NEWS RELEASE

The Cultural Council of Indian River County is pleased to announce its 2016 Laurel Award Honorees. Over the past 20 years, the Cultural Council has promoted the cultural arts through education, collaboration, marketing, programming and advocacy. During this time the Cultural Council created the Laurel Awards to recognize leadership in the cultural arts.

The four Laurel Awards to be presented this year are:

Richard A. Stark Award for Cultural Leadership awarded to an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership in promoting the cultural arts, and in providing encouragement, involvement, and motivation to others in support of the cultural arts.

Alma Lee Loy Award for Volunteer Leadership awarded to an outstanding individual who, as a volunteer, demonstrates selfless dedication to the cultural arts, and devoted energy, passion, time and support of a nonprofit cultural organization.

Willie C. Reagan Award for Educational Leadership awarded to an arts educator to honor, recognize, celebrate, and advocate arts education for all whose talent and leadership keeps the arts alive for people of all ages.

John J. Schumann, Jr. Award for Business Leadership awarded to an individual or business who demonstrates outstanding commitment to a nonprofit cultural organization(s) in support of their operations, enabling growth and sustainability.

Honorees are:

Maestro Aaron Collins, Founder & Artistic Director, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra will receive the Richard A. Stark Award for Cultural Leadership.

Dr. Carole Strauss, American Association of University Women, Vero Beach and Vero Beach Theatre Guild will receive the Alma Lee Loy Award for Volunteer Leadership.

Lis Bech, Sebastian River Middle School, will receive the Willie C. Reagan Award for Educational Leadership.

Treasure & Space Coast Radio, Jim Davis, General Manager will receive the John J. Schumann, Jr. Award for Business Leadership.

The Laurel Awards will be presented to the honorees at the twentieth Laurel Awards Dinner, Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Riomar Country Club, 2016 Club Lane, Vero Beach. The reception is at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm, followed by the awards program. Reservation, $175/person, are requested by April 15, 2016. Call 772-770-4857 for more information.