Taking strides for arts in education

The Masquerade 5K was held on Jan. 6 at the Flagler Auditorium.

By Paige Wilson
| 1:21 p.m. January 8, 2018

Runners start the 5K, many bundled up due to the temperature in the low 30s. Photo by Paige Wilson

"I have two kids, so it was time to think about me," Palm Coast resident Vanessa Mundrean said as she stretched before the 5K. The cold wasn't a deterrent, as she said it helps her breathe easier. Photo by Paige Wilson

Niki Adams of Palm Coast, Kory Bush of Deland and Tracy Ansorge of Bunnell keep warm before the 5K by jogging in place. Photo by Paige Wilson

Victor Gasior starts his first race ever next to his daughter and Vanessa Gasior, who signed him up for the 5K. "If she beats me, I'll be angry," Victor Gasior laughed. Photo by Paige Wilson

Rex couldn't run in the 5K, but he watched the runners cross the finish line. Photo by Paige Wilson

Superintendent James Tager participates in the 5K to support arts in education. Photo by Paige Wilson

Runners line up in the early morning light before the 5K. Photo by Paige Wilson

Palm Coast resident Amie Clift shows enthusiasm as she runs in the 5K. Photo by Paige Wilson

Palm Coast resident Deb Blair starts the 5K. Photo by Paige Wilson

Palm Coast residents Anthony and Stephanie Yearling. Photo by Paige Wilson

Palm Coast resident Kayleen Velez pushes a stroller while running the 5K. Photo by Paige Wilson

Palm Coast resident William Sweetnam makes his final strides over the finish line. Photo by Paige Wilson

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The Masquerade 5K and fun walk was originally planned to be held during National Arts in Education Week — the second week of September — but Hurricane Irma pushed the run to January.

To benefit Arts in Education, the Flagler Auditorium held the race on Saturday, Jan. 6. The temperature was in the low 30s, deterring some of the more than 100 registered runners, but about half came bundled up and ready to run.

Flagler Auditorium Executive Director Lisa McDevitt said she was disappointed that the Flagler Palm Coast High School band, dance team and cheerleaders couldn’t be there as planned to kick off the 5K since it was still winter break for students. But she said she’s excited to continue raising money for grants for arts programs in Flagler Schools.

“I think that we have wonderful art programs in our county,” she said. “I’m proud to be behind that and support that as much as we can. It makes my heart happy.”

Scholarships for arts in education

The Flagler Auditorium Governing Board has announced its intent to award at least $5,000 in scholarships for 2018.

Scholarships will be awarded to deserving graduating Flagler County high school students who submit a completed application. Students must be heading toward a major or minor in fine arts, chorus, dance, music, drama or technical theater.

Proceeds from all concession sales, along with Arts in Education fundraisers like the Masquerade 5K, are earmarked for the auditorium’s scholarship fund.

To donate to the scholarship fund, contact the auditorium at 437-7547.

Applications may be picked up in the office of the auditorium or downloaded from flaglerauditorium.org beginning Jan. 29. Applications are also available at both high school guidance offices. The deadline for applications is March 16.

McDevitt said that Arts in Education has grown over her 17 years with the Flagler Auditorium.

“I’ve watched many kids go off and do wonderful things because of having arts in their backgrounds,” she said. “Sometimes they don’t actually become a performer or an artist — they may become an engineer or a pilot — but arts is discipline, team, all the good stuff that Arts in Education benefits.”

The amount raised at the 5K has not yet been released, but profits will go toward scholarships for eligible graduating students.