Teachers and Schools from Alhambra, Burbank, Calabasas, Culver City, La Crescenta, Lakewood, Reseda, San Marino, Valencia and Venice are Recognized for their Exemplary Arts Education Programs

Los Angeles (February 2, 2007) - The Music Center of Los Angeles County, a national leader in arts education, announced the seven teachers and three schools named as finalists for the 25th Annual BRAVO Award. The winners will be announced on February 27, 2007 at a gala dinner at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The BRAVO Award is an integral part of the Music Center's leadership in supporting quality arts education for all students.

The gala dinner, emceed since the events inception by acclaimed producer/director Garry Marshall, is an opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication these educators have given to their students, their profession and their communities. All 52 BRAVO Award nominees are honored and a special recognition is made to the teachers and schools with Honorable Mention. Nominations are made by principals, faculty committees, superintendents or parents and nominees must complete a rigorous application process to be considered official participants.

BRAVO Awards are presented in three categories: Arts Specialist (teacher), General Education (teacher) and School. Macy's provides the cash award of $10,000 for the winning school. The two winning teachers receive $4,000 each (generously donated by Club 100 members Elinor Turner, Grace Labatt and Sue Tsao).

The Music Center BRAVO Award was established in 1982 to recognize teachers and schools for innovation and excellence in arts education. The BRAVO Award honors educators who use the arts to revitalize teaching, enhance student achievement and foster self-esteem, teamwork and cross-cultural communication and understanding.

The 2007 BRAVO Awards Program is made possible, in part, by a grant from Macy's, a generous supporter of the Music Center's education programs. The BRAVO Awards Program is a project of Club 100, a support group of dynamic women dedicated to supporting arts education programs at the Music Center. Club 100 dues and donations provide support for the BRAVO Award gala. 2007 Bravo Co-Chairs are Sheila Poncher and Sharon Reisz and Joan Boyett is Club 100 president.

For more information about the BRAVO Awards or the gala call 213-972-3387 or visit "Education and Family Programs" at musiccenter.org.

2007 BRAVO AWARD FINALISTS

ARTS SPECIALISTS

Carla K. Bartlett Mark Keppel High School Grades: 9-12 Alhambra USD Brent Beerman Crescenta Valley High School Grades: 9-12 Glendale USD Julianne De Sal Viewpoint School Grades: 8-12 Private Marjorie Gaines Newcastle Elementary School Grades: K-5 Los Angeles USD

GENERALISTS

Linda Candib Charles Helmers Elementary School 4th Grade Saugus USD Ray Hedgpeth Craig Williams Elementary School 6th Grade Bellflower USD Nancy Lahana Braddock Drive Elementary School 3rd Grade Los Angeles USD

SCHOOL

Coeur d'Alene School Dr. Rex O. Patton, Principal Grades: Pre-K to 5 Los Angeles USD Huntington Middle School Dr. Gary McGuigan, Principal Grades: 6-8 San Marino USD Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Esther Salinas, Principal Grades: K-5 Burbank USD