Roger Dearing Heart of the Arts Award
Scholarship Sponsored by Florida High School Athletic Association
Introduction
The FHSAA presents the Roger Dearing Heart of the Arts Award annually. One recipient is honored each June at the FHSAA’s Florida Dairy Farmer’s Academic All-State Banquet. The prize recognizes those who best represent the “Heart of the Arts” within school-based performing arts programs.
Purpose
This honor celebrates individuals or groups who embody the positive spirit and core educational mission of arts programs. It may be awarded for a single noteworthy achievement or for sustained contributions over time.
Who may be nominated
Nominees must be affiliated with an FHSAA member high school and can be a student, a teacher or administrator, or a school-affiliated group involved in the performing arts. Eligible disciplines include, but are not limited to, music, speech, debate, theatre, visual arts, and other performing-arts activities sponsored by the school.
Selection criteria
Student nominees must be in good academic standing. Evaluation factors include grade-point average, breadth and depth of participation in school activities, and community involvement. Adult or group nominees are expected to demonstrate comparable qualities of character, including high integrity and ethical conduct.
Award benefits
If the recipient is a student, the FHSAA will provide a $1,500 scholarship. If the award goes to a teacher or school administrator, the recipient’s performing arts program will receive a $1,500 donation from the FHSAA. Additionally, the Roger Dearing Heart of the Arts Award winner will be submitted as the FHSAA’s nominee for the NFHS Heart of the Arts Award.