ETC Awards Grants to Support the Arts at Three Local Schools
May 24, 2024 09:37AM ● By Gail Bullen, River Valley Times Reporter
As her drama students applaud, Katherine L. Albiani Middle School teacher Michelle Campbell accepts a $1,000 check from Stephanie Stanislaus on May 10. Campbell will use the money for props and costumes. Stanislaus is the philanthropy chair of the Entertainment Theatre & Culture for Rancho Murieta (ETC). Photo by Gail Bullen
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RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Entertainment, Theatre & Culture for Rancho Murieta (ETC) has awarded grants to support art programs at three schools.
Entertainment, Theatre & Culture philanthropy chairman Stephanie Stanislaus delivered $1,000 checks on May 10 to Katherine L. Albiani Middle School and on May 14 to Pleasant Grove High School and Cosumnes River Elementary.
At Katherine L. Albiani Middle School, drama teacher Michelle Campbell gleefully accepted the check as her colorfully costumed students beamed with approval.
She will use the funds to help pay for costumes and sets for their production of “Beauty and the Beast Junior.”
Gabriel Sandoval, the drama teacher at PGHS, will use the Entertainment, Theatre & Culture grant to help cover performing rights and to purchase microphones and costumes.
Beth Wathen, a kindergarten teacher at Cosumnes River Elementary School, plans to combine the Entertainment, Theatre & Culture funds with a grant she recently obtained to purchase a new kiln for the school. Principal Mike Blomquist described Wathen as the “artist in residence” at the school.
Currently, Wathen has her students work with modeling clay until they can get a kiln. “I love using the kiln because the kids can be creative, and what they make lasts and doesn't break," she said.
Before presenting the check at each location, Stanislaus explained the Entertainment, Theatre & Culture mission to the students.
“Our goal is to keep the arts alive in the community,” she said.
Stanislaus emphasized the importance of art in schools.
“Art is really important because it teaches you so many things,” she said. “To me, the biggest thing is when you have an art class, you love coming to class, even if you are sick.”
