Program Showcases Dearborn Schools’ Talent And Awards School Staff

Program Showcases Dearborn Schools’ Talent And Awards School Staff

(Caption 19 Art Awd 1- Edsel Ford High School Voice Ensemble, under the direction of Choral Activities/Theater Director Mr. Robert Doyle, performs during the awards program.)

(Caption 19 Art Awd 2- Ms. Catherine Prowse, Maples Elementary Music Teacher shares steps up to the microphone to thank the Arts Council and Mayor for selecting her to receive the Arts Educator Award)

(Caption 19 Art Awd 3- Education Foundation Executive Director, Mr. Eddie Fakhoury accepts the Arts Patron Award)

Elementary school drummers, high school singers, and alumni soloist from the Dearborn Public Schools took part in the 25th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards program sponsored by the Dearborn Community Arts Council. The event honors those who have contributed to the arts in Dearborn either as performers or supporters, and the Dearborn Public Schools were well represented.    

The Dearborn Schools Education Foundation was recognized with the Arts Patron Award for their efforts to support both music and art programs in the Dearborn Public Schools.  Mr. Eddie Fakhoury, Executive Director for the Foundation, thanked the Mayor and the Arts Council for recognizing their efforts. The Foundation has contributed thousands of dollars to directly support teacher projects and classroom programs.  

The Arts Educator Award was presented to Dearborn teacher and director of the highly acclaimed Maples Arabic Music Ensemble and Drum Line, Ms. Catherine Prowse. Ms. Prowse thanked the students, her colleagues, and the various principals who have served at Maples Elementary School over the years for their long-time support of her efforts.  

Ms. Linda Lukens is well known to many Dearborn Public Schools students for her outstanding talents as a pianist and accompanist.  She has worked on many musical productions at the high schools and performed alongside dozens of high school singers as their accompanist at vocal music festivals and competitions. Ms. Lukens was awarded the Artist/Performer Award in recognition of her talents.  

This annual celebration of the arts also included several performances. The Edsel Ford High School Voice Ensemble, under the direction of Choral Activities/Theater Director Mr. Robert Doyle, performed “Sanctus” from Requiem and “Babes in Arms” by Rogers & Hart.  Of course the Maples Arabic Music Ensemble was on-hand to share their distinctive and up-beat sound. The group has been entertaining crowds for 10 years and has performed at a variety of events across the state.  The audience of more than 200 also had the privilege of hearing Soprano Brittania Talori perform two musical selections. Her captivating voice drew loud praise from all in attendance.   

The complete list of Mayor’s Arts Awards Honorees for 2013 includes:
•    Linda Lukens, Artist-Performer Award
•    Catherine Prowse, Arts Educator Award
•    Mary Beth Oravec, Volunteer Award
•    Robert Varty, DCAC Bravo Award
•    Vanguard Voices, Arts Organization Award
•    Dearborn Education Foundation, Arts Patron Award
•    East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority, Mayor's Award