School News
Posted May 3, 2016 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Left to right, Tyler Ryan, Bobby Ryan, Danna Diaz, Madeline Busse, Mary Blevins, and Jack McKenna – Contributed photo
San Juan Island School District Honors Partnership with San Juan Community Theater
In recognition of the long-standing partnership between San Juan Island School District and San Juan Community Theatre, SJISD Superintendent Danna Diaz invited representatives of the theater to a Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Region 108 luncheon banquet to honor the theater’s long-standing interest in supporting public education in our community.
The following statement was made by Dr. Diaz, “San Juan Island School District wishes to honor our partners in education, the San Juan Island Community Theatre, for their ongoing and important contributions to our community’s public school students. Since the theater’s inception in 1989, student art displays, student performance support and student access to this beautiful and magical theater has been a part of the San Juan Island Community Theatre mission statement and, perhaps more importantly, a part of the regular practice of the theater management. As an original founder of the community theater, Paul Whittier was a driving force in the original decision about proximity of the theater to the schools and a strong tradition for arts education for our community’s students has been a hallmark of the theater’s mission.”
The San Juan Community Theatre’s ongoing involvement in student creativity is highlighted in their mission statement, quoted below:
‘The San Juan Community Theatre is a non-profit performing arts organization that enriches the lives of island residents and visitors as it:
- offers quality entertainment;
- encourages participation in performing arts events, programs and activities; and
- provides opportunity for artistic growth for youth and adults’
Providing artistic growth for youth is demonstrated through performing arts rehearsals, preparations, and shows of elementary, middle and high school plays and concerts throughout the year, as well as by hosting student art displays. The San Juan Community Theatre also supports the annual Knowledge Bowl, a local public school San Juan Public Schools Foundation fundraiser.
In demonstration of a strong partnership with schools, the San Juan Community Theatre has provided technical support for the school’s drama programs. The Theatre has also demonstrated advanced interest in the District’s Fine and Performing Arts initiatives by providing professional expertise in helping to develop our strategic planning goals around fine and performing arts in the schools, K-12.
Thank you, San Juan Community Theatre from the bottom of our hearts. San Juan Island School District, and our entire school community, appreciates you as a partner in education.”
In attendance for this event and receiving a plaque on behalf of the theatre were, Madeline Busse, SJCT Board Chair, Mary Blevins, Chief Administrative Officer, Bobby Ryan, Artistic Director, SJCT, and Tyler Ryan, Volunteer, SJCT. San Juan Island School District Board Director Jack McKenna joined Superintendent Danna Diaz in support of this event.
The event was held at Skagit Valley Golf and Country Club in Burlington on April 28, 2016.
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Categories: Arts, Schools
One comment:
One comment...
This is fantastic news! The work of the SJI Community Theater and Island Stage Left has blessed our island in so many ways, but perhaps none so profoundly as welcoming our children to participate on and off the stage as well as deepen their appreciation for the art. What better pathway into the language, movement, and music of the human condition than the telling of a compelling story? Thank you Superintendent Diaz for celebrating your wonderful partnership. Onward and Upward with the Arts!
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