2021 Distinguished Achievement Award Event
honoring:
The Center for Creative Education
Thank you to all who joined in the celebration of the Center for Creative Education (CCE), recipient of our 2021 Distinguished Achievement Award!
Due to COVID, we took a new approach this year—our 37th award event—and held the program outdoors in the Mohonk Mountain House Skating Pavilion, where 60 guests could safely gather to learn about and honor this very deserving organization.
Wonderful colleagues of CCE spoke at the event, and we thank each of them for helping tell the story of this incredible organization:
Kevin O’Connor, CEO of RUPCO, told the story of how RUPCO collaborated with CCE to fulfill their dream of a larger space in Kingston. Energy Square, a newly constructed, net-zero-for-living, five-story building in midtown now offers affordable housing and space for non-profit arts programs including CCE.
Anna Markowitz, Assistant Deputy County Executive of Ulster County, shared how CCE met a critical community need during COVID by starting Project Access and providing a safe, supportive space for students to continue learning while schools were closed.
Patty Munez and granddaughter LaMaya shared the importance that CCE has provided to their family, and for LaMaya, how four years on the CCE dance team helped her grow as a dancer and a person, crediting the inspirational and encouraging staff in her success.
Ev Mann, founder and former director of CCE, told the history of the organization’s start with the underlying principle that creativity is a basic need and how through its current leadership and staff, CCE continues to grow beyond his original vision. He added that dancers and drummers have been working together for millennia, and through the Energy Dance Company and Percussion Orchestra of Kingston (POOK), CCE continues this long-standing tradition.
Our hearts swelled as we listened to CCE staff Drew, Meredith, Maia, Sue, and Jim share their impassioned and steadfast dedication to serving youth and the community. CCE’s Malik then led the Energy Dance Company team as we clapped along and then danced in our seats to the lively beats of the POOK drummers.
To the CCE community, we are still applauding your incredible contributions to making the Hudson Valley a better place through arts, education, and wellness. As our board member Kitty Brown so rightly stated, “The Center for Creative Education grows what our world needs most – beautiful, strong, creative children.”
Sincerely,
Marty Irwin
Mohonk Consultations Chair
Laura Heady
Award Committee Chair
On behalf of the Board of Mohonk Consultations
About CCE: This year, we recognized the Center for Creative Education (CCE) for their inspiring and meaningful work in the City of Kingston and well beyond. CCE’s mission is to “enrich the social and cultural awareness of our youth and community through arts, wellness, and education.” Since its start in 1989, dance and music instruction has been a core part of CCE’s offerings, with award-winning dance ensembles and the Percussion Orchestra of Kingston (POOK). But the organization has continued to expand and diversify its programs and enrollment to meet the needs of the community. Most recently, CCE quickly adapted during COVID by helping students and families cope with school closings by offering a safe space, tutors, meals, and access to high-speed internet for learning. We are deeply inspired by CCE’s tremendous contributions to building confident youth, a strong community, and future citizen leaders in the Hudson Valley.
Thank you to Ulster Savings Bank for helping to sponsor this event!
