Page 12 - Hobe Sound Reflections - December '21

Page 12, Hobe Sound

TheaTer happeNiNgs nonprofIt neWs

MartinArts Awards (Aka The

Marties) Presented At Lyric
Theatre

By Jackie Holfelder
A welcome reminder of life as we knew it returned to the
Lyric Theatre on Nov. 2, when MartinArts presented its highly-
regarded MartinArts Awards (aka the Marties) to a live audience.
For those who might not be familiar with these awards,
they honor students, professional artists, philanthropists,
volunteers, and leaders in the local arts scene.

Nancy Turrell, executive director of MartinArts, presents Opening act featuring Charles Jones and Karin Leone on vocals, Peter Jones on piano and student performing art nominees
the Corporate Leadership Award to Dennis S. Hudson, III, as the ensemble
executive chair of the Board, Seacoast Bank
Committee members patiently stayed with this event The evening’s festivities included an amazing opening
throughout the pandemic, carefully monitoring art number featuring alumni (former recipients) and nominees
patrons’ comfort levels and medically-established safety rejoicing in the individuality that is the hallmark of a
practices, waiting until the time was right to set a date community of creative people.
for the Marties return. There were also several “mashups,” with performances
Cochairs Marney McKee and Lisa Renee Ludlum and by student nominees, often in unique juxtapositions of their
committee members Kristal Wion-Eckhardt, Faith Paul, talents.
Sharon Hagin, Heidi Condon, Dr. Anita Caswell, Rickie Several Marties Award recipients had been selected by
Leiter, and Jeff Younglove, along with staff support from the Board – and notified – before Nov. 2. They included:
Jennifer Hearn and Nancy Turrell, picked the perfect • Lifetime Achievement in the Arts: Conney Dahn
time for attendees to don their masks and support both • Excellence in Arts Education: Ashley Monks
student and adult members of Martin County’s vibrant
arts community. Theater Happenings on page 13
Cochair Marney McKee with Gale Baker, Marties Literary
Artist Award recipient
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,
Cochair Lisa Renee Ludlum with Christopher Carnes, in August and football is set to return to campus in basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse,
Marties Student Visual Artist Award recipient 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
Cochair Marney McKee with Chris Kling, Marties Visual students at a younger age to be world citizens receive statewide awards and recognition. The
Arts Award recipient 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

Cochair Marney McKee with Lorrianna Colozzo, Marties Paid Advertisement
Performing Artist Award recipient