Performing Stars of Marin |
Executive Director | Interview - Felecia Gaston | Elizabeth Salmon Speech | |
Elizabeth Salmon - Speech Introducing Felecia Gaston |
Hello and Welcome Everyone! If you don’t already know me, that may be because I am a relatively new member. My name is Lise Salmon and I am entirely delighted and proud to introduce to you today my good friend, Felecia Gaston, and her wonderfully talented crew of tap-dancing enthusiasts. Felecia is the Executive Director of Performing Stars of Marin, an organization she founded 17 years ago to provide access to arts and academic enrichment programs for the underserved youth of Marin County. What I personally admire most about Felecia’s philosophy is her ability to share with young kids the sheer joy of getting out there, and challenging yourself to do something that you never dreamed of doing. It is the way Felecia has lived her own life. Growing up in segregated Georgia, she had dreamed of learning the art of ballet. Sadly, that opportunity simply was unavailable to her. But, she never lost sight of the dream itself and the critical importance of even having dreams. And, this is what she provides to these kids: dreams of possibility. In her cozy headquarters tucked away in the heart of Marin City, she has offered hundreds and hundreds of children, from ages 3 to 19, all kinds of experiences that they may never have visualized for themselves. Some of these children have mastered the art of ballet; many have performed Shakespeare’s classic plays; some have learned how to sail, to mountain bike, to snowboard and to ski. Many of the children have taken field trips to places that will lend them cultural graces and knowledge of a broader world. They have gone to Broadway plays, attended environmental and scientific camps, or even simply sat down to a formal dinner and learned good etiquette and useful social skills. Last year, they wrote and enacted a significant event in local history: the Marin Ship experience of WWII. For truly, where there ARE kids, there really ARE endless possibilities. Felecia takes this doctrine to heart and provides the creative vision, the logistics, the necessary transportation, and even the healthy snacks, for these amazing bundles of talent to pursue their dreams in an ever-challenging world. And, when it comes down to it, it is all about these kids and our future together. Where would we all be if they didn’t get the chance to explore their talents, if they didn’t get the opportunities to build their self-esteem, and, most importantly, if they never taught their own children one day to act upon their own dreams? I can personally attest to the many, many talents of this group of performers. However, I have not yet seen them tap dance and I am really looking forward to it! Felecia and her kids were particularly enthusiastic about performing here for us, since the Outdoor Art Club awarded them a grant for these wonderful costumes that they are wearing here today. You guys look absolutely perfect! So, without further adieu, it is my great honor and privilege to present to you my GOOD friend Felecia Gaston and her SPARKLING Performing Stars! |
13th Annual Marin City Blues, Jazz & Soul Party in the Park
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