SILER CITY, N.C. — Sharon Allen, lead arts teacher for Chatham County Schools, was named its 2020 Community Hero by JMArts, the Jordan-Matthews Arts Foundation. The award was created this year to honor a volunteer from the community who has contributed significantly to the success of the arts at Jordan-Matthews High School.
The award was presented on May 28 by JMArts President Rose Pate as part of the JMArts Awards, an online ceremony highlighting outstanding student musicians, actors and visual artists. Arts awards are usually announced as part of JM Awards Night, an annual event highlighting top students across all disciplines. But because of the coronavirus pandemic, arts awards were announced by faculty members in video presentations on JMArts Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The awards ceremony is on Twitter at bit.ly/2Ye7W4I or accessible on all platforms with the hashtag #JMAawards2020.
Allen began teaching music in Chatham County Schools in 1980, working at Henry Siler Elementary, Silk Hope School and Siler City Elementary. In 2012, she became the lead arts teacher for Chatham County Schools, coordinating arts education across the county’s 18 public schools. Allen holds the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education degrees, both from UNC Greensboro, and has been active in professional associations, including serving on the board of directors for the North Carolina Music Educators Association.
Throughout JMArts's nine-year history, Allen has been an active volunteer and supporter. She has helped with a wide range of projects including grant applications, the Pig Out for the Arts barbecue supper and box office assistance at most concerts and musicals.
“Sharon has been a true believer in the JMArts mission from day one,” said president Rose Pate. “She's been not only a valuable resource through her work as lead arts teacher, but has made a real difference both in the planning and execution of our programs and activities.”
All arts award winners over the last few years are listed at jmarts.org/awards. The JMArts Community Hero is planned to be an annual honor.
More information about JMArts, including its flagship JMArts Scholars program, is available at jmarts.org.
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