FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Wendy Finklea s1

To create a world in which the arts are universally accessible…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Wendy Finklea, VSA Florida Director of Programs University of South Florida [email protected] www.vsafl.org 813.974.0715

Orange County Student Named VSA Florida May Student of the Month Board of Directors: Executive Committee:

(Tampa, FL) May 20, 2015 Katie Molloy President Tampa

VSA Florida is pleased to announce 18-year-old Dalton Vann as one of their May 2015 Marsha Rockhill Vice President Students of the Month. Dalton was nominated by Deborah Knispel, the Arts Panama City Integration Specialist for UCP of Central Florida in Orlando. Ms. Knispel writes, Bill Heller “Dalton works entirely from his mind’s eye, yet can render drawings that look as Treasurer St. Petersburg though he studied his subject for hours. He works with speed, yet produces stunning Judy Litt watercolor paintings.” Secretary Miami As a proficient visual artist, Dalton was recognized for his submissions to the student competition of the Winter Garden Art Festival in 2006-2008. He plays the guitar and Board of Directors: Enrique Escallon dulcimer and participates in Muay Thi, a form of kickboxing. Although he has a Miami traumatic brain injury, Dalton continually demonstrates leadership as an Eagle Scout in Susan Gallo his community. Jacksonville David Handera Jacksonville “His creativity knows no bounds”, writes Knispel, “and it is just a matter of time before Susan Law he is publicly recognized for his talent and finds a rewarding career in art”. Jacksonville

Morgan Barr Lewis VSA Florida is looking forward to presenting Dalton in the coming weeks with his gift Tallahassee Merry Lynn Morris certificate and personalized trophy for winning this prestigious award. Tampa

The VSAFL Student of the Month Program is designed to increase public awareness Ex Officio: and recognize the impact arts make on students with disabilities statewide. Students Dr. Daphne Thomas who participate in the arts develop creativity, have increased self-confidence, Tampa understand teamwork, have increased language and math skills and are generally Monica Verra-Tirado more engaged. Tallahassee Aimee Mallini Tallahassee For more information about the Student of the Month program and others, please visit www.vsafl.org. To nominate a student you may follow the link: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e7tsf1x3hj1rt10e/start Jennifer Sabo Executive Director ####

* 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, EDU 105 * Tampa, FL 33620 * 813-974-0721 * Fax: 813 -905-9878 * www.vsafl.org