The University Musical Society has named Ann Arbor’s Angell Elementary School as its 2010-11 DTE School of the Year and Roberto Clemente music instructor Joey Parins the 2010-11 DTE Educator of the Year.
The awards were formally presented at the 16th Annual Ford Honors Gala benefiting UMS Youth Education Programs on Jan. 16. DTE Energy Foundation sponsors the award through a financial commitment to UMS Youth Education Programs.
The awards were also scheduled to be highlighted this week by the Ann Arbor Board of Education.
Angell Elementary was honored for its dedication and commitment to arts education and for its commitment to engaging its students and educators in the arts, both in the classroom and beyond. The school has participated for more than two decades with the UMS K‐12 Education Program, seek out new opportunities to discover and explore arts and culture with students, creating a holistic learning experience, said a statement from the UMS.
The Angell Elementary community has participated in UMS Youth programs since the early 1990s, when they were part of the UMS first “Opera for 4h Graders” and as recently as the Carolina Chocolate Drops December 2010 Youth Performance.
Parins was honored for her passionate commitment to arts education at both Clague Middle School and at the Roberto Clemente Student Development Center, where she currently teaches. She has been a model educator, demonstrating a commitment to UMS programs and making arts education a priority for all students, the UMS statement said.
Parins is known for her long history of participation in UMS professional development workshops for educators and her deep involvement connecting her students to the arts community at large. Recently, Parins worked with the UMS Education team to arrange pre‐performance drumming events featuring her students prior to UMS youth performances.
“It’s important to recognize the tremendous difference educators like Joey Parins and schools like Angell Elementary can make in young people’s lives,” said Fred Shell, DTE Energy vice president of corporate and government affairs and president of the DTE Energy Foundation. He said helping students develop an appreciation for the performing arts is “something that can enrich their lives forever.”
UMS President Ken Fischer called Angell Elementary a “cherished partner” with the UMS and noted that Parins’ longstanding history with UMS educator workshops is just one way she enhances student lives.
The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy. UMS is now in its 132nd season, offering a program steeped in music, dance, and theater with 60‐75 performances and more than 100 free educational and community activities each season.
The UMS Education Program reaches up to 25,000 children and adults each year, giving many students their first opportunities to experience the live performing arts.
