DR. BEVERLY HALL
Superintendent, Atlanta Public Schools
Dr. Beverly Hall, now in her eleventh year as Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, has overseen APS’ transformation into one of Georgia’s premiere school systems.  Under her leadership, students at schools like The Carver School of the Arts, Henry W. Grady High School, Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School and Garden Hills Elementary School are encouraged to participate in the incredible arts culture that Midtown Atlanta has to offer.  For her efforts, Dr. Hall has received the prestigious Keystone Award for Leadership in Education, and in 2009, was named National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators.  Dr. Hall continues to work hand in hand with the arts community to find ways to ensure that every student in the APS school system get exposure to the arts.  We applaud Dr. Hall for her incredible leadership and commitment to Prek-12 arts education.

YATESY HARVEY
Forsyth Central High School
The Woodruff Arts Center is pleased to honor Yatesy Harvey for 21 years of service to the students of Forsyth Central High School. During her career as Drama Teacher, the school has won fifteen Region One Act Play championships and nine State One Act Play championships. Many of her students have continued acting at the professional level and others have become drama educators themselves. Through her tireless efforts in supporting the Arts, performing arts centers have been built at all high schools in Forsyth County and she has been a consultant for building numerous theatres across the state. Mrs. Harvey has announced her retirement at the end of the current school year. Forsyth Central High School Principal, Rudy Hampton, said of Mrs. Harvey,
"She has been the key figure in producing one of the best drama programs in the state and country. Mrs. Harvey has devoted her professional life to building a first class drama department at Forsyth Central and to promoting the arts not only in the state of Georgia but throughout the country."

BRENDA MAY ITO
Columbus State University
The Woodruff Arts Center is pleased to honor Brenda May Ito for her commitment to drama and education. She is a Professor of Theatre and is the Artistic Director and Program Manager for Columbus State University’s Theatre for Youth program. In that role, Ms. May Ito produces shows that tour to several schools and cities throughout Georgia. Last year alone her shows visited sixty-nine schools and performed to over 48,000 students. Under her direction, theatre students participate in countless community outreach activities including story readings to children, fire prevention puppet shows, and charity benefit performances. She is also the sole advisor for students in the Drama Education degree track, typically 50-60 students a semester. Timothy McGraw, Chair of the Theatre Department at Columbus State University said of Ms. May Ito,
"Brenda’s service to students of all ages has been prolific, innovative, and creative, reaching far into the local and statewide communities."

KIRBY MENG
Hickory Flat Elementary School
The Woodruff Arts Center is pleased to honor Kirby Meng for her dedication to arts education. Her career has taken her from secondary education to elementary school education to education leadership and now back to the elementary school classroom. Mrs. Meng’s influence on education reaches outside her classroom. She has served as President for the Georgia Arts Education Association and is a regular presenter at the annual National Arts Education Association Convention. Debi West, a GAEA associate and previous Woodruff Salutes honoree said of Mrs. Meng,
"Being a leader in this field has changed her life and her teaching as well as teaching styles of others. Kirby knows that great teachers share ideas and learn from one another. We have all learned so much from her and we know that we will continue to learn from her." Mrs. Meng has been recognized for her commitment to art education numerous times, including the awards of State Elementary School Art Educator of the Year, State Art Educator of the Year, and two awards from her school for Teacher of the Year.

RICKY WILLIAMS
Bennett’s Mill Middle School
The Woodruff Arts Center is pleased to honor Ricky Williams for more than 20 years of service to music education in Georgia. Mr. Williams has been the Band Director for Bennett’s Mill Middle School since the school opened in 2007. He demands hard work, discipline, and teamwork, and holds students to a high standard. He strongly encourages all students to take private lessons and has established a Private Lesson Academy at the school to make lessons more accessible to students. Mr. Williams is dedicated to student growth, volunteering his time before and after school to work with any students who need extra coaching. Mr. Williams finds opportunities for his band to perform in the community and competitively, having won many awards and honors in a very short time. Carolyn Callison, a parent of one of Mr. Williams’ students said of his efforts,
"As a parent, I am very happy that my children have had the opportunity to be a part of such a first-rate band program. Mr. Williams is dedicated to providing top quality music education and has inspired a love of music in many students that they will enjoy for a lifetime."

To see a list of the 2009-2010 Nominees, click here.
To see the 2008-2009 Honorees, click here.
To visit the Woodruff Arts Center Education website, click here.