When the West Shore throws a party, it throws a party! What a Celebration! Reminding everyone that the arts, as well as arts and communication education are not only alive, but thriving on the West Shore. The Lakewood, Bay Village, Rocky River, and Westlake School Districts, along with the Beck Center for the Arts celebrated in fine fashion the evening of September 18th. With student performers scattered throughout the Beck Center, guests got a taste for themselves of the talent on the west side. With several dignitaries in attendance, Cindy Einhouse, CEO and President of the Beck Center for the Arts, welcomed everyone to the Beck. Lakewood and West Shore Superintendent Dr. David Estrop, noted that this Celebration was very special given that school systems across Ohio and the nation have either reduced or eliminated fine arts from their course offerings. Estrop quickly noted that was not the case on the West Shore where the fine arts offerings continue to be strong and, in fact, were being expanded with the new Arts and Communication Technology Program.

Ohio Representatives Michael Skindell and Jennifer Brady formally recognized the occasion with a proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives. Both Skindell and Brady commended the West Shore Schools for creating more opportunities for students, as well as creating a new template for programs such as the Arts and Communication Technology Program. Both indicated that they hoped programs such as this could be expanded to other school districts and other subject areas.

Keynote Speaker Robert Conrad, long time Cleveland radio voice and arts advocate, complimented the work of the school systems, the Beck Center and acknowledged the over 40 partnering organizations, including his own WCLV. Mr. Conrad spoke from a personal perspective as one who had been touched by music through education and how that experience had sent him on a long career in radio. Conrad also complimented the work of the West Shore in keeping the arts as a strong part of education.

Scott Spence, Artistic Director for the Beck, followed Mr. Conrad with part of a scene from "Urinetown" which is currently playing at the Beck. Under Mr. Spence direction, the scene was "deconstructed" showing all of the various components from sound, to lighting, to scenery, to costumes that had to be involved in order for the scene to work. The deconstruction clearly showed the importance of everyone working together and the many opportunities available on stage and behind the curtain.

Mr. Chas Geiger, President of the Lakewood Board of Education, and Mr. Fred Unger, Chairman of the Beck Board of Directors, closed the evening thanking all in attendance and reminding the audience of the importance of partnerships that will create new opportunities for students, as well as keep the arts strong. Mr. Geiger stressed that the partnership among and between school districts, higher education, and the arts and communication organizations will provide students with additional education and employment opportunities in Northeast Ohio. Mr. Unger closed the program stressing the importance of education and the arts community working together to keep both strong. He again thanked all of the partners who had committed to support arts and communication education on the West Shore.

The evening was closed with a bountiful and delicious dessert reception prepared by the Culinary Arts Students from the West Shore Career and Technical School.