Spotlight Awards presented May 23 | Arts & Culture

Patel Conservatory students will be in the limelight at the Spotlight Awards 2012, an evening celebrating student accomplishments, on Wednesday, May 23 in Ferguson Hall at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

A pre-show dinner will begin the festivities at 5 p.m., followed by the 7 p.m. presentation of Spotlight awards given to students of merit. Entertainment will be provided by Patel Conservatory dance, music and theater students.

Showcasing the diverse arts education programs of the 2011-2012 year, the Spotlight Awards recognize outstanding students, pay tribute to graduating seniors and honor Community Partners.

The Spotlight Awards has three goals: to raise essential funds for the Patel Conservatory’s arts education programs; to build a cohesive student body in music, dance and theater; and to provide an opportunity for parent involvement. For those not currently enrolled at the Patel Conservatory, attending the Spotlight Awards will give an opportunity to see students perform, and meet with students and staff to get a feel for the performing arts school.

Proceeds from the Spotlight Awards will support efforts at the Patel Conservatory and at outreach programs to enrich the lives of thousands of children in our community.

“The Spotlight Awards is an amazing event. It symbolizes everything that the Conservatory stands for: serving the community and providing excellence in arts education...all in one night! It's the one night of the year that all of our components and participants come together for celebration, reflection, entertainment, food and a sense of community. And we get to raise money to continue the good work that we're doing,” said Wendy Leigh, Straz Center vice president of education.

Regularly priced tickets, now through May 9, start at $20. Beginning May 10, regularly priced tickets start at $25. Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

The Arts Education School & Community Partnerships Program is sponsored by OSI Restaurants and funded in part by Brown & Brown Insurance, The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, JPMorgan Chase Foundation, MetLife Foundation, Regions Bank, Tampa Bay Times Fund, Target and T. Rowe Price Foundation.

As part of the non-profit Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Patel Conservatory offers camps and classes for children and adults of all experience levels in all kinds of dance, music and theater. For more information about the Patel Conservatory, visit www.patelconservatory.org or call 813.222.1002.