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LASplash.com: Los Angeles Charities Hollywood Tribute Event Review - Honorees Speak of Tough Roads to Success By Wendie Leweck The second annual Hollywood Tribute Event took place at the historic Crystal Marquis in Whittier on June 19th and celebrated the abundant talents and accomplishments of all who attended the Los Angles County High School for the Arts ( Arts High). Emotions ran high with many in the room shedding tears as honorees described what the school meant to them and how it changed their lives, including a heartwarming acceptance speech by Josefina Lopez recounting her difficult road from on undocumented immigrant to acclaimed playwright and a moving thank you from Master of Ceremonies and alumnus Leonard Earl Howze to teacher Vicki Silva for her help through the difficult period of his mother's death in 2007.
Organized by the Arts High Alumni Association, the evening, sponsored by Loeb and Loeb, the Arts High Foundation and Colette's Catering & Specialty Cakes honored alumnae: Josefina Lopez, playwright, whose successes include Real Woman Have Curves and McKenzie Westmore, actress, who portrays Sheridan Crane on the NBC hit show, " Passions". Also honored were distinguished community member, Bill Ratner, one of America's leading voice over professionals, and outstanding educators Jim Blackford (Ret.) and Vicky Silva, a twice recipient of the Presidential Arts Scholar Distinguished Teacher award. Both have a long and dedicated history of teaching at the school. Los Angles County Supervisor, Michael D. Antonovich attended the event, presenting all award recipients a personally signed certificate of commendation, recognizing the dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for civic pride. "As a co-founder of the High School for the Arts, I appreciate the standard of excellence these outstanding educators and honorees have created for future students and instructors. They are superb role models for academic achievement and reaching creative goals and fulfilling the mission of the High School for the Arts," stated Antonovich. Current students, alumni, families, faculty, administration, board members, scholarship recipients and members of the foundation were in attendance to embrace the intimate community that is Arts High.
Entertainment of the evening included rockin', foot stomping tunes by alumnus O'Riley's band the Mojo Kings playing originals such as " Alive" and " Standing Stone" during the VIP cocktail hour. Alumna and former American Idol contestant Amanda Avila followed singing a heartfelt rendition of " Second Chance" (originally performed by 38 Special). Wrapping up the entertainment for the evening was alumna and former American Idol contestant Samantha Sidley with a special performance by her band Alex and Sam. Samantha's breathtaking performance of "Georgia on My Mind" embodied the sound of jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald leaving the crowd wanting more. The Hollywood Tribute Event is an annual fundraiser whose goal is raise funds for scholarships for students and alumni from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, as well as to help the Alumni Association support the high school through grants that allow the high school to continue its quality arts education. Last year's premier event honored alumnus Josh Groban whose successes include best selling album of 2007 titled Noel. Next year's honorees are yet to be named, but to receive advance notification of the event, interested parties can subscribe to the Alumni Association's RSS feed by visiting www.lachsaalumni.org. To support the endeavors of Arts High and the alumni association please visit www.lachsaalumni.org and click on Make a Donation. All donations are tax deductible. Published Jul 14, 2008 © Copyright 2003-2004 by LA Splash.com |
