Stafford Education Foundation Hosts Second Annual An Evening with the Stafford Stars
The Stafford Education Foundation (SEF) hosted the second Annual “An Evening with the Stafford Stars” spring gala on Friday, May 13, 2022. The event showcased fine and performing arts student talent from across Stafford County schools from Pre-K to 12th grade.
“An Evening with the Stafford Stars is a premier event to spotlight Stafford talent and the Stafford Education Foundation is proud to support each student that participated in this event,” shared Stephanie Johnson, Board President of SEF. “While mother nature prevented us from hosting the evening under the stars as originally planned at John Lee Pratt Park, we were still able to host this event at Stafford Middle School. The Foundation looks forward to growing the event next year and continuing to support Stafford schools through this fundraising event.”
Nearly 150 people were in attendance for the evening, which featured Ted Schubel of B101.5 and NewTalk 1230 and Scott Mayausky, Stafford County Commissioner of the Revenue, as the event’s Masters of Ceremony. “While standing backstage, you forget these are actually students performing,” noted Schubel. “Their talent is extraordinary!”
The evening featured nine student artists and more than 30 students vocal, dance, monologue, or instrumental performances. “There is incredible talent here in Stafford and this evening continues to prove it, again and again,” Mayausky stated. “We are witnessing greatness right now.” The Mountain View High School Jazz Band and Stafford Awkward Pause Improv Team also performed during the event.
Several local and state leaders attended the event including Dr. Thomas Taylor, Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools; Susan Randall, Stafford County School Board Vice-Chair; Monica Gary, Stafford County Board of Supervisor; and Tara Durant, Virginia State Delegate.
“It’s wonderful to host our families for events such as this that celebrate our students,” shared Dr. Taylor. “I am also happy that our students continue to benefit long after the curtain closes as the funds raised from this event return directly to the classroom through the award of Innovative Teaching Grants and Senior Scholarships.”
The evening was concluded with a $1,000 scholarship for any participating student who applied. This year’s recipient was North Stafford High School’s 10th grader, Mayte Vasquez Acosta. SEF Board President, Stephanie Johnson, and Board Member, Vernon Green, Jr., presented the scholarship to Ms. Vasquez Acosta for her artworks titled “Soldier Hug” and “JFK”.
“This evening was a wonderful showcase of talent,” proclaimed Green, Jr. “Mayte’s artworks are a representation of the talent within Stafford County Public Schools and we look forward to seeing her continue to develop her craft.”