Proceeds from star-studded event will benefit arts education across the District
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (October 23, 2019) — Mount Vernon honored its rich past in a rededication of the auditorium at the Nellie A. Thornton School of the Performing Arts for Phylicia Rashad on Saturday, October 19, during its inaugural In Celebration of the Arts 2019 gala.
The event was held on at the school’s newly renovated 1,685-seat Wood Auditorium, which was renamed The Phylicia Rashad Auditorium. Rashad is an avid supporter of the Mount Vernon City School District, a Mount Vernon resident and philanthropist. She is a renowned Emmy-nominated, Tony Award-winning actress and director.
“Today is not only a great day for the city of Mount Vernon and the school district but for all of our students who are represented today,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton. “Today we pay homage to one of the great treasures of our city and our nation, America’s Mom, Ms. Phylicia Rashad. Today we have been brought together to reestablish Mount Vernon as the beacon of hope for the arts.”
In Celebration of the Arts 2019 – a production orchestrated by Dr. Evelyn Collins, Principal of the Thornton School of the Performing Arts – was an afternoon of 19 performances from Broadway, Metropolitan Opera, film, television, and recording industry artists, as well as students from the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program. The entertainers included: Lillias White, Natasha Williams, Geoffrey Owens, Mamie Duncan-Gibbs, Frankie Faison, Jeff Redd, Stephen M. Henderson, Eli Fountain, Angela Hall, Dormeshia S. Edwards, Eve Soto, Alvin Waddles, Priscilla Baskerville, James Alexander, Antonio Watts, Patience Higgins, Tanya Mack, Stanley Wayne Mathis and Calvin Jones. There were also performances from the Arts Magnet Orchestra, the Arts Magnet Band and the Arts Magnet Tap Dancers, as well as performers from the school’s performances from the last few years.
“Thank you to my friends and artists for all the years and for coming. We’ve been looking forward to this incredible afternoon. … Thank you so much,” Rashad said afterward. “And thank you Dr. Collins and thank you Dr. Hamilton for your support of the arts and these children. It takes a village, right?” she said looking at the students. “This is the village,” she told the administrators and the audience.
Afterward, Dr. Hamilton looked at the Board of Trustees and said, “Without them tonight would not have been possible. Thank you for supporting this vision.” Then, he turned to Rashad and said, “Phylicia, these are the faces of the children who will grace this stage in your honor for years and years to come.”
“We appreciate everyone who came out to support our presentation in the Mount Vernon City School District and support our beautiful, beautiful children,” said Dr. Collins. “As a child I was just like them, so I feel very honored that I’ve been afforded the opportunity to create this institution for all the beautiful children of Mount Vernon.”
The event culminated with an unveiling by Dr. Hamilton of a 2-foot by 3-foot bronze plaque officially dedicating the auditorium as The Phylicia Rashad Auditorium alongside Rashad and the Mount Vernon Board of Trustees.
About Mount Vernon City School District
With more than 8,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to its children as well as developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students. Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton is the superintendent.
