Celebration Day, co-sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, takes place April 23rd at Fern Creek Traditional High School
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 3rd, 2013) – Kentucky Shakespeare, the largest in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth, will serve its 1,000,000th child on April 23rd, 2013 at Fern Creek Traditional High School. Fern Creek offers the Communication, Media and Arts 5-Star Professional Career Theme.
Several types of performances will be held at Fern Creek throughout the day, as well as a presentation of Julius Caesar and a celebration of William Shakespeare’s 449th Birthday. Over 90 productions of Julius Caesar, Living History, Inspecting Shakespeare and Artists in Residents will also be happening at different schools in the Commonwealth.
As a prize for hosting the 1,000,000th child, Fern Creek will receive a minimum of $5,000 worth of free programs provided by KYS during the 2013-2014 school year. Fern Creek will use these programs to conduct assessments that will provide data in the valuing of arts-based education programs as they relate to test scores.
“The provision of arts education to our youth is critical and Kentucky Shakespeare has filled an important need,” states Lori Meadows, executive director of the Kentucky Arts Council. “Through workshops, performances, theatre camps and advanced training, students in every county of the Commonwealth have benefitted from their services, and I’m sure will continue to do so for many years.”
Barbara Sexton Smith, president/CEO of the Fund for the Arts, also added, “At the Fund for the Arts, we believe an arts-rich education improves graduation rates and raises test scores. Kentucky Shakespeare’s work is an excellent example of how the arts can benefit the children in our community.”
Both Lori Meadows and Barbara Sexton Smith will be on hand for interviews and questions beginning at 8 AM during the celebration festivities, as well as District 22 Councilman Robin Engel, Principal of Fern Creek Dr. Houston M. Barber and JCPS Superintendent Donna Hargens. Students will also be available for comments.
Fifth Third is a proud co-sponsor of Celebration Day, and will be hosting a Budgeting & Understanding Credit workshop to help students become more financially aware and prepared for their futures.
“Fifth Third is proud to partner with KY Shakespeare in celebration of the 1,000,000th child,” said Tom Partridge, President & CEO, Fifth Third Bank, “There is nothing more important than educating our children, and KY Shakespeare has made a tremendous contribution to this community.”
Kentucky Shakespeare’s education programs serve 75,000 students in 120 counties in Kentucky each year, as well as in Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
For more information or to schedule a media interview, call (502) 574-9900 or visit www.kyshakespeare.com. You can also follow the organization at twitter.com/kyshakespeare or on Facebook.
ABOUT KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE
Kentucky Shakespeare, designated as the Official Shakespeare Company of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a non-profit, professional theatre company that is the largest in-school arts education provider in the Commonwealth and the founder of Shakespeare in the Park.
Founded in 1949 and incorporated in 1963, Kentucky Shakespeare’s mission to enhance community life through accessible, professional theatre experiences that educate, inspire and entertain people of all ages. For more information, visit www.kyshakespeare.com.
