Young stars shine at York Region Celebration of the Arts

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 11, 2015

Those attending the 14th Celebration of the Arts at Flato Markham Theatre Friday night saw the future of York Region’s arts community.

They also got a reminder of its past and present.

The talent showcase is the brainchild of York Region resident Ian Proudfoot, Vice-President and Regional Publisher, Metroland Media Group - Central Division, which includes the York Region Media Group.

“It was always our dream to help promote, honour and recognize our community’s many talented young dancers, singers, musicians and actors,” Proudfoot said. “And, after 14 years, that dream has been realized, again and again.”

More than 287 bursaries worth more than $390,000 have been awarded, thanks to the generosity of YRMG’s partners across York Region. They include municipalities, mayors, services clubs, religious groups and other organizations and companies.

This year’s recipients are singers, musicians, actors and dancers from all corners of the region north of Toronto.

They include Eilish Shin-Culhane, who also won the Publisher’s Award, Callum Aldworth, Alexis Bateman, Denisse Boada-Dobronsky, Sophia Boston, Benjamin Choo, Christopher Choo, Zachary Colangelo, three-time recipient Adrian De Boer, Malachai deHaney, Julia Gartha, Alexandra Gorya, Valerie Kuk, Claude Labuschagne, Dominique Labuschagne, Miranda Lacalamita, Jonathan Mak, Dylann Miller, Alexandria Robinson, Emma Scheps, Natalie Silia, Nikki Punzo and Celia and Anni Siriopoulos.

The recipients all performed in front of sponsors, area dignitaries, family members and YRMG staff members at the Markham theatre.

“As always, our intent is that Celebration of the Arts offers York Region’s youth not only financial assistance, but also the affirmation that the arts are a worthy pursuit; a boost to go for the dream,” Proudfoot said. “We believe the arts are integral to a healthy well-rounded society: the arts connect, challenge, educate and entertain. Who can imagine a life without music, theatre or dance?”

Debra Weller and Marisa Schembri have co-chaired the celebration for the past eight years. Sheryl Thomas was producer and Sheila Clark master of ceremonies.