Foundation Awards Arts Grants to Schools

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Cast members of “Hello, Dolly” clown around before the high school’s spring musical in March. Photo by Roark Gourley
Cast members of “Hello, Dolly” clown around before the high school’s spring musical in March.
Photo by Roark Gourley

The Festival of Arts Foundation awarded $30,000 in grants to Laguna Beach High School to enhance visual and performing arts education, the district announced this week.

The high school’s art program received a $15,000 award and supporters of its instrumental music program received $5,000. The campus’s dance and performing arts departments received awards of $2,500 and $5,000, respectively, while the parent-led performing arts boosters group received another $2,500.

“Giving the opportunity for local youth to experience all the arts is a big part of our mission,” Foundation President Scott Moore said in a statement. “Providing funds for
all the various needs of the art, music, drama and dance departments not only helps fulfill our mission, it helps ensure the dreams of these promising young men and women.”

The foundation, which was established in 1989, was co-founded by John Rayment and David Young. Earnings and income from the endowment are distributed annually as grants to nonprofit art organizations and educational institutions in Laguna Beach and surrounding areas.

“We are fortunate to live in a community where there is strong support to promote the arts in our school,” Principal Joanne Culverhouse said.

LBHS drama teacher Mark Dressler agreed. “Thousands of student actors, singers, dancers and audience members, have benefitted from Festival of Arts Foundation grants.”

Art teacher Scott Wittkop said the grant will pay for supplemental supplies, including clay, paint, mat board, ink, and paper.

Dance teacher Lisa Jay said grants allow the department to produce two student performances a year.

Chorus teacher Roxanna Ward the grant will underwrite a new program to improve sight reading skills, travel to a vocal competition and a master class conducted by a visiting vocal artist.

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