm Beach County Public Schools

Principal Leadership Award

Michael Corneau
R.L. Stevenson Elementary School of the Arts

Superintendent Leadership Award

Bill Vogel
Seminole County Public Schools

School Board Award

Palm Beach County Public Schools

ACE of Hearts

Lawrie Platt-Hall

Legislative LeaderS

State Representative Dorothy Hukill
State Senator Stephen R. Wise

School Board of Excellence

Janice Kershaw, Chair
Amy Kneessey, Vice Chair
Robert Jordan
Dr. Barbara A. Murray
Larry E. Hughes

ACE of Hearts

JuDee Pettijohn
Deputy Secretary of State Cultural and Historical Programs

Doris Leeper Award

Constance Rogers
Visual Arts Teacher, Van R. Butler Elementary

Legislative Leader

Senator Evelyn J. Lynn
Volusia County

Arts Education Professionals

Margot Knight
President & CEO of United Arts of Central Florida
Orange County

Peter Stark
Director of the Orlando Ballet School
Orange County

Business Leader

Patty DeYoung
Executive Administrator of Darden Restaurants Foundation
Orange County

Deanna Costa
Producer of Education and Outreach
The Arsht Center
Miami-Dade County

Community Volunteer

Debbie Fahmie
Music Educator Teacher
Cypress Elementary School
Osceola County

School Administrator

Jayne Ellspermann
West Port High School
Marion County

2007 Kennedy Center Creative Ticket National School of Distinction

Gocio Elementary School
Principal - Steven Dragon
Sarasota County Public Schools

School Board of Excellence

School Board Polk County
Margaret Lofton
School Board Chair

Creative Ticket School of Excellence

Booker Middle School
Principal-Joe Bazenas
Sarasota County Public Schools

Charles W. Duval Fine Arts Academy
Principal-Dr. Leanetta McNealy
Alachua County Public Schools

Arts Education Professional

Susan Rosoff
Education Curator
Orlando Museum of Art
Orange County, Florida

Community Volunteer

Scott Blum
Manatee County, FL

School Administrator

Steven Dragon
Principal- Gocio Elementary School
Sarasota County Public Schools