Music education in schools influences children’s lives beyond the music classroom and even beyond their school years. According to the 2009 Chorus America Chorus Impact Study, “Children who sing in choruses have academic success and valuable life skills…. Choir participation can enhance numerous aspects of a child’s social development and academic success, including better grades…Choir participation can keep some students engaged in school who might otherwise be lost.” I know this all to be true, as I was one of those lost children. Growing up in the inner city... Read more

Fifth grade Sunrise Elementary students, members of the school's Junior Beta Club, recently competed in the Florida Junior Beta Conference, and won the group competition Fifth grade Sunrise Elementary students, members of the school’s Junior Beta Club, recently competed in the Florida Junior Beta Conference, and won the group competition with their performance of “Seussical The Musical.” The group, which had 19 members participating in the show, advanced to the finals, and later won the state championship in the group talent division, and an automatic invitation to compete... Read more

Like any parents, Maranda and Curtis Elsis searched high and low before deciding where to send their young daughter for educational child care. Not only did that search stop once they walked into a Primrose School, but the experience also led them to fulfill a lifelong dream of theirs to be business owners. The two will open the doors to the Primrose School of Waterford Lakes in January of 2012 and they couldn’t be happier with the process so far. “I was immediately impressed with Primrose and the school’s emphasis on character development and social responsibility,” says... Read more

Through campus involvement, college students have the chance to discover more about themselves, develop new interests and further the causes that are most important to them. At the University of Central Florida (UCF), several student organizations are dedicated to personal growth through community service, by providing a variety of volunteer opportunities. Members of UCF’s Honors Congress volunteering at Give Kids the World in November 2010. “I think it’s important for every person to volunteer, because no matter who you are, you have a gift that you can use to give back to the community,”... Read more

After nearly 12 years of service for Orange County Public Schools, Superintendent Ronald Blocker will step down from his position at the end of the current school year. Although he made significant contributions to education during his tenure, Blocker felt it was time to move on. “At the end of this school year, I will have dedicated 35 years to public education, most of it in various administrative roles and all of it extremely fulfilling,” says Blocker. “Leading the 10th largest district in the nation is demanding and leaves little time for other priorities, personal and professional.... Read more