The Opening Nights at Florida State University Arts Advocate Award celebrates an outstanding Leon County Schools educator who goes above and beyond to inspire students through the arts. Whether they teach music, theatre, visual art, dance, or creatively integrate the arts into another subject, we want to honor the teachers who make a lasting impact on students and their school communities.
Arts advocacy means championing the arts as essential to learning, creativity, and student growth. We’re looking for educators who create meaningful artistic experiences, spark curiosity, build confidence, and ensure all students have access to the arts.
The award recipient will receive:
- An educational engagement for their class (or school) presented by Opening Nights during the 2026–2027 school year.
- Producer’s Circle Membership Benefits for the 2026–2027 Opening Nights season.
Nomination Period
Nominations for the 2026 award will be accepted from February 2 to April 6, 2026.
Eligibility & Nomination Guidelines
- Nominees must be employed by Leon County Schools during the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Nominees should demonstrate a sustained commitment to high-quality arts education.
- Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians, or community members.
- Self-nominations are welcome.
Selection Criteria
Nominations will be reviewed by the Opening Nights at Florida State University Education Committee and evaluated in the following areas:
- Excellence in Arts Instruction
- Student Impact & Engagement
- Community Involvement & Collaboration
- Advocacy for Arts Education
- Professional Growth & Contribution
Arts Advocate Award Timeline
Nomination Opens — February 2
Students, parents/guardians, colleagues, and community members can nominate an outstanding arts educator.
Eligibility Review — April 7–13
Opening Nights staff ensure nominees meet basic requirements.
Preliminary Review — April 14–27
Education Committee reviews nominations and selects finalists.
Finalist Round — May 1–8
Finalists provide additional examples and supporting materials.
Final Review & Winner Selection — May 8–18
Subcommittee evaluates finalists and chooses the award recipient.
Recipient Announced — Summer 2026
Winner is recognized at the Opening Nights Season Announcement Reception.
Nomination Form
Nominations for the 2026 award will be accepted from February 2 to April 6, 2026.
Past Recipients
Janine Falah
“I am very humbled that people appreciate all the things that I do with the students in and out of the classroom. I am grateful that I genuinely enjoy creating experiences for our students by collaborating with the community.”
Lee Commander
“Winning the Opening Nights Arts Advocacy Award is truly an honor! Whether it’s painting a picture, learning an instrument or performing in front of classmates, creative expression is essential to enhancing cognitive development and building important life skills. An overwhelming body of research demonstrates the positive ripple effect of arts education in schools and beyond…”
Dr. Benny L. Bolden, Jr.
“This is one of the greatest honors of my life. Arts education is a vital right, not merely an option…”
Sally Ash
“As fine arts instructors… we are ultimately fostering leadership skills that produce a community of citizens who value and demonstrate creativity, collaboration and communication…”
Dr. Christopher Small
“I am honored to be selected… and look forward to continuing to support and advocate for creating well-rounded students…”
Dr. Iris Wilson
“As a society, we all benefit from organizations that give back to our students, teachers, and communities…”