Leadership Awards

Amanda Karioth Thompson is an independent arts consultant focused on helping people navigate their creative projects. As the founder of AKT Artful, she provides a unique perspective and specialized expertise as a knowledgeable advisor, collaborator, and interpreter. With 20 years of experience as a maker and arts administrator, she develops, manages, and produces arts related content, projects, programming, and events. Amanda offers customized support tailored to the creative needs of her clients which include municipal agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, educators, artists, and individuals. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Amanda attended FSU and earned two bachelor’s degrees in Studio Art and Art Education, and a master’s degree in Art Education. She also holds a K-12 Florida Art Teacher Certification and volunteers in arts classrooms across the community. She is a practicing artist working in glass, ceramics, and a variety of other media.

Principal Ronda Smith is a visionary and dedicated leader with over 17 years of service in the School District of Palm Beach County. A proud product of the district and graduate of A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, she is committed to fostering a world-class educational experience that blends academic rigor, artistic excellence, and meaningful relationships.

Her passion for the arts took root early, leading her to study at the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York City. Upon returning to West Palm Beach, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Barry University.

Mrs. Smith has served in a variety of impactful roles, including teaching at Bak Middle School of the Arts and Dreyfoos School of the Arts, as well as leadership roles as Assistant Principal at both Bak and John F. Kennedy Middle School.

As Principal of Plumosa School of the Arts, she has led a remarkable school-wide transformation. Within her first two years, Plumosa earned an A school rating, a reflection of the significant growth and achievement across all student subgroups. Under her leadership, Plumosa was also honored with the 2025 Exceeding Expectations Award by the East Coast Technical Assistance Center (ECTAC)—recognizing schools that demonstrate exceptional academic progress and success in closing achievement gaps.

In addition to driving academic excellence, Mrs. Smith has had the privilege of expanding Plumosa into a thriving K–8 program. She has thoughtfully developed a learning environment that not only cultivates the talents of young artists but also accelerates their academic journey through a rigorous curriculum that offers a variety of high school credit opportunities. Her vision ensures that students leave Plumosa both creatively inspired and academically prepared for future success.

Principal Smith’s leadership is fueled by a deep commitment to student voice, creativity, and high student performance. Through innovation, high expectations, and unwavering support for both students and staff, she continues to shape Plumosa School of the Arts into a model for excellence in public education.

Laura Hobby currently serves the Hillsborough County Public Schools as K-12 Visual and Theatre Arts Supervisor. This is her 4th year in the position, having come to the district office after twenty-five years in the classroom. In addition to being a proud public-school educator, Laura is a board member of the Florida Art Education Association (Advocacy Co-Chair and Member-At-Large) and 2024 Florida Association for Theatre Education Outstanding Theatre Arts Administrator. In addition, she serves on the Education Committees for both the Tampa Museum of Art and The Dali. When she is not busy advocating for arts education, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, playing with her cocker spaniel, and creating new paintings and anything fiber arts related.