[Caitlin Thompson. Img: Paul Tomei]
Placerville, CA - On Thursday, June 7, in the lovely setting of Boeger Winery, El Dorado Arts Council will present its annual award recognizing extraordinary commitment to culture and creativity. For 2018, the Arts Council will present this award to educator Paul Tomei.
Paul Tomei, drama teacher at El Dorado High School for nineteen years, has helped nearly 3,000 students find their voices, soar with confidence, discover empathy and new friendships, and learn to communicate through the powerful medium of dramatic art. The recipient of numerous honors and awards for teaching, directing and producing, Paul is a dedicated and passionate educator whose students have gone on to perform on Broadway, in regional theatre, and in television and film projects. What they learn in his theatre classes they keep for life.
This is the second annual Normadene Carpenter Award, and the event will be co-chaired by Placerville City Councilmember Patty Borelli and Sheldon Cooney, Mortgage Advisor for Stanford Loans. This year's special theme is Arts in Education, because, according to El Dorado Arts Council Executive Director Terry LeMoncheck, "arts improve academic performance, enhance civic engagement, and help young people understand themselves and each other. Paul Tomei makes this happen for his students year after year, and we are so pleased to be honoring him."
"I'm honored and humbled to be receiving this award," says Paul Tomei. "It really shines a spotlight on arts in schools, especially theater programs, which has been my life's work at El Dorado High School."
Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools, who will be a guest at the event, states "Paul Tomei has been an outstanding educator at El Dorado High School for almost 20 years," notes Dr. Manansala, "and we are very proud of the wonderful work he has done with his students and the great shows they present. This award showcases Paul's achievements as well as arts in education, which is so vitally important for all young people. We are grateful to El Dorado Arts Council for everything they do in our community and throughout the county on behalf of arts and culture."
Proceeds from the benefit will support the programs and services of El Dorado Arts Council, which include programs for young people and veterans, support for artists and arts organizations, community events and literary programs, an arts incubator, and rotating exhibitions at the Fausel House Gallery. The June 7 event is open to the public; tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased online at eldoradoartscouncil.org, or at the Arts Council office, 772 Pacific Street in Placerville.
El Dorado Arts Council's mission to promote, connect, and empower arts and culture throughout the county is achieved by targeted programs and services, a vibrant gallery exhibition series, and a focus on initiatives which support and sustain the cultural life of the region.
El Dorado Arts Council's mission to promote, connect, and empower arts and culture throughout the county is achieved by targeted programs and services, a vibrant gallery exhibition series, and a focus on initiatives which support and sustain the cultural life of the region.
If you would like more information about this , please contact Caitlin Thompson at 530-295-3496 or email at caitlin@eldoradoartscouncil.org.
