Story, photos by Barbara McCormick
BOCA RATON — The National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Boca Raton South Florida Chapter recently celebrated the accomplishments of a host of talented individuals in art, dance, music and theatre.
The evening began with a welcome from NSAL Boca Raton Chapter President, Judi Asselta. The musical invocation “The Prayer” was sung by Amy Sheffer, Neil Nelson and Mark Jones. Amy is the National NSAL winner of the Shirley R. Winston Voice Scholarship.
Joe Gillie, president and CEO of Old School Square Cultural Arts Center was given the National Society of Arts and Letters Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership and Artistic Excellence by event chairpersons, Alyce Erickson, Philippa Reboli and Roswitha Guzinski. Patricia Burdette presented humorous stories from Michael Hall and Frances Bourque toasted the honoree.
An inspiring musical salute was performed by members of the Conservatory of Music from Lynn University.
Winners of the 2011 Dance Competition for Choreography, “The Art of the Solo,” were introduced by Director Shari Upbin. The first place dancer was Kassi Abreu, a former student at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Second place, Ronderrick Mitchell, of the New World School of the Arts and Ivy Noel Canapa of Palm Beach Atlantic University won third place.
The competition awards were made possible through the generosity of Marilyn Nelson, Donald and Georgia Mandich, and Dorinda Spahr. Kassi went on to the National NSAL Conference Competition in Birmingham, Alabama, May 18-21.
Chevalier Donald Mandich presented Alyce Erickson The National Society of Arts and Letters Distinguished Service Award for Leadership. Alyce responded, “I am humbled and honored to be a small part of this national organization of the National Society of Arts and Letters, whose purpose is to discover, encourage and assist young talented people in art, dance, drama, literature, music, musical theatre and voice.”
For more information on NSAL membership and activities, please visit www.artsnsal.org.