(by Don Meador)
For over a decade, the support of the Laura Goad Turner Charitable Foundation (LGTCF) has provided thousands of students in the Allen County School District with a unique opportunity---the chance to see performing arts presentations at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center in Bowling Green (SKyPAC).
In the 2011-12 school year, a partnership between Allen County Schools, LGTCF, and SKyPAC was formed. At that time, the LGTCF contributed $1 million to SKyPAC. Under the terms of the donation, $250,000 was earmarked specifically for students in the Allen County Schools to reap the benefits of having SKyPAC located 25 miles from Scottsville.
The initial funding formed the foundation for the support that continues to this day. Each year, thousands of students have the opportunity to visit SKyPAC for school-day performances. The students are transported to downtown Bowling Green to see the high-tech, exciting shows. The support from the LGTCF helps cover the costs, including purchasing tickets. Tickets are currently is $7 per student.
“Because of this generous partnership, thousands of students benefit annually from seeing Broadway-like shows right here close to home,” added Melissa Biggerstaff, Chief Academic Officer for the Allen County School District. “This year, students from various schools have attended A Tell-Tale Tale: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe presented by Bright Star Theatre, Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens, JR, Rosa Parks and Friends presented by Bright Star Theatre and Rainbow Fish. This year alone, over 2,000 students from Allen County School District participated in those performances. We are blessed to have a partnership that provides these opportunities to our students.”
The most recent trip----March 28 to see Rainbow Fish---left smiles on the hundreds of faces of students attending the school days performance. Trips are expected to continue in the 2024-25 school year with SKyPAC presentations scheduled to include Hank, Jr and Annie, JR.