Loma Alta Elementary School Teacher Wins Broadway League’s 2011 Apple Award

Loma Alta Elementary School teacher for visually impaired students Lisa Okikawa has won the Broadway League’s 2011 Apple Award, which honors the efforts of promoting further development of theater education and bringing Broadway theater to the classroom, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) announced today.

Ms. Okikawa was selected for the award based on the recommendation of Center Theater Group’s Community Partnerships department. Joined by her students, she will receive her award on the opening night of “Les Misérables” at the CTG/Ahmanson Theatre on June 17, 2011.

“I am extremely proud and humbled to be the recipient of the The Broadway League’s Apple Award,” said Ms. Okikawa.  “It has been a privilege to work closely with Center Theater Group’s Education & Community Partnerships department because they have given PUSD’s students with visual impairments countless opportunities to not only attend live professional theater but experience it in an unforgettable way.”  Ms. Okikawa is the first teacher to receive a League Educator Apple Award in the Los Angeles area and one of two educators honored.

Ms. Okikawa is also a speaker and presenter in the field of visual impairments on how linking the performing arts and literacy programs helps students acquire functional skill independence and social appropriateness.  She has been taking her students to shows since 2009.  As an itinerant teacher, Lisa has students at both Loma Alta Elementary School and John Marshall Fundamental School.

“Lisa has worked tirelessly to support all of the visually-impaired students in the Pasadena Unified School District. She understands that establishing effective collaborations between school community stakeholders is important for all students to succeed. Her work is a testament to this understanding. She is so deserving of this honor,” said Marshall Fundamental School Principal Keith Derrick.

Established in 2003, the League Educator Apple Award program recognizes and rewards the efforts of educators and collaborators, who promote programs relating to Broadway or touring Broadway shows encouraging further advancement of theater education.

“We are honored to present two awards this year,” said Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League. “These teachers celebrate and foster the relationship between schools and Broadway League member venues around the country as well as continuing the tradition of quality arts education for our children.”