{Pat Plasko} Pat Plasko, dance teacher for the Education for the Arts/Excellence in the Arts program of the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency, has been named Educator of the Year by the Michigan Dance Council.
The award, to be presented May 12 in conjunction with the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, recognizes the service, commitment and quality of work of a dance educator who has promoted the field of dance through education, statewide or nationally, over a period of years. It is awarded every year to a nominated Michigan dance educator.
"Two colleagues approached me about this nomination,'' Plasko said. ``I was humbled and flattered, as it was entirely unexpected but appreciated.''
This is Plasko's eighth year directing the Education for the Arts/Excellence in the Arts dance program. She works with students who attend public or private schools in Kalamazoo County and who are transported during their school day to various locations in Kalamazoo to take the dance class five days a week for a year.
"My goal is to give them as broad a view possible of all that the dance world encompasses, not just MTV,'' Plasko said. ``They learn the discipline of working and transforming their bodies as well as the art of making dance works.''
From: P.S. FROM THE ENTERTAINMENT STAFF, Kalamazoo Gazette: Sunday, April 9, 2006
{ArtServe Michigan}
{Education for the Arts Staff}
EFA administrative staff at the Governor’s Arts Award Ceremony at the Detroit Opera House. (l to r: Jen Kulik, Kris DeRyder, Jeffrey Harkins, Bryan Zocher)
In November 2005, Education for the Arts was awarded the ArtServe Michigan Governor's Award for Arts in Education.
The 20th Annual ArtServe Michigan Governor's Awards for Arts & Culture is a statewide event that showcases and celebrates Michigan artists, arts in education, arts organizations, civic leaders in the arts and business support of the arts. A selection committee composed of citizens from throughout the state chooses the winners.
Since its beginning in 1985, the Governor's Awards for Arts & Culture have recognized individuals and organizations that have been vital to the growth and development of Michigan's cultural resources. The Arts in Education Award is given to an individual educator or an institution who has provided extraordinary leadership, student and/or educator support and creativity in advancing arts and cultural education in Michigan schools at the elementary, secondary or higher education levels.
