Pursuit of the Arts Fund

 

The Pursuit of the Arts Fund provides scholarship and support to graduates of Orange County (FL) Public Schools who experience poverty or homelessness (with emphasis on those who qualified for McKinney-Vento Act provisions during their senior year) and are pursuing post-secondary education in the visual or performing arts. Students who are the recipients of this scholarship are in a very vulnerable spot during a critical juncture in their lives. We know that the arts can transform lives, and your gift will help to incubate the talent and future of our budding artists and performers.

Tiffany Thomas

Ms. Tiffany Thomas spent her career serving students in Title I schools as a tireless advocate for music education for all students. She was teaching at Memorial Middle School, when she suddenly passed away this fall. She was loved by her daughter, and adored by her students in the classroom and adored by the families at her church where she demonstrated the power of love and kindness at every moment. Tiffany’s enduring message to those who knew her was, “Be Determined”, and she faced every challenge with that level of resolve.  One of her students summed it up best when she stated that all her students can now take comfort in knowing that they have a “musical angel” watching over them.

Ms. Thomas was dedicated to creating opportunities for students who might not have the means to access a quality arts education, and the Pursuit of the Arts Fund shares that mission. An investment in the name of Ms. Tiffany Thomas will ensure that students who need support to continue pursuing their passion for the arts into college and career is continued.

Please consider making a gift to carry on her legacy.

Funding for the Pursuit of the Arts is provided to students like Savohn, Kayla and Luis.

Savohn wants to be an actor, is studying in New York and soon will move to Los Angeles to finish his college education. You can learn more about him by watching this story by WKMG-TV.

Kayla would like to someday grace the stages of Broadway and is currently pursuing her degree in New York. She was living on her own here in Orlando after her family became stuck in Venezuela. Her moving story was showcased on News 13.  

Luis is just starting at Florida State’s music program and is already a very accomplished French Horn player. OCPS interviewed Luis as part of their #OCPSGrads series of videos of graduating seniors.

Your investment will help us continue to support Savohn, Kayla, Luis and other students whose lives have been transformed by the arts, but who need support to continue pursuing their passion during post-secondary studies and beyond. 

I Would Like to Support

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The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools respects the privacy of our donors and will never sell or share donor information with other organizations.
 
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY VISITING WWW.800HELPFLA.COM OR CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7351 OUTSIDE FLORIDA.  REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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Duke Energy

Duke Energy continues its commitment to education with its $100,000 grant  (with matching funds) for math, science and energy education teacher grants for the 2020-21 school year. Thank you, Duke Energy!
 

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