Page 8 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - November '21

Page 8, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
Nonprofits First Tips Its Hat To The Arc

The Arc of Palm Beach County took top honors in two The Arc’s Champions of Change professional and personal
categories at Nonprofits First’s Fifth Annual Hats Off Nonprofit development course focuses on relationship building, authentic
Awards. Kimberly McCarten, president and CEO, was communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking.
recognized as Executive of the Year, and Sara Bonhomme, Sara Bonhomme became one of the first Champions of
co-director of residential services, won MVP of the Year. The Change graduates in April, achieving recognition as a difference
event was held at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on maker. “The Arc invests in us and fosters our skills, creativity,
Tuesday, Oct. 5. and passion,” Bonhomme said. “The vital skills that I’ve learned
Kimberly McCarten leads The Arc by example. Her have helped my team and I provide the highest possible quality
willingness to innovate and challenge the status quo has helped of services for the amazing individuals we serve.”
The Arc enhance its programs, improve client outcomes, and The Arc of Palm Beach County is honored that Nonprofits
strengthen community and donor relationships. First chose to recognize McCarten and Bonhomme. The Hats
“We want to expand our impact as a leader for disability Off awards will serve as inspiration as The Arc advances its
inclusion and advocacy,” said McCarten. “The Arc aims to vision.
change perspectives, hearts, and minds by highlighting the About The Arc Of Palm Beach County
accomplishments and talents of people with disabilities and The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities by
focusing on their strengths.” defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving the
As The Arc works to ensure that each person served achieves lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community.
community inclusion and acceptance, it is also educating its Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community where every Kimberly McCarten, Michael Erven, Zoe, Sara Bonhomme
team in maintaining a caring, accepting, and respectful culture. person feels welcome, connected, and accepted. Photo by Tracey Benson Photography
KISS Concert

Report and Photos by Well known for its members’ face paint and stage outfits, Frehley (lead guitar and vocals), and Criss (drums and vocals).
Penny Sheltz the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s with its Some KISS songs included Psycho Circus (1998),
Happy residents and shocking live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood- Jungle (Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions, 1997),
guests enjoy concerts at spitting, smoking guitars, shooting rockets, levitating drum kits, Heaven’s on Fire (1984), Rock and Roll All Nite (1975),
Downtown Palm Beach and pyrotechnics. The original and best-known lineup consists of Forever (Hot in the Shade, 1989), Lick It Up (1983) and
Gardens, with live music Stanley (vocals and rhythm guitar), Simmons (vocals and bass), Tears Are Falling (Asylum, 1985).
from hit tribute bands.
The KISS tribute
band was one of the best
concerts at Downtown
with their face paint,
outfits and great music.
KISS was an American
rock band formed in New
York City in January 1973
by Paul Stanley, Gene
Simmons, Ace Frehley,
and Peter Criss.

Oxbridge Academy on the Move

What does an acclaimed co-educational, independent newly appointed athletic director Stan Ross, also the
school – known for instilling values, building boys’ lacrosse coach. “Oxbridge paused the football
character, emphasizing diversity, and creating a program in 2018 with some safety concerns with some
curriculum suited for individual choice – do when of the games on the schedule and other reorganization
it reaches its 10-year milestone? In the case of decisions.” Ross adds. “COVID-19 delayed our plans
Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach it adds a a little, however we feel we are ready for the return of
middle school for grades seven and eight and brings football as a junior varsity sport next fall and varsity
back one of its signature athletic programs, football competition in the years to come.”
along with a return of its cheerleading team. The
Oxbridge Academy Middle School opened its doors The athletic program also includes baseball,
in August and football is set to return to campus in basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse,
the fall of 2022. sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field,
tennis, girls volleyball, and girls flag football. Over
“When we began planning for our 10-year anniversary the years, many Oxbridge student-athletes have
and identified ways to build on our strong foundation, received scholarships to play at the next level in
a middle school and bringing back our football college.
program were a big part of the conversation,”
explained Oxbridge Head of School Ralph Maurer. Academically, Oxbridge boasts an average class
The school’s 10-year milestone also coincided with size of 14, a 9:1 student/faculty ratio, and a faculty
several other important factors: more families moving of which 77% have advanced degrees, including
into the area and an increasing demand for private 13% with doctorates. Oxbridge is also proud of its
school education. The timing is right, and so is the unique, signature programs: Artificial Intelligence
mission. (AI), Aviation, Cambridge (England) Scholars, and
Independent Research. The school’s Model U.N. and
“Adding middle school grades means preparing debate teams and its theater students consistently
students at a younger age to be world citizens receive statewide awards and recognition. The
and future leaders who are caring, confident, number of extra-curricular options grows as students
compassionate, critical thinkers,” Maurer continues. are encouraged to bring new ideas for clubs. Oxbridge
“It gives younger students from all walks of life the also emphasizes community service, which includes
opportunity to benefit from a culture that nurtures tutoring students, clothing and toy drives, and beach
and instills values such as integrity, honesty, respect, clean ups.
and gratitude. It will help them develop character and
discover their passions at an earlier age and prepare It’s your turn to discover Oxbridge.
them for a seamless transition to our high school.”
For more information about Oxbridge Academy,
“Bringing back our football program adds another e-mail admission@oapb.org or call (561) 972-9826.
fantastic athletic program and enhances opportunities
for our student body and school spirit,” explains

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