hn Awarding Outstanding Arts Teachers (NAPSA)—Thanks to one world-famous doll and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, children now have a way to pay tribute to teachers who spark their imaginations. Children, ages six to 12, can nominate their favorite dance, music, theater, or visual arts teacher by simply writing an essay (250 wordsor less) explaining why their teacher should be the next Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year”. Twenty arts teachers will be selected as regional finalists and will be awarded a $5,000 grant for their school's arts program. Students who nominate the winning finalists will receive a $100 Mattel” Toy prize package. The national Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year™ will receive an additional grant of $10,000 for his/her arts program. “The arts teachers who continue to inspire creativity in the classroom are the real heroes,” says Adrienne Fontanella, president Mattel Girls Division. “This is our way of recognizing the profound and lasting impact they have on ourchildren.” Art teacher Jean Sullivan from Sylvania, Ohio, was selected as the inaugural 2002 National Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year™ for her LoveLuggage program, which she created after learning foster kids pack their belongings in trash bags. Sullivan’s seventhgrade students paint “masterpieces” on old suitcases to give to disadvantaged children. Thanks to the LoveLuggage program, more than 200 custom-designed bags have been delivered to local children’s service agencies. ‘Tm truly overwhelmed,” said Sullivan when she received her a N iss tly ‘ \ Jean Sullivan, of Sylvania, Ohio, was honored with the 2002 National Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year™ Award for her LoveLug- gage program. award and a $15,000 grant for her school’s arts program. “This is more money than my art program has received in the past four years.” Essays should be mailed to the Entertainment Industry Founda- tion, Attn: Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Search”, 1463 Tamarind Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028. Offi- cial contest rules and guidelines are posted on www.barbie.com/ arts or available by calling 1.866.91.4ARTS. Entries for the 20083 National Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Search™ must be received by March 31, 20038. The Barbie Arts Teacher of the Year Search™ is presented by the Entertainment Industry Foundation and Barbie Cares Supporting Children in the Arts™.
