May 2023 Newsletter

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Congratulations, Casey!

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Left to Right: Jennifer Grace, Dr. Quinn Peeper, Casey Kerr, and Gail Chase

We simply had to spread the news about our own Central Florida Shakespeare Competition Branch representative, Casey Kerr, and their amazing performance on Monday, April 24th at the 40th National Shakespeare Competition! Casey took second place with their performances of Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Sonnet 81. As the second-place winner, Casey will be attending the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp in Staunton, Virginia.

The Central Florida ESU is so very proud to have been a part of bringing Casey's amazing talent to the Lincoln Center stage! We also congratulate the dedicated team of professionals who were a part of Casey's preparation for the big day: Gail Chase, Lake Nona's Drama Department Head,  and Jenny Chase, AP Literature teacher, have been by Casey's side from their school competition all the way to New York City! We have trustworthy intel (through the grapevine) that they all charmed Dr. Quinn Peeper, Chairman of the National ESU!

Additionally, we would love to extend gratitude - once again- to our Central Florida Competition judges, Anne Hering: Director of Education at The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Dr. Maurice "Socky" O'Sullivan: Kenneth Curry Professor of Literature Emeritus at Rollins College and Central Florida ESU Branch President, as well as Donna Miller: former Program Coordinator for Orange County's Language Arts Department. Your eye for technique and artistry has allowed our branch to shine through Casey's accomplishment. It is a win for us all!

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Drey Scholars Reunion

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From Left: Matthew, Nash Brown, Kristina Thompson, Bryan Boggiano, Greg Wedel, Jennifer Gautier

The Sheraton North's Irish Pub, the An Tobar, set the stage for Central Florida's Drey Scholars Reunion on Wednesday, March 29th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Jan McClure and Reta Jackson greeted scholars and Board members with name tags and free drink tickets. The Sheraton donated a generous platter of fruits, crackers, and cheeses while the Branch provided charcuterie boards and barbecued wings. President Maurice (Socky) O'Sullivan gave the scholars a welcome, calling teachers the true heroes of Florida. The new scholars: Bryan Boggiano, Jonathan Jackson, Olivia Mindermann, and Greg Wedel met former scholars who shared their travel stories and tips for an easy transition into London or Edinburgh, Scotland's culture. Donna Miller, Elaine Laegeler, Nancy Williams, Barbara Hughes, Gilda Gomez and Debra Williams were seen enjoying conversations with teachers like Jennifer Gautier, Matthew Nash Brown, and Sally Marjama. Judging by the noise level in the Pub, a good time was had by all.

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Central Florida Branch Shakespeare Competition

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On February 20, 2023, 17 students from the tri-county area arrived at Orlando Shakes to participate in The English-Speaking Union's annual Shakespeare competition. Contestants were vying for the opportunity to win $1,000.00, an additional prize to cover the cost of travel to New York City for the National competition, and a scholarship to Orlando Shakes' The Young Company, which is valued at $250.00. This year's contenders made for difficult judging decisions. On the panel of judges this year were Anne Hering: Director of Education at The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Donna Miller; former Program Coordinator for Orange County's Language Arts, and Dr. Maurice "Socky" O'Sullivan: Kenneth Curry Professor of Literature Emeritus at Rollins College.

From Left to Right: Casey Kerr, Delaney Polk, and James Helsinger

Casey Kerr from Lake Nona High School took First Place with a portrayal of Bottom from A Midsummer Night's Dream and Sonnet 81 under the direction of their teacher, Ms. Jennifer Gautier. Second Place went to Delaney Polk from Windermere Prep. Delaney was coached by her teacher, Ms. BambiEllen Fadoul, on her depiction of Lady Macbeth from Macbeth and Sonnet 144. In Third Place was James Helsinger who was trained by his teacher, Ms. Marie Gentile, at Boone High School.

New to the competition in 2021 was the Richard Burbage Award. Named after one of the most famous actors at The Globe Theatre, this award celebrates the work and dedication of teacher sponsors who have managed year after year to keep their students engaged, their involvement in our competition ongoing, and our audiences enriched. The 2023 recipient of the Richard Burbage Award is long-standing sponsor Kristopher Kahn of Cypress Creek High School. The final award given this year is The Love of the Bard Award. This award requires a teacher nomination and is an award given annually to one student who, "Exhibits determination, grit, fortitude, and a true passion for Shakespeare's works." This year's winner is Malaki Headrick of Avalon Private School.

After serving 27 years as either the Shakespeare Competition Coordinator for the Central Florida Branch of the ESU, or an Assistant Coordinator, Ginger Bryant completed her final year of service in her rewarding role. Brett Carrier will be seamlessly stepping into the role for the 2024 Shakespeare Competition.

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Announcing the 2023 Drey Scholars!

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Left to Right: Reta Jackson, Jillian Rodriguez, Bryan Boogiaino, Jonathan Jackson, Olivia Mindermann, Greg Wedel, and Socky O'Sullivan

Family members and friends of the newly named Drey Scholars, with members of the Executive Board of Central Florida Branch of ESU and active members of our Branch, gathered on Sunday afternoon, February 5th in the Library of the WP University Club to honor our 2023 Scholars. The program began at 2 p.m. with Reta Jackson, Scholarship Chair, introducing Dr. Maurice O'Sullivan, President of the Branch, who gave a brief history and explanation of this international organization. Then, Donna Miller talked about her friend, Jessie Drey, who endowed our organization with the monies that support the Teachers Learning Abroad (Tlab) scholarship program. The program continued with Reta introducing each scholar and Dr. O'Sullivan presenting a certificate. Gisela Davis presented a full-year branch membership and a membership badge so all can recognize our scholars, and Jackie Abrams gave each the initial check for $2,000 to be used for travel expenses and books. Their tuition, room, and board will be paid by invoice from the National Office of ESU and ranges from $5,000 to $6,600 depending on the program. The audience gave lots of applause for each of these wonderful educators who represent the best of the teaching profession.

• Bryan Boggiano from Lake Nona High School will be attending the Globe Theater's Program, Teaching Shakespeare through Performance.
• Jonathan Jackson from Windermere High School will also be attending the Globe Theater's Program, Teaching Shakespeare through Performance.
• Olivia Mindermann from Horizon High School will be attending University of Edinburgh and studying Creative Writing.
• Jillian Rodriguez from Lake Howell High School will be attending Oxford University and studying History, Politics and Society at Exeter College.
• Greg Wedel from Lake Howell High School will be attending University of Edinburgh and studying Modernism and Contemporary Literature.

Congratulations to these amazing educators, and we wish them many adventures this summer as they travel across the pond, representing our Branch in the United Kingdom and furthering their educational experiences.

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