7/13/2020
Education and Outreach
Last year, teacher Claudia Ahumada hosted a special birthday party. Instead of accepting presents, she asked friends, family and community members to donate birthday gifts for low-income students at her school, Matt Kelly Elementary School.
7/8/2020
Education and Outreach
Tyler Swick says he likes the idea of breaking the mold. Since founding the music program at Henderson’s Ellis Elementary School just two years ago, Swick has successfully led “outside-the-box” thinking to grow the music club program to involve nearly a quarter of the school’s entire population in music instruction.
7/6/2020
Education and Outreach
When one of Michelle Taylor’s former kindergarten students called her in 2015, she heard fear in his voice. That’s because the young boy’s mother — both of them living in Laramie, Wyoming — was suffering a stroke. “Though his neighbors were home, and his uncle lived an hour away, he called me because of our trusting relationship,” says Taylor, a teacher at Mabel Hoggard Elementary School.
6/30/2020
Supporting the Arts
Ever since Jillian Stewart sparked an interest in theater at age 12, the Vegas resident idolized Broadway and television star Sutton Foster. “I looked up to Sutton Foster, not only for her talent but most importantly for her character,” says Stewart, a student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas whose family supports The Smith Center as donors.
6/29/2020
Education and Outreach
Richard Pokropski has no trouble filling his days. During the school year, the teacher arrives at Centennial High School at 5:30 a.m. daily to train cadets with junior reserve officers’ training corps (JROTC). This follows with a full day of teaching Naval Science and mentoring students in pursuing college and career dreams.
6/25/2020
Inside the Theater
Southern Nevadans can take great pride that world-renowned movie stars have graced the stage at The Smith Center. As the center’s curtains remain drawn during its temporary closure, enjoy this list of top film stars to perform at The Smith Center and their popular movies to revisit.
6/23/2020
Community Impact
“I yearned to work here,” says Smith Center volunteer Mary Richard, whose career as a singer, dancer and actress includes performing off-Broadway and appearing in “Miss Congeniality” and other feature films. She now urges others to volunteer and offer support during The Smith Center's closure.
6/23/2020
Education and Outreach
Avila still remembers the first time he heard mariachi music. As a high school student, he happened to catch the mariachi class practicing before school, and became mesmerized. “I saw everyone just watching them rehearse and I was in awe,” he says. “I joined my freshman year and grew to love the whole idea of it.”
6/22/2020
Education and Outreach
Christian and Houchens became fast friends a decade ago, sharing enthusiasm as they worked together on school committees and chaperoning field trips. When their friendship evolved into romance a few years ago, Christian admits he felt nervous. “Our biggest fear of dating was that if we did, and things didn’t work out, how would it mess up our friendship circles and working environment?” he remembers.
6/19/2020
Inside the Theater / Discovering The Smith Center
Reopening a performing arts center during a pandemic poses many challenges. Smith Center President and CEO Myron Martin explains some of the challenges that are preventing The Smith Center from reopening anytime soon.