Acclaimed producer and director Garry Marshall hosted the evening and announced the winners. Rockdale Elementary School in Eagle Rock and McKinley School in Pasadena tied for the School Award and each received a $5,000 award provided by Robinsons'May. Michelle Riggs-Jackson, a teacher from Fairgrove Academy in La Puente won the Arts Specialist Award and Valerie Plaisance, a teacher from Welby Way Gifted Magnet Elementary in West Hills won the Generalist Award. Each teacher received $4,000 thanks to Club 100 members Elinor Turner, Sue Tsao and Grace Labatt. All winners received a Bravo sculpture designed by artist Bill Crutchfield.

2006 SCHOOL WINNERS

PRINCIPAL, Irene Quinones

"For many schools, winning the Bravo Award would be the crowning achievement. At McKinley Elementary School, winning this award has been a jumping off point for us. There is a feeling of not what have we achieved, but what are we going to do next? Many classrooms are producing their own plays. We have growing choral and instrumental music programs. There is now a Drama Club after-school that includes all-grade levels. There are plethoras of Odyssey of the Mind Teams who are preparing for their own productions. Artwork lines the hallways and permeates every classroom. Winning the Bravo Award has empowered our teachers and students to strive to express the creativity and art that is in each of us. Thank you for this great honor!" - Rose Walker, Teacher, McKinley School

"Winning the 2006 BRAVO Award was a delight and we’re still flying high from the thrill of being recognized!  I couldn’t have been more honored than to accept the BRAVO on behalf of Rockdale’s truly inspirational and dedicated teachers, staff, students, parents, and community.  Every step along the way in the BRAVO application process, from being a nominee to a finalist and finally a winner, validated our school community’s efforts and total commitment to the arts.  We are most grateful to the Music Center and Club 100 for continuing to keep the arts at the forefront of a well-rounded school curriculum." -Desiree De Bond, Principal, Rockdale Elementary School

2006 Generalist Winner

“Thanks to Bravo, I see the world with brand new eyes. The Bravo application process is a life-changing experience. It is a time of growth and reflection. It is a time of intense labor, accompanied by rejuvenation. Congratulations to all of the new nominees who are fortunate enough to reap the benefits of this experience. There is nothing like it. Afterwards, new doors continue to open, and I eagerly step through them. Like the students, great teachers never stop learning and growing.” -Generalist Winner Valerie Plaisance

2006 Arts Specialist Winner

“The BRAVO Award is an amazing honor. Specialists are not always thought of as valuable assets because [arts] are not included on State Test Scores. I disagree. Our commitment to student success and high standards develop the whole student which directly affects test scores. The Bravo Award recognizes that the arts are a huge part of the education system and [honor] hard work and dedication. The entire process has made me more aware of my strengths and weaknesses. I have put a lot more thought into the development of the students and how to objectively evaluate them while enriching their lives through dance."-Arts Specialist Winner Michelle Riggs-Jackson

BRAVO AWARD

Established in 1982, The BRAVO Award recognizes teachers and schools for excellence in the arts. Each year, the Music Center presents three BRAVO Awards — one to a general classroom teacher, one to an arts specialist and one to a school. Winners receive a cash award along with a specially-created sculpture. The BRAVO is awarded at a gala dinner sponsored by Club 100 of the Music Center and hosted by celebrity writer/director/producer Garry Marshall.